Glenville Walker

G. Ray Walker departed this life on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 in Beckley.

Ray was born in Boomer, WV on July 19, 1936. His parents were the late Glen and Emel Bird Walker.

Ray is preceded in death by his parents; Daughter, Cindy Walker; and nephew, Gary Walker Jr.

Ray is survived by his Son, Glenn and Daughter in Law, Rhonda Walker; Brother, Gary and Sister in Law, Fay Walker. Nephews: Mike, Jacob & Daniel.

Nieces: Jennifer, Susan, Madison and Mekelaih.

Ray graduated from Gauley Bridge High School, attended WVU Tech and San Jacinto College. He earned diplomas in electronics from Central Technical Institute (Devry) and RCA Institute in industrial electronics.

In 1957 Ray was a sophomore at WVU Tech, a very important thing happened in the scientific world, it changed our world forever. The Soviet Union launched Sputnik into orbit. Ray searched every news article and technical book he could find on rockets and space travel. He had to get into this exciting field. Unable to transfer to a school with an aeronautical program he joined the Air Force hoping to get into the missile field. He never made it but he did get excellent experience in communications and computers. After the Air Force he worked for North American Rockwell on the Minuteman Missile Program at Cape Canaveral, FA. He tried to join NASA Manned Space program but it was a slow period.

In 1963 Ray returned to WV and joined The National Radio Astronomy Observatory as a telescope operator and later a computer tech. In 1968 Ray got another chance, he joined Philco Ford at the Manned Space Craft Center in Houston. He worked in simulations helping train the astronauts for future Lunar Missions. After Apollo he worked on Skylab, the first orbiting laboratory. Ray received a NASA Accommodation for his work in recovering bad data from the EREP data tapes which were used by forest and ocean scientists. Later, when asked about his work on Apollo, Ray would comment. “I really did not have that important position but it was great to be involved in such a national project and work with so many talented individuals.”

After the space program Ray joined Bayer Diagnostics as a Field Service Engineer.

Over the 24 years with Bayer he lived in Houston, Little Rock, Tulsa and Newnan, GA servicing clinical analyzers. Ray received many recognitions as Engineer of the South East and willingness to “go the extra mile” in service.

Ray retired in September, 1998. Ray never did really retire but just worked for no pay. He was a member of First Baptist Church and helped as an administrative volunteer, worked in the AO Mission serving the less fortunate in Coweta County. He was club secretary for the White Oak Golden K, Kiwanis for 9 years serving the schools, community on service projects. He served on the Coweta CASA Board of Directors, was a mentor, Salvation Army Bell Ringer, CEC Pre-engineering/Robotics Advisory Committee, worked in the Habitat Restore and volunteered at several hospitals over the years.

In 2017 Ray moved back to WV. Ray was active in the Ansted Baptist Church outreach programs. He also joined the Beckley Kiwanis Club and served with fundraising events to help the schools and Community. He was a mentor at the Fayette Institute of Technology Continuing Education program.

Services will be held on Monday, February 23, 2026 at noon at Ansted Baptist Church with Pastor Randy Spurgeon officiating. A private burial will follow.

Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until time of service at the church on Monday.

Online condolences www.wallaceandwallacefh.com.

Wallace & Wallace of Ansted, WV are in charge of arrangements.