Ray A. Harding ’50 died Dec. 14.
Harding died Dec. 14. While attending the Seahawks game with his family, Ray suffered an embolism to his otherwise very healthy loving heart. Ray was born Aug. 28, 1926, in Walla Walla, Wash., to Henry and Emma Harding. Ray was preceded in death by his loving wife, Beverly, and his son, Jerry. Ray will be greatly missed by his brother, Alvin Harding of Walla Walla, Wash.; daughter-in-law Rietta Harding of Ellensburg, Wash.; daughters Janice (Jerry) Funden of Marysville, Wash., Lynda (David) Jones of Marysville, Wash. and Kristine (Michael) Gray of Waterville, Wash.; 13 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. Ray spent his childhood in Walla Walla, Wash., where he began his lifelong commitment of serving others while still in high school by joining the ROTC. As a senior, Ray served as captain of an ROTC company and was awarded the Outstanding Officer medal. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Air Program, serving as a member of the PBY squadron PBS 91. Following his discharge in 1946, he enrolled at Pacific Lutheran University and earned his bachelor’s degree. During his time at PLU, he met Beverly, the love of his life, and the two were married in 1947. Ray then went on to earn a master’s degree in educational leadership from Washington State University. Ray began his career in education at the Richland School District, where he served for nine years. During their time at Richland, Ray and Beverly were blessed with their four children. In 1959, Ray and his family moved to Marysville, Wash. Ray began his service at Marysville as principal of the Marysville Junior High Schools, where he developed the district’s first secondary special-needs program. Ray became part of district central administrative staff in 1969 and was elected district superintendent in 1975. Ray had many accomplishments as superintendent, including working to expand and improve facilities and helping to establish the Vocational Skills Center. Ray also took great pride in re-establishing trust between the school district and its patrons. Ray was a devoted Kiwanis member for over 57 years. Among Ray’s many contributions to the community as a Kiwanis member was the direct impact he had on the construction of Jennings Park while serving as club president in 1967. Ray was a longtime active VFW member, where his leadership and friendship will be greatly missed. He was an passionate 12th Man Seahawk fan and avid hunter and fisherman, a love he shared with many friends and family members. Ray and Beverly shared a deep interest in family history and their German and Russian heritage. Together they enjoyed an eventful and meaningful trip to Europe, where they explored their heritage and made new friends. Above all, Ray cherished his family, who will all forever miss his steady presence, his thoughtful words and his loving ways. Ray provided a glowing example of how to live life through a commitment to professional and personal excellence. He touched the world in a positive light in many ways, leaving a legacy of joy, class and love.
