Ray Edward Epperly

Our beloved father, Ray Edward Epperly, 77, of Shawsville, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 14, 2015. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Mary Bowles Epperly; parents, Willie and Hazel Epperly; and brother Paul Epperly.

A firm believer in hard work, he worked his entire life until shortly before his death. He was first employed at Yale & Towne Lock and Hardware Manufacturing, which later became Eaton Corporation, in Salem. He later founded E & V Enterprises, Inc., and Heritage Homes in Shawsville, where he and Mary renovated, built and sold homes for more than 20 years, until their retirement in 2011. From 2011 to 2015, he owned and operated Epperly Enterprises, a Shawsville property management company.

He was a dedicated community servant and a member of White Memorial United Methodist Church in Shawsville for 64 years. He had a passion for helping local families achieve the dream of home ownership, and dedicated much of his free time to this endeavor. He also believed in the power of education, and founded a scholarship to ensure that local high school students could achieve the dream of a college education. Other philanthropic interests included the Community Foundation of the New River Valley, the Meadowbrook Center for Community Improvement, and the Shawsville Lay Ministerial Association Food Pantry.

His devotion to his community was surpassed only by his love for and commitment to his family. He is survived by his children, Mark Epperly and husband, Rob Morrow, of Christiansburg, Michael Epperly and wife, Andrea, of Cary, NC, and Nancy McGhee and husband, Mark, of Christiansburg; grandchildren, Felicia, Hazel, McKenzie and Erica; brother Jerry Epperly of Pinehurst, NC; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WMUMC Memorial Fund or the local food pantry. Address both to White Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 217, Shawsville, VA 24162 and note the preferred fund in the memo line.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2015, at Horne Funeral Home. A celebration of Ray’s life will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, 2015, in the chapel of Horne Funeral Home with the Rev. Herb Williams officiating. A private entombment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens, in Christiansburg.