Ray B. Nunley

Ray B. Nunley, age 82, passed away on January 13, 2026, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. A native Washingtonian, he was born on August 11, 1943, in Washington, D.C., grew up in Arlington, Virginia, and graduated from Wakefield High School.

After high school, he proudly served his country in the United States Army in the Airborne Division, a role that reflected his courage, discipline, and lifelong appetite for adventure.

Following his military service, Ray began a career at Western Electric (later known as AT&T Technologies, Lucent Technologies, and ultimately Nokia) where he dedicated 35 years of service before retiring. A proud member of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), he valued hard work, fairness, and standing alongside his fellow workers. His career was marked by loyalty, integrity, and pride in a job well done.

In August 1974, he married his soulmate and the love of his life, Barbara, and they shared 51 years of marriage. Together, they raised their daughter and built a life rooted in love, family, laughter, adventure, and a deep devotion to one another that stayed, as their wedding bands read, "forever young."

Ray lived life out loud. He lit up every room he entered with his larger-than-life personality, infectious energy, and natural ability to make any gathering feel like a celebration. He was always the life of the party and never turned down a good time.

An avid outdoorsman, he loved camping, canoeing, white-water rafting, and anything that brought a thrill-whether hang gliding, bungee jumping, dog sledding, or simply saying "yes" to the next experience. He was always up for anything.

Music was another great love of his life. He played the guitar and harmonica, curated an extensive vinyl collection, and found joy in live concerts-especially those of his favorite artists, including The Eagles, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, and Elton John. Ray was also a passionate sports fan, loyal to all Washington, D.C. teams, and a steadfast Commanders fan. Sundays were often spent cheering loudly with family and friends, sharing in the excitement of the game. He also loved NASCAR and frequently traveled to tracks at Richmond, Las Vegas and Daytona to take in the live action.

Travel was a passion he shared with his wife and family. Together they made countless trips to Lexington, VA, Southern MD, the Outer Banks, NC, and the Florida Keys. They took cross-country road trips, cruised through Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico and the Panama Canal, explored America's National Parks, and even ventured abroad to Europe and China.

Above all, Ray treasured time with his family. He found his greatest joy in simple moments spent with his wife, daughter and son-in-law, extended family, and most especially his two grandchildren, whom he loved and cherished beyond measure.

Ray carried a quiet but steady faith throughout his life-one that brought him strength and comfort, especially in his final moments. The family finds comfort in God's enduring promise, as written in Jeremiah 31:3: "I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have continued My faithfulness to you.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Edgar Nunley and Wanda Heckler; his sister, Ann Alexander; and brother Orrin Nunley. He is survived by his loving wife, Barbara Nunley; his daughter Larisa Nunley and her husband Gregory Corso; and his two beloved grandchildren Rhys Corso and Fallon Corso. He is also survived by his brother, Gary Nunley; brothers-and sisters-in-laws and their families, and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, along with countless other close family members and friends who will miss him deeply.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Fair Oaks Hospital and Capital Caring Health Hospice for their exceptional care, kindness, and support. A private service and celebration of life will be held at a later date at the National Memorial Cemetery at Quantico and Kerrs Creek Baptist Church in Lexington, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor may be made to The American Legion, 400 N Oak St, Falls Church, VA 22046, Wounded Warrior Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ or the American Diabetes Association (ADA). https://diabetes.org/