Raymond L. White

Raymond L. White, 91, of Vernon Township, walked on to his new adventure on December 18, 2024. He lived a most excellent life, in his words. No regrets, never a complaint. 

Ray was born on February 14, 1933. On August 26, 1960, he married the love of his life, Barbara J. (Collins) White, making her just one promise—that their marriage would be filled with fun. Together, they honored that promise, sharing countless joyful moments and holding hands through every chapter of their story until her passing on May 9, 2022.

Ray was a devoted and gentle father to his daughter, Pamela Rae (White) Thomas, and a proud grandfather to Shannon Rae Thomas, leaving behind a legacy of love and kindness that will be deeply missed.

A life-long outdoors lover, his most favorite place to be was at camp, which is right along the Allegheny National Forest near Endeavor, PA, where his people came from. He was predeceased by parents Leon E. White and Anna (Sheriff) White. Surviving are his siblings, Rona Mitrovich, Richard (Nancy) White, Ruth Ann (Leon) Godsave, and Mary (Mike) Gartland. Also left to cherish his memory are several beloved nieces and nephews.

Work did not define Ray’s life. A retiree of National Fuel Gas, he fought for a good union retirement package which has served him well. 

Some of the best years of Ray’s life were with his boys from Boy Scout troop 209. Many of the boys have stayed in touch with Ray, as his impact has had a ripple effect in their own lives. True scouting involved adventures without electronics of any kind. It was learning survival skills, winter camping, rappelling, shooting, hiking and canoeing. 

In retirement, Ray and Barbara enjoyed a lot of canoeing down the Allegheny River. Ray also supported Barbara’s passion for genealogy research, which involved several trips to Ohio and Kentucky, where new friendships were made. He also enjoyed hand carving his own black powder muzzleloader, which that elusive big buck never did see the end of. 

Ray was a lifelong whittler, maker of several “walking sticks”. His graveside services will be held sometime in the spring. We’ll let you know when. He will be buried in Union Cemetery, Guys Mills, right up close to his wife. If you attend, you will walk away with one of his sticks as a remembrance of him. 

The family would like to thank Residential Hospice, Mechanicsburg, PA, and Green Ridge Village, Newville, PA, for their loving and tender care for Ray in his last days on earth. We also much appreciate Buhrig Funeral & Cremation, Mechanicsburg, PA and Stephen P. Mizner Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., Meadville, PA for their support and compassion. 

In lieu of memorial donations, share a condolence or story, or upload photographs or videos, or light a candle or please share your favorite memory of Ray. We will treasure each one.