Ray J. Sands

Ray J. Sands, 92, of Zanesville, died at 9:25 p.m. Sunday, August 26, 2012 at his home. He was born December 3, 1919 in Roseville, a son to the late Fred and Myrtle Rarick Sands. Ray graduated from Roseville High School, where he lettered in all varsity sports all four years, and was named "Class Poet". He was a decorated Army Veteran of WWII: he made two beach heads, in Leyte and Okinawa, and was on his way to make a third when the bomb was dropped. He received a battle field commission to second lieutenant after his c/o was injured. He received two Purple Hearts and still carried shrapnel in his leg. He also received a Bronze Star. Ray went on to work for many years as a carpenter and painter for Zanesville City Schools. He was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Zanesville, VFW Post #1058, and DAV- Disabled American Veterans. He was an avid golfer and bowler, and he loved wood working as well as making and refinishing furniture. Ray was a published poet, and he also enjoyed wine making. Surviving are a daughter, Narda (Larry) Sowards of Zanesville; two grandchildren, Shannon Curry of Zanesville and Brady ( Kendra) Sowards of Columbus; a special great granddaughter, Kylie Curry of Zanesville; a twin brother, Roy (Helen) Sands of South Zanesville; one sister, Anetta Zinn of Crooksville; two sisters-in-law, Wilda Yarger of Fultonham, and Evelyn Willison of Circleville; a special nephew, Ron (Jackie) Mills of Duncan Falls; two good neighbors, Mike (Theresa) Jacolenne, and Steve (Marci) Silver, all of Zanesville; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty M. Yarger Sands, whom he married on July 12, 1947 and who died July 3, 2011; two brothers, Charles "Chike" Sands, and Jim Sands; and one sister, Martha Lee Cannon. Friends and family of Ray may call from 6- 8p.m. on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home, 1271 Blue Avenue, Zanesville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at St. Thomas Catholic Church with A Dominican Father officiating. Ray will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Betty, at Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery, with full military honors provided by George Selsam VFW Post #1058 and the United States Army.

Visitation

Tuesday, August 28, 2012 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home
1271 Blue Avenue Zanesville 43701, United States

Funeral Service

Wednesday, August 29, 2012 10:00 AM
St. Thomas Catholic Church
144 N. 5th Street Zanesville Zanesville 43701, United States