Tony Wray

Hershel “Tony” Wray completed his earthly duties and went to spend eternity in Heaven on Jan. 20, 2019, in Port Charlotte, Florida.

Born in Mullens, West Virginia, on May 25, 1953, Hershel spent his formative years between West Virginia and Baltimore. At age 15, he came to Union City, Indiana, to work for his father when fate and God intervened. He met a beautiful young widow, Marilyn Heitkamp, and a love story began that led to 48 years of marriage and a wonderful family to share too many good memories to count.

Hershel worked at various jobs over the years including stints at Wick’s Pies, Anchor Hocking, Sheller Globe and eventually Union City Body Company (UCBC), where he worked for more than 30 years as a spray painter and decal installer, retiring due to health issues in 2004. A devout Christian, Hershel and his wife, Marilyn enjoyed their retirement years spending time with friends and family in Indiana and at their vacation home in North Port, Florida. Hershel enjoyed collecting guns, attending Wesley United Methodist Church in Union City, spending time with friends and family and traveling.

He had an infectious sense of humor and positive attitude that impressed and amused all who came in contact with him. 

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Marilyn; two sons, Rob (Amy) Lykins of Union City, Indiana, and Joe (Carrie) Wray of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky; a daughter, Angela (Jason) Resler of Winchester, Indiana; eight grandchildren, Alyssa Lykins, Brandon, Florida, Corrie Lykins, Indianapolis, Indiana, Lucas Lykins of Union City, Indiana, Dylan and Mackenzie Wray, Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, and Angelyn (Doodle) Resler, Avery Resler and Ella Bernier of Winchester, Indiana; two brothers, Edward Conner, Baltimore and Lee Mitchem of King, North Carolina; four sisters, Coetta Atwell, Oceana, West Virginia, Melissa Gallutia, Bucyrus, Ohio, Elizabeth Vanbeber and Jaquelyn Craddock of Baltimore; one sister-in-law, Marie Glassford; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Hershel was preceded in death by his father Hershel Mitchem; mother Beatrice Wray-Conner; sister Rose Atwell; brother Clayton Wray and many in-laws, cousins and very close friends. 

He was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church and a former church trustee. 

Services will be held at Wesley United Methodist Church on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019. Visitation will be from noon to 1 p.m. with services from 1 to 2 p.m.

There will be a reception at the church immediately following the services. Hershel will be laid to rest at the Union City Catholic Cemetery in Union City, Indiana, at the convenience of the family at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Tidewell Hospice House in Port Charlotte, Florida, and Wesley United Methodist Church in Union City are encouraged. Hershel spent his last days at Tidewell Hospice House and was treated wonderfully by everyone. Donations may be made at tidewell.org.

He loved his church family at Wesley United Methodist Church dearly and spoke highly of many in the congregation during his final days.