Ray Prall

Ray Prall, age 85, of New Philadelphia, passed away Tuesday, March 9, in his home, following a brief illness.

Born Christmas Eve, 1935, in Charleston, West Virginia, he was a son of the late Cecil and Beatrice Tomblin Prall. Ray moved with his family at a young age to Tuscarawas County and attended school in Midvale. He married the former Joyce D. Shinaberry, who survives, on December 27, 1956. Ray retired from Smurfit-Stone Container Corporation, New Philadelphia, in 2004.

Ray was a member of the Dover Alliance Church where he served as an usher. He raised a large garden every year and enjoyed sharing its bounty with friends and neighbors. Ray also loved watching and feeding the birds around his home.

In addition to his wife, Joyce, he is survived by his many nieces and nephews, including Elizabeth Hamblin, Leslie Hoover, Sheri (Larry) Lawrence, Joseph and Mitch (Joni) Zeigler and Tom (Kelly) Powell.

Besides his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his siblings, Cecil Jr. and Bill Prall, Helen Powell and Irma Zeigler; and his nephews, Bob and Samuel Sommers.

A public graveside service will be held Monday, March 15, at 11 a.m., in Evergreen Burial Park, New Philadelphia, with Pastor Richard G. Rose officiating. Because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it is asked that face masks be worn and social distancing observed. To sign an online guestbook and share a fond memory of Ray, please visit the Obituaries link on the Toland-Herzig website.

The family suggests that, instead of flowers, contributions in Ray’s memory be made to the Dover Alliance Church, 228 E. Third St., Dover, Ohio 44622, or, Interim Hospice, 499 S. Second St., Coshocton, Ohio 43812.