Ray Podunavac, 91, of Henlawson, WV, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, September 13, 2025. He was surrounded by those who meant the most to him — his children and grandchildren.

He was born on November 21, 1933, in Ethel, WV, the son of the late Mike and Hurl Podunavac.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 49 years, Jane; his brothers Steve, Harlan, Duck, Willie, Nick, and Roy; and his sisters Gladys Marie, Mary Belle, Helen, and Annie.

Ray was very proud of his Yugoslavian heritage and cherished his childhood memories at Red Campbell. Spending most of his youth on the ballfields of Ethel and Earling, he made many lifelong friends.

Ray enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at age 20 on January 23, 1954. He served with honor and distinction, attaining the rank of Corporal. During his service aboard the USS Rankin, Ray was deployed to the Caribbean (notably around Panama and Cuba) and the Mediterranean (notably in France). He often spoke about seeing places mentioned in the Bible. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.

Upon honorable discharge, Ray built a career as a machinist, opening the machine shop at Logan Auto Parts in 1966 and serving his community until his retirement in 1998. Beyond his career, Ray enjoyed fishing, gardening, and playing with “the kids.” He was put on this earth to be a Papaw, and the kids are blessed to have had such an amazing Papaw to play with.

Ray was a devout Christian, serving on the Pastor’s Council of West Logan Church of God for many years. He was kind, honest, humble, and a loving father, grandfather, and friend.

In the final years of his life, Ray lived with his daughter, Cheryl, and son-in-law, David, who lovingly cared for his every need. He often joked that he was “spoiled” and expressed deep gratitude for the devotion and compassion they showed him during this time.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Mike (Kathy) Podunavac, Cheryl (David) Hicks, and Scott (Cathy) Podunavac; grandchildren Brian (Kathryn) Podunavac, Jason (Erica) Elliott, Jessica (Ryan) Bradley, Sarah (Chris) Porter, and Travis Podunavac; and great-grandchildren Braylee Podunavac, Anessa Ramseur, Christal Hall, Ana Ramseur, Hope Elliott, Faith Elliott, Bella Podunavac, Sadie Podunavac, Emmy Podunavac, Karson Podunavac, and Cole Porter. He is also survived by his sister Julie Armstrong and brother Louie Podunavac. Ray had many wonderful lifelong friends whom he loved dearly, as well as a large extended family with whom he enjoyed spending time.

A private viewing for family will be held at 5:00 P.M. on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, followed by a public visitation from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at Evans Funeral Home in Chapmanville for the many others he loved like family.

A celebration of life will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at West Logan Church of God with Bishop Scotty Dingess officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery at Pecks Mill. Ray will be carried to his final resting place by his grandsons and son-in-law.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Evans Funeral Home & Cremation Services at Chapmanville, WV.