John "Ray" Manning, 97, of Willow Valley Meadowridge, returned to his Lord on June 1, 2016. He was born in Philadelphia, June 11, 1918, son of the late John and Ethel Manning and husband of the late Edna M. Manning, who died on November 24, 2015. Ray graduated from Frankford High School and earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from Drexel Institute of Technology. He was employed in development and design of food packaging machinery as well as naval equipment and aircraft assemblies for Boeing and Republic World War II planes. He co-founded Manning and Manning, an executive search firm in Philadelphia and later semi-retired by purchasing a seasonal business in Ocean City, N.J. During World War II, Ray bravely fought in the Battle of the Bulge. He was squad leader and platoon sergeant in Patton's Third Army 5th Division 10th Regiment and fought from Luxembourg to Czechoslovakia. He returned to the U.S. to rebuild his unit in preparation for an assault on Japan. Fortunately the dropping of atom bombs prevented him from deploying. Ray was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for acts of valor in combat. After the war, he was a proud member of the Veterans of the Battle of the Bulge organization. Ray grew up summering at his family home in Ocean City, N.J. where he met his beloved wife. Five years later, on March 18, 1944, he married his beautiful bride. They lived in Feasterville, Huntingdon Valley then moved to Willow Valley to be close to their girls. Ray had two daughters and was a loving, devoted family man enjoying Christmas, reading, gardening, golf, model building and investing in Ocean City real estate. He was a member of the Willow Valley Yacht Club and Railroad Club. He loved to travel, Switzerland and Germany among his favorites. Ray had a zest for life and learning, keen sense of humor and was a true gentleman. Ray became a 32nd Degree Mason, at Lodge #717 in Philadelphia, and transferred to the Lamberton Lodge #746 in Lancaster. In 2014, Ray was honored for 60 years of Masonic service. Ray was also a member of the LuLu Shrine Club, Benjamin Franklin Consistory and a charter member of both St. Stephens Lutheran Church (Feasterville) and Gloria Dei Lutheran Church (Huntingdon Valley). Ray is survived by daughters Joanne R. Yeager of Lancaster, Elizabeth Schoelkopf(Jake) of Maryland, brother William Manning of Warrington, grandson Scott Amey (Kerry), deceased granddaughter Cheryl Shea and two great grandchildren Erin-Marie and Hunter Shea. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. Donations in Ray's memory may be made to the Masonic sponsored Children's Dyslexia Center, 213 W. Chestnut St., Lancaster, PA 17603

Until we're together again, Dad, Forever Love You…