Richard X. Arey, 88


Richard Xerxes Arey, 88, of Bridgewater, passed away Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009, at Harrisonburg Health and Rehabilitation Center in Harrisonburg.

He was born in Augusta County on May 25, 1921, and was a son of the late Luther and Mariam (Sandy) Arey.

Richard was a farmer. He was a member of St. Michael\'s United Church of Christ, the Collins-Hughes VFW Post No. 3136. He served in the U.S. Army as a TEC 5 in World War II.

He was united in marriage on Oct. 21, 1947, to Betty Kathryn (Hawkins) Arey, of Bridgewater, who survives.

Surviving in addition to his wife is a son, Kenneth Ray Arey and wife Sandra of Grottoes; a grandson, Dale Shumaker and wife Stephanie; a granddaughter, Virginia Smith and Donald; great-grandchildren, Heather and Natasha Shumaker and Samantha and Josie Smith.

A funeral service will be held at Johnson Funeral Service Chapel in Bridgewater at 2 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 24, 2009, with the Rev. Hollis Dodge and the Rev. J. Jarred \"Jerry\" Smith officiating. Burial will follow St. Michael\'s Church Cemetery.

Friends may call anytime Friday afternoon at the Johnson Funeral Service in Bridgewater.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnsonfs.com.