Donald Ray Daniels

Born Nov. 3, 1940, in Beverly, West Virginia, he was the son of the late Lystel Daniels and Erma Geraldine Cost Daniels.

He was the devoted husband of Susan L. Daniels. Ray and Susan shared 36 years together, 16 of them as husband and wife.

A graduate of Beverly High School, Ray began his working life as a truck driver for Peters Fuel in Oakland, Maryland. He later found his calling in home construction, working for H.F. Payne Construction and retiring as a superintendent. Even in retirement, Ray’s strong work ethic continued as he enjoyed working for Deere Valley Farms in Dickerson, Maryland. Ray was a member of the United Church of Christ in Mt. Pleasant, Maryland, and a proud Mason. He had a deep love for the outdoors and found joy in hunting, woodworking, gardening, and farm animals. He was never happier than when surrounded by the beauty of nature. Among his simple pleasures was his cherished Sunday morning routine –early grocery shopping at Giant, followed by breakfast at Cracker Barrel with his step-granddaughters.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan; five children; eight grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; two stepdaughters; and two special step-granddaughters, Ava and Adela. He is also survived by one brother and was preceded in death by two brothers.

Ray’s family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Tim and Kelli Ryan and their boys for their unwavering devotion and care.

Cremation has taken place.

A celebration of Ray’s life will be held on a future date.

Later his urn is to be interred in Riverside Cemetery, Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.

In honor of Ray’s lifelong love of animals, memorial donations may be made to any animal rescue organization.

Arrangements are through Hartzler Funeral Home.

Messages of condolence and memories may be shared on his tribute wall at www.hartzlerfuneralhome.com.