Ray C. Anderson

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Ray C. Anderson, 83, of Williamstown, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025, surrounded by family who loved and admired him deeply.

Born on September 6, 1942, in Canton, Ohio, Ray lived a life defined by intellect, faith, and humility. From the Air Force flight line to the hum of the control room, his world revolved around systems—mechanical, electrical, and human—and the harmony that comes from understanding how they work together.

Ray served honorably in the United States Air Force from 1960 to 1964, attaining the rank of Airman Second Class (A2C). As an Air Policeman, he carried out duties in base security, patrol, and identification control—years that instilled a deep sense of order, responsibility, and calm under pressure.

After his service, Ray balanced work, night school, and family life with unwavering dedication. He earned a Certificate in Chemical Technology from Marietta College in 1973 while working swing shifts, later continuing his studies in Manufacturing Technology and Stationary Boiler Operations. His drive to learn made him a self-made engineer and the kind of problem-solver others relied on.

Ray’s career spanned Shell Chemical in Belpre, Ohio; El Paso Products in Odessa, Texas; Union Carbide in Marietta, and finally, his defining chapter with American Municipal Power of Ohio (AMP Ohio). Joining AMP Ohio in 1974, he rose through the ranks to become Shift Supervisor of the Control Room, mastering every role along the way. Known for his precision and calm leadership, he became the steady hand colleagues trusted when the plant demanded its best. When the facility prepared for closure in 2010, Ray was called out of retirement to oversee the final shutdown—a testament to both his expertise and integrity. Even in retirement, coworkers continued to seek his advice.

Ray’s curiosity extended far beyond his work. He taught himself to build and program computers long before most homes had one and loved to travel—especially throughout the western United States—exploring mountain roads and desert landscapes with his family. He found joy in discovery and reverence in the vastness of God’s creation.

At home, Ray’s quiet strength anchored his family. Whether building a computer, sharing stories from the plant, or offering patient wisdom, he turned every problem into a lesson and every lesson into a story. His faith was his compass—steady, humble, and unwavering. He didn’t speak of faith to be heard; he lived it to be seen.

Ray is survived by his wife of forty-five years, Sharon Abigail Anderson; his children, Teresa Howard, John Anderson, Daniel Olayo, Christopher Anderson, Jennifer McNutt, and Aaron Anderson; his brother, James Anderson; sisters Judith Martin, Janice Carter, and Donna Anderson; grandchildren Kaylin Rodriguez, Joshua and Justin Howard; and many great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Rose Anderson, and his sister, Carolyn Biggins.

A graveside burial will take place on Monday, November 10, 2025, at Riverview Cemetery in Williamstown, West Virginia, beginning at 1:00 p.m. EST. A memorial service will follow at 6th & Washington Church of Christ in Marietta, Ohio, at 2:00 p.m. EST.

Reflection: For every plant he powered and every system he refined, Ray left behind more than efficiency—he left balance. The energy he managed so precisely in his work seemed mirrored in his life: measured, steady, enduring. His legacy is written not only in the systems he perfected but in the quiet strength of those who learned from him. In the end, his greatest achievement wasn’t found in machinery or mastery, but in faith. He sought God, found Jesus, and gave his life to Him.