Raymond Brant Ware, 81, of Morgantown, passed away peacefully Monday, December 16, 2024, in Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown. Raymond was born February 17, 1943, in Webster Springs, to Cecil Brant Ware and Anna Ignatius Ware.
A proud graduate of Webster Springs High School’s Class of 1961, Raymond’s athletic talents earned him a football scholarship to West Virginia Wesleyan University. There, he played on the 1961 WVIAC championship team earning the nickname “Mad Dog,” a title that stuck with him throughout his vibrant life. He later transferred to West Virginia University, where he graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor’s degree in Recreation – a fitting major for someone with boundless enthusiasm for life.
Raymond’s zest for adventure and creativity was unmatched. Over the years, he pursued a diverse array of interests, including photography, building and flying model airplanes and boats, racing stock cars at the old Morgantown Speedway, and competing in outboard hydroplane boat races. An avid motorcyclist, he restored antique motorcycles and earned national recognition for his Harley Davidson “Dog Sled,” which was featured in a national motorcycle publication. His adventurous spirit extended to cycling, where he enjoyed riding distances of up to 100 miles in a single day.
One of Raymond’s greatest joys was his long-standing involvement with the Morgantown High School Mohigan football team. As a statistician and member of the chain crew, he was a fixture on the sidelines for many years. He also served as an assistant coach under Vick Bonfili and Glen McNew, contributing to the team’s success, including their 1983 AAA state football championship. These experiences forged enduring friendships and cemented his legacy within the Morgantown sports community.
Professionally, Raymond retired from Allstate Insurance Company, where he worked as an insurance adjuster and supervisor of quality control. He later applied his keen analytical skills as a private investigator for Tech Engineering.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Anna Ware.
He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Fischer Ware of Morgantown; his daughters, Jami Ware Parsons and partner Dwight Schmidt of Lake Forest, Calif., and Jennifer Ware Lanham and husband Kurt Lanham of Fayetteville; and his three grandchildren, Steven Deem of Morgantown, Shane Deem of Fayetteville, and Carla Deem of Greensburg, Pa.
Raymond’s legacy of enthusiasm, adventure, and dedication will forever be remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with cremation arrangements. A private family ceremony will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
