Raymond Metz Jr.

Raymond (Ray) O. Metz Jr., 83, resident of Midland, Maryland, passed away Tuesday June 15, 2021. He was born on January 10, 1938 in Lonaconing, Maryland to Raymond and Mary (nee Foote) Metz.

Ray married Dorothy M.Metz on May 3, 1958. She preceded him in death in 2014. He was also preceded in death by a daughter, Patty Ann Johnson, and a sister, Agnes Cooper. He is survived by a sister, Janet Mills, two children, Debbie Hawkins and husband Jack of Frostburg, and Ronnie Metz and wife Ann of Hagerstown; 5 grandchildren, Mandy and Jessica Johnson, Jaron Hawkins and wife Jacqueline, Amy and Erica Metz; three great grandchildren, Ashlynn, Aynsley and Audrey Hawkins; and many nieces and nephews.

Ray served in the United States Navy with an honorable discharge in 1969 at the rank of Chief Petty Officer.

Ray dedicated most of his life in service to working families and promoting the rights of working men and women. Beginning his organized labor career with AFSCME Local 669, State Highway Employees, he served as President for nine years. In 1971, he went to AFSCME international before moving on to AFSCME Council 67 as a Staff Representative. IN 1975, he joined the newly founded AFSCME Council 92 where he retired in 1999.

He served seven years as the Recording Secretary of the Western Maryland Central Labor Council prior to being elected 1st Vice President in 1976. It was in 1989 that he was elected as President of the Western Maryland Central Labor Council, AFL- CIO and also served as an area Vice President of the Maryland State & District of Columbia AFL-CIO Executive Board for many years. Over the span of his labor career, he has had the opportunity to engage in many civic and community activities and boards. His numerous appointments include the Advisory Committee of the Experience Based Career Education Project, CETA Planning and Advisory Council, Allegany Compensation Study Committee, Board of Education Blue Ribbon Commission, Western Maryland Economic Development Strategies Task Force, and Economic Study Committee of the Maryland State & DIstrict of Columbia AFL-CIO. Above all of his accomplishments he was the sweetest, kindest, giving person we have ever known. To his children he was Dad, his grandchildren Pappy, and his great grandchildren Pappy Ray.

He was member of Grace United Methodist Church, Midland.

Ray was an avid golfer. After retirement, he worked and played at Fore Sisters Golf Club. He also enjoyed gardening. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. He will be with us in our hearts forever.

A memorial service will be held at Grace United Methodist, Midland on Monday, June 21,2021 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Heerak Kim officiating. Wilhelm-Eakin Funeral Home, P.A., Midland is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.wilhelmeakin.com.

Donations may be made in memory of Ray to the American Cancer Society at 1050 E Industrial Blvd, 3, Cumberland, MD 21502.