Raymond H. “Ray” Wooters
June 20, 1961 - March 15, 2024
Raymond H. “Ray” Wooters, age 62, of Dover, DE, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 15, 2024.
Born in Wilmington, DE, on June 20, 1961, he was a son of the late Horace R. and Mazie R. (Jamison) Wooters. Ray graduated from Glassgow High School in 1979. He then attended the University of Delaware where he was active in the music department. He participated in many ensembles playing tuba and bass guitar. Ray’s passion for music continued after college, playing bass guitar in several bands throughout his lifetime.
In 2003, Ray began his Apprenticeship in the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers – Local 42 Insulators Union. Through the years of being an asbestos worker and insulator, Ray established the position of Training Director/ Instructor in the Local 42. In his spare time Ray was an avid sports fan, he loved the Philadelphia Flyers and Cincinnati Bengals (Kitty Cats). Ray lived life to its fullest surrounded in love of family and friends listening to classical music and traveling to the next adventure!
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his sister, Rena Gail (Vavala) Childers and wife, Beverly S. (Zipay) Wooters. He is survived by his fiancée, Erica R. Leeds; children, Marissa R. Stoker, Scott R. Leeds (April) and Victoria G. Jedrzejewski (Andrew); sister, Susan M. Wooters (Dean); brother, Phillip L. Vavala; and grandchildren, Cameron J. Samuel, Aidan T. Romeo, Jackson R. Driggers, Leviathan W. Leeds, Kaine R. Leeds and Ashton L. Sigman.
All services will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online by clicking here.
Ron Ryan
It has been an honor and privilege to have been your friend for 40 years. My best man in my wedding, playing music at U of D, countless laughs and beers, trials and tribulations, times from Florida,Vegas & Delaware. My BROTHER in the true sense of the word. RIP MY BROTHER. (tuba chug). – ron
Jody Higgins Mason
I am so sorry for your loss. I went to school with Ray always a good guy and always a smile on his face. Lots of Love and Prayers for the family God Bless
Bear
I had the pleasure of working with Ray for many years he was truly one of the nicest guys I worked with always smiling. My God Bless and comfort your family rest easy old friend
Larry Stewart
No words can express the sorrow felt at the passing of a friend and Local Brother, one who lived and loved in all he did and shared his passion for the trade, his willingness to offer a hand, a smile and a wit that made working alongside him a true pleasure. RIP, Ray, and to his family and friends I offer my deepest condolences.
Toya
Sorry to hear of your passing my friend! You will be missed by many, including me!
Love, hugs and kisses! Oh and I almost forgot the finger!
R.I.P.
Ken Hudson
I heard late about Rays passing. We met at Delaware band camp and then again at a family reunion where we discovered we were cousins. I then played drums in Anheiser with Ray on bass. He was a good friend and cousin to me. Im sorry he is gone
Ken Hudson
Cathy Stuart Fagan
I am so sorry for the loss of Ray. I met him when I was 18, we were together for a few years and stayed casual friends for a while. We reconnected on Facebook and I was glad to see that he had found love and seemed happy. I remember the swimming pool at his parent’s house, etc. We were music majors and played in some bands together. I can’t believe that was in the 80s. And I can’t believe he’s gone. Blessed be to all of his family. <3
Helen Shores Jones
Rest in peace Ray. You were quite a character. I enjoyed watching you play and your antics on stage. You are loved and missed.
Gary Letts
So sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. I played in several bands with him and always enjoyed his company. It was always a fun time with Ray. Rest well my friend.
Thomas Brotherton
I spent 20 amazing years as Ray’s bandmate in Strip Search. Ray always made the experience interesting. But through good times and bad, we always gave the people who came to see us everything we had. Ray was a great musician. You are loved and respected and is missed