Raymond E. Pickering, 95, of Lancaster, died Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Hospice & Community Care, Mount Joy. He was born in Shamokin to the late David and Edna (Goninan) Pickering. He married Mary Noskoskie of Shamokin on May 15, 1942, and celebrated their 50th Anniversary in Lancaster in 1992. Mary died in June of 2000 after 58 years of marriage.

He served in the US Army a total of 42 months, 32 of which were served in the South Pacific with the 150th Ordinance Company 69th Battalion. Raymond worked for Weis Markets for 44 years full time, managing a store in Lewisburg for 12 years and then 32 years in Lancaster. Upon retirement, he went back as a part time employee and served 30 more years as a stock clerk.

Raymond was a member of Community United Methodist Church. He enjoyed woodworking and he made beautiful doll houses.

Surviving Raymond are his two daughters, Ann Louise, wife of Les McMullen of Leola and Diane Marie, wife of Donald J. Miles of Ocean Isle Beach, NC; 6 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren and his companion Betty Smoker of Lancaster. Raymond was preceded in death by his sister June Kratzer.

A memorial service will be held 3 PM Friday, September 23, 2016 at Community United Methodist Church, 130 Tennyson Drive, Lancaster, PA 17602, with Rev. Denise Plaugher officiating. Raymond's family will receive friends from 2 to 3 PM on Friday at the church. Private interment will be in St. Joseph New Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.