The Union Bridge Fire Company, Inc. sadly announces the passing of Active Honorary Life Member E. Ray WIlson. "Ray" has been a member of the fire company for nearly 80 years. Ray served many different administrative capacities within the company and was a long time driver of our apparatus. Most notably, Ray established the Union Bridge Junior Fire Company in 1963, forging the membership of countless volunteers and officers of this company, many of whom even served or are serving as career firefighters in other jurisdictions around us. At one time, Ray directed 49 Juniors within the company, the largest Junior Fire Company in the State of Maryland.

He was also instrumental in establishing the first "Junior's Day" where children (12 - 16 years old) from both Carroll and Frederick County fire companies, spent an entire day learning hands-on firefighting, vehicle rescue and first aid care techniques from members and officers of the Union Bridge Fire Company. This tradition continues today for Carroll County's junior fire company youth though the Carroll County Volunteer Emergency Services Association (CCVESA).

The officers and members of the company extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Ray's family and friends. It goes without saying that Ray touched many lives and his legacy will live on within our community and our company.

Hartzler Funeral Home Obituary:

E. Ray Wilson Jr., age 97, formerly of Union Bridge, died Friday, January 23, 2026 at Lorien Taneytown. Born August 15, 1928 in Union Bridge, he was the son of the late Elmer R. and Marjorie Evelyn Delphey Wilson. He was the husband of Mildred Pauline Study Wilson who died in 1993.

Ray was a 1946 graduate of Elmer Wolfe High School. He served in the U.S. Air Force in Alaska for 32 months with the 57th Fighter Wing as a staff sergeant. He played softball for the Alaskan Air Command, winning the championship in 1950.

He was formerly employed at Lehigh Portland Cement Co. in Union Bridge for 40 years, retiring in 1983 as an operator of a front-end loader in the quarry. Ray was then employed at Western Maryland College for 10 years as an equipment manager for the athletic department. He was the founder in 1953 of the first Little League baseball team (the Cubs) in New Windsor, the first integrated team in Carroll County, going undefeated in 1954. In 1957 he became the manager of the Union Bridge Braves Little League team and again won a championship. The Union Bridge V.F.W. sponsored a basketball team for 5th and 6th graders through the Union Bridge Athletic Association which Ray coached. This team was undefeated in 1972. Ray became a Carroll County high school basketball official for 25 years, baseball umpire for 20 years and football referee for 15 years.

Ray was a life member of the Union Bridge V.F.W. Post 8806 and the American Legion Post 120 of Taneytown. He was a member of Plymouth Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Union Bridge, serving as secretary for 7 years. He was an active member of the Union Bridge Fire Company starting in 1945 and he organized the first Junior Firemen in 1963. He was a charter member of the basketball I.A.A.B.O. In 2014 Ray was elected to the Carroll County Sports Hall of Fame for all of his service in athletics for Carroll County youth. After full retirement he enjoyed playing golf and riding his scooter. In 2022 he became a resident of Lorien Taneytown.

Surviving are daughter, B. Raylene Hall of Taneytown; grandson, Michael A. Hall and wife Luann of Taneytown, 2 great grandchildren, Zachary M. and Lindsey N. Hall and 1 great great granddaughter, Marissa Hall.

There will be no visitation or service. Inurnment will be in St. Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery, Uniontown, at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Union Bridge Volunteer Fire Co., P.O. Box 1050, Union Bridge, MD 21791.