Raye Aikins

Ernest "Raye" Aikins, known affectionately as Raye, passed away peacefully on July 19, 2025, in Delaware, enveloped by the love of his family. Born on March 12, 1938, in Pennsylvania, Raye was a man of exceptional intelligence and adventurous spirit, whose hands were rarely still as he pursued a life filled with creativity and service.
Raye was predeceased by his parents, Ernest and Helen Aikins and his brother Robert Aikins. He leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication in his wife, Helga Aikins, his son Harold (Bobbie) Aikins, his daughter, Barbara (Jeff) Burkett, and his cherished grandchildren, Chris and Katie Burkett, and Jennifer Wilmot, his brother Bill, sisters Linda and Tracy. His family was the cornerstone of his life, and he instilled in them the values of hard work, curiosity, and the joy of exploration.
Professionally, Raye was a respected Electronics Engineer for the filter companies in the Salisbury area and took great pride in his service as a US Air Force Airman. His career was marked not only by his technical expertise but also by his innate ability to mentor and inspire those around him. His work ethic and innovative mind were a beacon to many, and his contributions to the field left an indelible mark.
Raye's interests and hobbies were as varied as they were engaging. An active participant in Scouting, he guided many young minds towards the virtues of preparedness and respect for nature. His passion for remote control airplanes, cars, and boats was more than a pastime; it was a canvas for his ingenuity. He could often be found outdoors, camping and boating, where he brought his love for the water to life by creating sails for kayaks. His skillful hands also crafted miniature train boards, a testament to his patience and attention to detail.
A true tinkerer at heart, Raye's garage was a treasure trove of projects in various stages of completion, each one a puzzle he couldn't wait to solve. His love for country music often served as the soundtrack to his tinkering, echoing his appreciation for storytelling and the simple pleasures in life.
Those who knew Raye understood that to call him handy would be an understatement. He had a knack for fixing anything that was broken and often did so with a clever twist that left the item better than new. His intelligence shone through in every solution, and his adventurous spirit was evident in every challenge he undertook.
Raye's departure leaves a void in the lives of those who knew him, but his zest for life and the memories of his unwavering spirit will continue to inspire. He will be deeply missed, yet fondly remembered as a man who lived a full and vibrant life, touching the hearts and minds of all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Ernest "Raye" Aikins' story is one of a life well-lived, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.
A graveside service will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday July 26, 2025 at Wicomico Memorial Park, 721 Snow Hill Road, Salisbury, MD 21804. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Raye's memory to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, https://www.cff.org/donate