William “Ray” Burker, 29, of Core, and originally from Stanley, Va.; left this world to join his Daddy and brother on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023.
He was born on Aug. 26, 1994, in Harrisonburg, Va., and one of the identical twin sons of the late James A. Burker and Angela P. Jones Burker.
Ray was a 2013 graduate of Page County High School in Shenandoah, Va. He attended truck driving school and obtained his Class A CDL’s. He was a self-employed truck driver and did excavation work. He loved driving big rigs and traveled to all corners of the U.S.A. Ray enjoyed the beauty of nature and the outdoors and often went fishing, hunting, camping, and hiking in the mountains. His favorite TV shows were “The Andy Griffith Show” and “The Waltons.” He often said he wished we could go back to the good old days when the world was simple and honest.
Surviving in addition to his mother, are his son, who he called his little man and was the light of his life, Mason Levi Burker; his twin brother, Douglas A. Burker; his brother, Justin A. Burker; sister-in-law, Rachel M. Burker; niece, Autumn L. Burker; twin nephews James A. and John A. Burker; and maternal grandfather, Ray Jones.
Ray was preceded in death by his father, James A. Burker; his oldest brother “J.J.” James A Burker Jr.; his maternal grandmother, Betty Jones; and his paternal grandparents, George and Sadie Burker. Ray was a caring, loyal, and loving father, son, grandson, brother, uncle, and friend.
His family and friends were his life and Ray would drop everything at a moment’s notice to help any of us. He often said his friends were his brothers and we all knew he had our backs. His famous saying was “I gotcha.” He stood firm for God, family and country. He was hardcore but also had a very generous and loving heart and would give the shirt off his back even to a stranger in need. Ray was respectful and quite the gentleman but also had a mischievous side and could pull some shenanigans to get a laugh out of us. Between Ray and Douglas (we called them our double-trouble) we just never knew what to expect and there was never a dull moment.
At this time our hearts are broken and heavy with grief and pain because of Ray leaving us so suddenly and unexpectedly. Although he is no longer physically on earth with us, we still hold all the wonderful memories he left with us and will always love and cherish him and hold him close to our hearts. We take great comfort in knowing that Ray is eternally happy, safe and at peace in God’s everlasting care.
Ray’s memorial service will be announced at a later date.
