Ray E. Mell

Ray E. Mell, 88, of Newville, PA, passed away on Wednesday, May 11, 2022, in the Claremont Nursing & Rehabilitation Center. He was born March 25, 1934, in Newville, to the late Russell and Helen (Piper) Mell and was the widower of Juanita F. (Mullins) Mell, who passed away November 12, 2020.

Ray will be remembered for his sense of humor and independent nature as well as his love for God and his family. His wife and large family were his focus in life. Ray considered himself a jack of all trades and master of a few. His working years included factory work, septic clean out, as well as contractor and subcontractor work. He was proud to have worked with his son and stepsons for many years as contractors. Ray and his wife ran a restaurant, and sold insurance, Amway, Giftworld products, and Avon over the years. With the assistance of son, Corey and granddaughter Julie, Ray and his wife enjoyed being vendors of different games of chance at local county fairs for many years. Ray was a member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard, where he served during the Korean conflict and the American Legion Post 674 where he served as a Sergeant-at-Arms for a period of time. Also, a member of the Mt. Holly Springs First Church of God and a charter member of the Oral Roberts Ministries Healing Team. Later in life he became a member of the Gobin Guards as a retired National Guardsmen. He enjoyed hunting and competitive archery in his younger years. He was also an avid fisherman and enjoyed camping at the beach and fishing trips to Canada. Ray will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends as we process our loss and celebrate his life on earth and in heaven.

Surviving are his children and stepchildren, Delbert A. Pettit of Carlisle, Corey R. Mell of Carlisle, Deborah J. Yohe (Amos) of Newville, Star L. Wiskeman (Anthony) of Carlisle, Cindy L. Piper (Donald) of Gardners; daughters in law, Kathy Young of New Hampshire, Suzette Pettit of Harrisburg, Angela Pettit of Mifflintown; eighteen grandchildren and thirty five great-grandchildren and four great great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and sister, Polly Ann Thompson (George) of Carlisle. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his stepsons, Gary E. Pettit, and Steven A. Pettit; daughter in law, Nancy Mellinger; granddaughter, Shelly Pettit; great-grandson Cayden Pettit; and brother, Ronald E. Mell Sr.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, June 24, 2022, at 1:00 PM in the Mt. Holly Springs Church of God, 648 McLand Dr. #600, Mt. Holly Springs, PA 17065 with Rev. Richard Reese and Pastor Daniel Murray officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Arrangements are being handled by Hollinger Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., Mt. Holly Springs, PA. Visit www.HollingerFuneralHome.com to offer condolences to the family.