James Ray Walters

James Ray Walters, aged 74, departed this life on July 29, 2019. Mr. Walters of Beverly, WV, was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, June Marie Walters on July 26, 2007; his father, Rex Willard Walters in February of 1991 and his mother, Dorothy Walters in January of 2014; and his brother, Jerry Willard Walters on August 16, 2017. Mr. Walters was born in Washington, DC and raised in Coral Hills, MD. He attended schools in Prince Georges County, MD and graduated from the Unions Carpenters Trade School in 1963. He married June Marie Moore of Capitol Heights, MD on November 9, 1963. They resided in Hillside, Capitol Heights, Bowie and Churchton, MD before they moved to Beverly, WV and built their dream home in 1999. Before entering Federal Service, Mr. Walters worked for CeeBee Contractors for ten years. His Federal Service began with the National Park Service Carpenter Shop in Washington, DC followed by service in the White House Carpenter Shop until his retirement with over thirty years of government service under six U.S Presidents. During this time, Mr. Walters was a member of the elite White House Residential Staff. Mr. Walters was a man of many interests which included local history, hunting, fishing, and NASCAR. His historical knowledge resulted in his being named a 2013 West Virginia History Hero. He was an active member of the following clubs and organizations: The Sons of Confederate Veterans; the Civilian Conservation Corps Legacy; the Independent Order of Odd Fellows; the National Rifle Association, the Beech Mountain Sportsman Club, and the Mountaineer Mustang Auto Club. Known as "Jimmy Ray" to all, he was an outgoing and fun-loving person who loved to talk! He never met a stranger he didn’t know (or soon would know). He loved practical jokes and often regaled his family and friends with stories from his days in the White House. Jimmy Ray was also a good cook who loved food. Two of his favorite menu items included Maryland blue crab cakes and peach cobbler. Mr. Walters is survived by his sister Carol Rose and her husband, Ronnie Rose of White Plains, MD; his stepmother, Doris Walters of Punta Gorda, FL, and his sister-in-law, Rita Walters of Stephens City, VA. Other survivors are aunts, uncles and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, in-laws and friends who all remember his spirit, his joy of life, his humor, and his outgoing personality. His larger-than-life personality will be missed. A celebration of Jimmy Ray’s life will be held at Lee Funeral Home, 8200 Jennifer Lane, Owings, MD 20736 on August 10, 2019, with a visitation from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a Funeral Service at 12:00 pm. Burial will be at Lakemont Cemetery in a private service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Morgantown Hospice, an Amedisys Partner, 3596 Collins Ferry Road, Suite 250, Morgantown, WV 26505 ~ OR ~ the Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923 - scleroderma.org. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of James Ray Walters please visit our Sympathy Store.