Ray Ellsworth Witt Sr.

Ray Ellsworth Witt, Sr., born on November 2, 1943, passed away peacefully at the age of 79 on Monday, January 30, 2023 surrounded by family and friends at UPMC Western Maryland.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Ray Witt, and step-mother Ruby Witt. After graduating from Allegany High School in 1961, he attended Frostburg State College for one year, then spent a few years working at a pipe fitting company in downtown Cumberland. He joined the Navy in 1963, and after serving his four years (2 years active duty), he held positions at Manley Sand, Kelly Springfield Tire Company, DMV, and worked as a transportation agent for a firm in Ellicott City, MD. He went on to be employed as an auditor for the State of Maryland, from which he retired in 2005. He continued serving his country in the Naval Reserve, retiring after 20 years of service. Despite his retirement, he was thankful for the opportunity to return to the workforce at the Maryland Comptroller's office, as well as for the kind and thoughtful team of individuals he worked with there.
He was very active with his church, Emmanuel United Methodist in South Cumberland, and served in various positions – Lay Leader and many administrative positions – for over 55 years. He also provided janitorial services at Second Baptist Church, Cumberland, MD. Ray was a member of many organizations such as the Scottish Rite, East Gate, Masons, and Ali Ghan Shrine Railroad Unit, where he enjoyed engineering the train during various events over the years. In addition, he belonged to the Moose Lodge for 50 years and the American Legion.
Ray is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 55 years, Elizabeth Ann Witt (m. September 2, 1967); and their two children, son, Ray Witt, Jr. and daughter, Theresa Witt; dog, Snowball Witt; Ray's only surviving sibling – his devoted and loving sister – Annette Deener and brother-in-law, Mike Deener. He was also a proud grandparent of his two beautiful granddaughters, Megan Witt and Emily Witt, and a great grandson, Aston Cole.
Ray was a very kind and giving man with a strong belief in GOD, and enjoyed spending time with family and friends whether it was going out to weekly dinners with his sisters and brothers-in-law, Ginny and Jim Carr, Frank and Kay Shambaugh, and Ronnie and Stephanie Shambaugh, or various strips to casinos in Charles Town, Atlantic City, Las Vegas. He fondly remembers a trip he took with Ginny and Jim Carr to Atlantic City in 2019, as he had the best time. Ray also has many nieces and nephews with whom he enjoyed spending time and loved very much. Other family members that meant so much to him during his life and preceded him in death: Ray, Denny, Steve, Ritchie, and Bobby Shambaugh, who were his brothers-in-law, but were very close; as well as his sisters-in-law, Doris Whiteman and June Pryor. He also has fond memories and great times of his cousins in Philadelphia, Steve and Cathy Gana and family, and Eddie Gana and his family. There are so many other family members and friends to mention that were in his life, but want to thank you for being part of it. He also very much enjoyed attending various events and bluegrass music festivals with his best childhood friend, Phil Smith.
A funeral service for Ray will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 1pm, at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 24 Humbird Street, Cumberland, Maryland 21502. Friends and family will be received at the church one hour prior. Interment will be in Sunset Memorial Park. Military honors will be accorded by the Ft. Cumberland Post 13 Honor Guard.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that those who are able instead make donations to Emmanuel United Methodist Church in memory of Ray Witt, Sr.
Condolences may be left at www.ScarpelliFH.com.