Wray Samuel Rodgers

Wray Samuel Rodgers, 89, of Washington, died Wednesday, March 12, 2008, in the Washington Hospital following a month-long illness. He was born July 28, 1918, in Washington, a son of Earl William and Rosa Elizabeth Williams Rodgers. Mr. Rodgers was a graduate of Trinity High School. He worked at Hazel-Atlas Glass Company from October 1937 until July 1943. From August 5, 1943, until his honorable discharge December 17, 1945, he served in the United States Navy as an Aviation Machinists Mate, first class. He received his training at the Naval Air Technical Training Center in Norman, Oklahoma. After returning to Washington, Mr. Rodgers worked as a machinist at Washington Mould, Machine and Foundry, retiring in 1982 after 33 years of service. He also worked for ten years at Millcraft Mining. Mr. Rodgers loved the outdoors and had been an avid hunter, having hunted in many states and Canada. He also liked scuba diving, boating and water skiing. Most recently he enjoyed showing and riding his Honda Gold Wing trike motorcycle. During his lifetime, he handcrafted two motorcycles. Mr. Rodgers was a member of Glass Bottle Blowers Association, United Divers Association, Mountaineer Skin Divers, Gold Wing Road Riders Association, and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, where he was past president. He was also a lifetime member of Edwin Scott Linton Post 175 of the American Legion. On March 17, 1940, he married Mary E. Jeffers, who died November 17, 2001. Surviving are a daughter, Carole McMullen of Bensalem; a granddaughter, Erin Darr, and twin great-grandchildren, Brittany and Brandon Darr, of Levittown; and several nieces and nephews. Deceased are three sisters, Hazel Coyle, Thelma Cunningham and Gaynelle Harr; and a brother, Ralph Rodgers. At the request of the deceased, there will be no public visitation or services. Interment will be in the Washington Cemetery. William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., is in charge of arrangements.