Raymond “Ray” Rollin Heckman, Jr. of Newville, Pennsylvania passed away peacefully on the evening of December 12th, surrounded by his family and their love.

 

Ray was born in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, in 1942, to Raymond  “Bill” Heckman, Sr and Kathleen “Kay” Bard Heckman. He was raised in Newville, a place that remained at the center of his life and values.

 

Ray was the father of Shannon M. Heckman (Zach Pagel) and Benjamin J. Heckman (Jordan Kosco), and the proud grandfather of Ella, Clara, and Addy Pagel, and Jacob, Isla, and Wesley Heckman. He loved his grandchildren deeply and took great joy in time spent with them.

 

Ray is survived by his sisters, Deborah Heckman Reitzel (the late Robert Reitzel) and Pamela Heckman Emenheiser (Tim Emenheiser); nine nieces and eight nephews, as well as his extended Bard and Heckman family.

 

Ray attended Big Spring High School. And went on to study Art and Architecture at Penn State University and Pratt Institute in New York City.

 

Ray served in the United States Air Force Reserves from 1967 to 1973 at Andrews Air Force Base. He was an educator, teaching at West Perry High School, York Technical Institute, and Thompson Institute. He later retired from his career as an architect for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with the Department of Health and the Department of Labor and Industry. 

 

Ray was a longtime member of First United Presbyterian Church in Newville, where he served as a deacon. More recently, he joined the St. John’s Episcopal Church in Carlisle. He was also a member of the Lions Club and served on the board of One West Penn in Carlisle. He was a member of both the Newville and Carlisle historical societies.  He enjoyed being a member of his high school class reunion committee. 

 

Ray was married to Jean S. McCrea Heckman for 50 years, who preceded him in death. Together, they built a life grounded in family, faith, and community. Ray and Jean grew up in Newville and lived along the Big Spring for all of their married life, making their homes on two different farms—Bushfield and Thornbury—both nestled along the spring that meant so much to them.

 

In his later years, Ray shared a loving companionship with Elizabeth “Bess” Jamieson. They cared deeply for one another and shared time, interests, and affection that enriched his life.

 

Two of Ray’s greatest joys were working on the farm and spending time with his family. He was a talented artist who loved to draw and paint, especially when sharing that joy with his grandchildren.

 

Ray was outgoing and enjoyed social gatherings of all kinds—from church events and family and school reunions to art openings.  He had an affinity for architecture and antiques. Ray loved  meeting new people, dancing, traveling, reading and had a keen interest in interior design and history. Ray loved to make others laugh.

 

Ray will be remembered for his gentle spirit, kind soul, and sense of humor. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, companion and friend. Those who knew him will forever picture him offering a familiar wink and warm smile.

 

Services will be held on Saturday, December 20, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Carlisle, PA.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Big Spring Preservation Association, of which Ray was a founding member.

 

Big Spring Preservation Association – Saving The Big Spring Creek

www.protectbigspring.org

Big Spring Preservation Association – Saving The Big Spring Creek

 

534 Big Spring Road

Newville , PA 17241