Ray James Heiser

1933 - 2021

Ray James Heiser, 88, of Orwigsburg, passed away Saturday, Oct. 9, at Orwigsburg Center.

Ray was born in West Brunswick Twp., on May 10, 1933, a son of the late Mamie (Faust) and Charles C. Heiser.

He was the widower of Irene C. (Bishop) Heiser, who passed in 1977. He was also preceded by his companion of 40 years, Kay Kriner, in 2019.

Ray was a graduate of Schuylkill Haven High School, Class of 1951.

He served in the Army in the Korean War.

Ray was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ, Orwigsburg, Orwigsburg Lions Club, Lodge 138 F&AM, The Shriners, Tall Cedars, High Twelve, American Legion (color guard), VFW and Orwigsburg Racing Association (ORA).

For many years, Ray and his brother, Arlin, operated several businesses in Orwigsburg, including Heiser's Food Market on East Independence Street, Heiser's True Value Hardware, which is now Heiser's ACE Hardware, and the RCJ Chip n Putt Golf Course.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Arlin Heiser, and sister, Cleo Smith.

Ray is survived by his daughter, Ann Marie Heiser, Maryland; four sons, Randy Heiser, husband of Sherry, of Florida, Charles Heiser, of Philadelphia, Joseph Heiser, of Orwigsburg, and Ray P. Heiser, husband of Jennifer, of Orwigsburg. Ray is also survived by his grandchildren, Ryan Heiser, Jeffrey Heiser, Steven Heiser, Brennan Heiser and Adam Heiser.

Ray was an ardent follower of local and national stock car racing, enjoying many hours of viewing at various racetracks and watching on television. Snowmobiling, motorcycle trips on country roads and four wheeling with friends filled many Sunday afternoons. Later in life, Ray and Kay participated in antique car shows and traveling with the Shriners on many vacations. Ray also traveled 86 times to Philadelphia Shriners Hospital from Orwigsburg to provide free transportation to children in need of medical treatment.

There will be a religious service at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021 at the Hamilton-Breiner Funeral Home & Cremation Services Inc., in Orwigsburg. There will be visitation from 5 to 6:45 p.m. A Masonic Necrology service will begin at 6:45 p.m. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to fight Alzheimer's disease. A private family interment service will be held at St. John's UCC Cemetery, Orwigsburg.