It is with great sadness that the family of Raymond Charles Walters, Jr., of Nisbet, our “Papa” announce his passing on July 6, 2025, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Ray fought a long 5 year battle with cancer and is now finally at peace with our Lord.
Ray was the son of the late Raymond C. Walters, Sr and Arlene (Renn) Walters. On June 3, 1967, he married the love of his life, the former Patricia Ann Churba at Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church, in Newberry. They shared 58 beautiful years together.
Born on December 12, 1945, Ray would have celebrated his 80th birthday this December. He was born and raised in Nisbet, and also raised his family there, where they too still reside. Home was Ray’s favorite place to be. His family is so very grateful that his wish to be in his home at the end of his journey, was granted with the help of his entire family.
Ray loved being outdoors where he could always be found working and tinkering in his garage. Often just sitting in his chair and watching the cars go by. He was a gadget guy and there wasn’t a tool that he didn’t have in his garage, sometimes three of the same thing. Just in case he needed another. If there was a tool you needed to borrow, Papa was always sure to have it.
Through the years, Ray loved reading books, history, camping, horses, PSU football, Corvettes, Chinese dinner dates with their wonderful friends John and Joanne, and vacationing with his wife and family. His family enjoyed over 50 years of traveling to Ocean City, Maryland together each summer, creating many wonderful memories to hold forever in their hearts. A tradition started by Ray’s parents, Nanny & Pappy. The one thing that cancer can never take away from us, are our beautiful memories. He and his wife also enjoyed over 20 amazing years at their winter home in Melbourne, Florida. Melbourne was Papa’s happy place. He truly was happiest when he was in the Florida sunshine or enjoying warm weather aboard a cruise ship sailing around the world with his beautiful wife, Patty.
Ray was a member of Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Bastress, where he attended Saturday evening mass. He was a member of the Leroy 0. Buck Veterans of Foreign War, and a proud Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, serving aboard the U.S.S. Independence. He graduated from Williamsport Area High School, a member of the Williamsport Police Department, Old Lycoming Township Police Department and retired from the Lycoming County Prison, where he was a lieutenant and supervisor.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kimberly (Patrick) Moore, and his son, Jason Walters, all of Nisbet. Family was most important to Papa. He leaves behind his six grandchildren who adored him and meant the world to him; Megan Moore Sullivan (Alex), Nolan Moore, Ella Moore, Hanah Walters, Hunter Walters and Lexi Walters. In March, he was so very proud to become a Great Grandfather to Owen Patrick Sullivan. Although their time together was short, Owen always brought a big smile to Papa’s face and they made the most of every minute when together.
A Mass of Christian burial will be held 11 a.m., Friday, July 11 at Immaculate Conception Parish, 5973 Jacks Hollow Road, Williamsport, with military honors to follow. In keeping with Ray’s wishes, there will be no public viewing.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made in Ray’s name to UPMC Hospice, Delaney Heller Foundation, St Jude Children’s Hospital, and Tunnel to Towers Foundation t2t.org
The family of Raymond C. Walters would like to thank all of his doctors and oncology department at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center who worked diligently to give him a good quality of life during his cancer journey. Especially Dr. Sholi, who gained his trust and ours, in those early moments of his Stage IV diagnosis. You helped us navigate this frightening road and to find optimism when it was difficult to find the positive. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Special thanks to Father Bechtel and UPMC Hospice for your services during Papa’s last days. Your comfort measures brought him great peace. We as a family, will be forever grateful for your care, compassion and gentleness.
Your pain is gone now Papa. May you rest in eternal peace.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Sanders Mortuary. Online condolences may be made on his memorial page at http://www.SandersMortuary.com
