Raymond was preceded in death by his
parents, Ray and Stella Stuart Ellard; brother, Richard
Ellard; his cherished daughter-in-law, Sandra Ellard;
and niece and nephew, Kathy Ellard Mann and Michael Lee
Ellard.
Raymond was born on Mar. 10, 1931, on Muddy Creek
Mountain outside of Alderson. Growing up he had a
typical childhood for that era and engaged in all the
activities a boy of that era enjoyed; hunting, riding
his pony, going to school, and spending time with his
family. He graduated from Alderson High School in 1949
and joined the Air Force in 1950. He was stationed in
Korea during the Korean War as part of the Material
Command squadron. After completing his military service,
he started the next chapter of his life by courting and
then marrying his beautiful wife Almeda, becoming a
father to Ray, and graduating from Concord College with
a degree in Education. He taught at Smoot High School
for a few years before joining the Federal Bureau of
Prisons (BOP) in Petersburg, Virginia. Raymond started
his career with the BOP as a correctional officer, and
then quickly moved up within the BOP to hold the titles
of Teacher, Assistant Supervisor of Education,
Supervisor of Education, and finally Regional Education
Administrator for the Southeast Region. During this
time, he worked in several locations after starting in
Petersburg, including Natural Bridge, VA, Eglin, FL,
Washington, DC, Terre Haute, IN, Springfield, MO, and
finally Atlanta, GA. After retiring in Atlanta with more
than 20 years of service, Raymond and Almeda returned to
Alderson. Soon after, Raymond started working as a
part-time contractor in the Education Dept. at FPC
Alderson where he worked for another 17 years. In
addition to his career, Raymond enjoyed his life as an
adoring Husband, Dad, and then Pop after his
grandchildren were born.
Those who knew him described him as kind, intelligent,
brave, and generous. He was witty and sharp, pulling no
punches, but at the same time extending his grace to
anyone needing a helping hand. He was a devout follower
of Jesus, with the Book of James being a particular
favorite part of the Bible because he believed in living
his faith through good works rather than only words. He
believed that the world was based on and revolved around
love, and his love was at its greatest when shown for
his family. He was known within his family for his
special prayers said at family events that spoke of love
and gratitude for family and God. Raymond’s
grandchildren think it fitting that he passed on
Grandparents’ Day, as the love between them has created
such a bond that it will always transcend the physical
death that they are left to mourn.
Raymond’s family would like to extend a special thank
you to his niece, Barbara Richie at The Seasons, Hope at
Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, and all of the staff
at Peyton Hospice House for going above and beyond to
help during his transition. Raymond, being a lifelong
Educator, has chosen to participate in WVSOM’s Human
Gift Registry, where he can continue to provide
knowledge to students, even in death.
No services are planned at this time, but donations can
be made in his honor to Peyton Hospice House in
Lewisburg, WV.
Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Lewisburg is in charge
of arrangements.
Please send online condolences by visiting
www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com. |