Roy E. “Ray” Gilham, 89, of State College died Thursday, July 20, 2017 at home.
Born Dec. 8, 1927 in Philipsburg, he was a son of the late Ezekial and Susann (Kelley) Gilham.
He was a 1946 graduate of Philipsburg High School, a 1954 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a 1968 graduate of Penn State University.
He taught school for 35 years within Philipsburg, Tyrone and Rockville, Md., areas.
A veteran of the Navy, he served during World War II and the Korean War as a hospital corpsman. He was a volunteer at Black Moshannon State Park from 1989 until 1995 as a campground host and Naturalist.
He received “Volunteer of the Year for Pennsylvania State Parks” in 1992. He enjoyed studying and photographing wildflowers at Black Moshannon and hunting and fishing with his brothers and nephews.
He was a member of the State College Alliance Church, National Educators Association, Montgomery County Educators Association, Montgomery County Retired Teachers Association and a charter member of the PA Native Plants Society.
On July 11, 1959 in Irvona, he married Dona Miles, who survives.
In addition to his wife of 58 years, he is survived by a daughter, Susan Gilham of State College; a brother, Wilbur “Bud” Gilham and his wife, Lorraine of Philipsburg; two sisters, Sarah Simcox of Philipsburg and Mary Scott of Lewisburg; six sisters-in-law, Ella Gilham, Norma Gilham, Shirley Gilham, Twila Smyers, Vivian Michaels and Luella Desmett; four brothers-in-law, John Miles, Floyd Miles, Roger Miles and Jerry Miles; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; five brothers, Casper, George, Lew, Marlyn and Robert; and a sister, Trissie Shultz.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church, Hemlock and C. streets, Philipsburg, with the Rev. Seth Roush officiating. Private burial will be in the Philipsburg Cemetery.
There will be no public viewing.
Memorial contributions may be made to ARC of Centre County, 1840 N. Atherton St., State College, PA 16803.
Online condolences to the family may be made at www.dahlgrenfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of the David K. Dahlgren Funeral Home, 228 N. Centre St., Philipsburg, PA 16866.
