W. Ray Butcher, 99, of York passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, May 14th, 2024.

Ray was born on May 11, 1925, near Spry, Pennsylvania. He was the son of the late Kervin W. and Iva May (Heffner) Butcher. Ray was married to his late beloved wife Dolores R. (Werner) Butcher for 74 years. He is survived by 3 daughters: Sandy Grove and her partner, Jim Flinchbaugh, of Red Lion, Susie Demuth and her husband, Thom, of Cincinnati, OH, and Libby Murray and her husband, David, of Fairfax, VA; 7 grandchildren: Brian Grove, Sara (Demuth) Kluesner, Chris Demuth, Annie Demuth, Caitlin (Murray) Drumheller, Wyndham Murray and Bronwyn Murray; and 9 great-grandchildren, as well as other loving family members.

Mr. Butcher was a veteran of the U. S. Navy, having served during WWII in the Pacific Theater. Ray entered active duty December 1943, and was honorably discharged on April 19, 1946. Although he was proud to serve his country, he often said that "War is hell."

Ray was the original owner of the Square Deal Garage in Spry, which operated from 1948-1995. Service to his community was paramount in Ray's life. He was a charter member and later served many years as president of the York Township Lions Club. In addition, he was a volunteer fireman at the Spry firehouse and helped organize the first York Township Ambulance Club. Ray was a school bus driver for the Dallastown area schools in the 1950s and fondly remembered many of his students until the end of his days. Mr. Butcher was a member of the Masons (32nd degree), Chanters and Tall Cedars. He played softball for Spry and sang in the Dallastown Golden Age Chorus. He was a longtime member of Spry Church where he was a Trustee for many years.

Ray was honorable and kind, a man who loved his family, gifted generously and did his best to serve his Lord.

In the last months of Ray's life, he was kindly served by Hospice & Community Center.

A funeral service to celebrate Ray's life will be held on Saturday, May 18, viewing at 1:00 pm, followed by a service at 2:00 pm at Austin H. Eberly Funeral Home; 104 W. Main St. in Dallastown. Internment will follow at Spry Church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions can be made to Hospice and Community Care, 235 St. Charles Way, STE 250, York, PA 17402.