Ray Wilson Hathaway

RAY WILSON HATHAWAY ASHEVILLE - Ray Wilson Hathaway, age 98, of 25 Leisure Mtn. Road passed away at his residence on Wednesday, February 11, 2015. Mr. Hathaway was born October 13, 1916 in Darke County, OH to the late John Henry and Bridgette Elizabeth Peck Hathaway. He had been a long time resident of Asheville since the 1960's. A combat veteran of World War II, he proudly served with the 6th US Naval Construction Battalion in the Battle of Guadalcanal where he earned the Bronze Star Medal. Baseball was both Ray's profession and his passion. He began his long career in 1939 playing in Pine Bluff AR he then continued playing in Dayton, OH, Santa Barbara and Montreal. He was a major league pitcher with the Brooklyn Dodgers, subsequently a minor league manager and pitching coach for numerous clubs including the Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians and St. Louis Cardinals. He was a long time manager of the Asheville Tourists and often commented that Asheville was his favorite baseball town. Mr. Hathaway was a lifetime member of the Professional Baseball Players Association and in 2011 was inducted into the Sally League Baseball Hall of Fame. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary Helen Ditmer Hathaway who died in 2002; an infant daughter, Diana Rae Hathaway and twelve siblings. Surviving are his sons, Ray Allen Hathaway and wife Laura of Greenville, SC, William A Hathaway of Weaverville; grandchildren, Lyndi K Hathaway, Jeremy A. Hathaway and wife Jennifer, Josh A. Hathaway and wife Jennifer; and many great grandchildren who will miss his ready laughter and quick wit. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 14, 2015, at St. Mark's Lutheran Church, 10 North Liberty St., Asheville with Reverend Christopher Webb officiating. Burial will be in Ashelawn Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday at West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider St. Mark's Lutheran Church, PO Box 8608, Asheville, NC 28814. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mr. Hathaway's obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com. His funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 14, 2015, at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, 10 North Liberty St., Asheville with Reverend Christopher Webb officiating. Burial will be in Ashelawn Gardens of Memory. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday at West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, PO Box 8608, Asheville, NC 28814. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mr. Hathaway’s obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.