Obituary of Preston Ray John

Preston Ray John, age 87 went home to be with his Lord on January 11, 2009. Born in Bridgeville, PA he was a life long resident of Pitman. He was a graduate of Pitman High School in 1939 where he played basketball and baseball. He was a WWII Navy veteran serving from 1942-1946. Ray worked at Eagle Point Refinery in Westville as a Lab Technician and retired in 1984. He was an active member of the Richwood United Methodist Church. Ray was very patriotic and a proud Navy veteran. He taught Adult Sunday School classes in churches he served. He was also an effective lay-preacher of the gospel. Many men will remember Ray as "coach". He was an active baseball coach for over 60 years. He loved the game of baseball and his "players". He began coaching in the Pitman Little League which he helped fund. He coached at Pitman High School and was "pitching coach" at Gloucester County College and Camden County College. Everyone who played for Ray knew he cared for them and was eager to see them reach their potential in baseball as well as life! He is survived by his wife of 63 years Betty (nee Water), daughter Connie (Dave) Owens of Pitman, son Rick (Betsy) of Linwood, NJ, grandchildren Laurie (Marty) Mulch, Brett (Melanie) Owen, Tim, Phil, Katie, and Ben John and greatgrandchildren Reaghan and McKenzie Mulch and Kaleigh Owens. Friends may call on Thursday 9-11am in the KELLEY FUNERAL HOME, 125 Pitman Ave, Pitman, NJ. Funeral service 11am. Interment Bethel Cemetery, Hurffville. Those desiring may make a contribution to Richwood United Methodist Church, PO Box 7, Richwood, NJ 08074 or to Pitman Little League, 222 Lake Ave, Pitman, NJ 08071. Memorials may be shared www.kelleyfhpitman.com.