William Burton Raker was born on July 10, 1932 and passed on November 10, 2021 to be with his heavenly father, Jesus Christ. He was the first of three children born to John Temple Raker and his wife Ruth Virginia Blackburn in Chester, PA. His father was a lineman for the Philadelphia Electric Co. and his mother was a home maker. During his childhood he resided in Springfield, Delaware County, PA.
He graduated from Williamson College of the Trades, Media, PA and Millersville University in Millersville, PA. He did his graduate work at the University of Delaware, Newark, DE.
During school Bill worked as a plumber’s helper for the Paoli Plumbing & Heating Co. After graduation from Williamson, he started his own business painting and decorating with a partner.
He was drafted into the US Army and was stationed at Ft. Lewis, Washington in the Signal Corp as an aerial photographer. While there he had an interest in theater photography and became the movie projectionist between several theaters on base.
After serving his time with the Army he attended Millersville University. Upon graduation he took a job teaching Industrial Arts at Delaware City, DE. He was there 42 years and taught wood, foundry, plastic, leather and isometric drawing. He was awarded several awards for his teaching excellence.
Bill was a gentle, kind, talented person. He had a general contractor license and did additions, porches and repairs. He enjoyed working with his hands and turned out beautiful bowls on the lath. He was a Boy Scout leader, a graduate of the Hixson School of Floral Design in Cleveland, Ohio and the Troy Welding School in Troy, Ohio. He taught Sunday School and was involved in vacation Bible School in his church in DE.
After retirement, Bill attended the Newark Senior Center and took weekly Bible classes and art lessons. He was a very talented artist and builder. Each house he and his wife Dolly owned he would modify and add built-ins.
He was a member for ten years in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and served as Commander of Flotilla 14 in Newark, DE. Bill held a general license as an amateur radio operator with the call sign of WB3IVH.
In 2009, he and his wife Dolly permanently retired to FL to Rotonda West where he immediately started to modify the house according to his wife’s wishes. He was a member of Englewood United Methodist Church and got involved in the activities. He attended the weekly Men’s Fellowship Group and prepared for many years the weekly devotions. He would type the devotions himself (hunt and peck) on a piece of paper and hand them out to people. He worked on the pancake breakfast, the yearly rummage sale, and the Christmas Dinner.
Bill was an avid reader and enjoyed the Civil War period. He and his family traveled in an RV to visit the Civil War battle sites and many places in the US.
Survivors include his wife of 64 years Dolores J. Martens Raker, sons Williams B. Raker, Jr. (Danae), Bruce A. Raker (Lisa), daughters Bonnie J. Raker Carpenter, and Kimberly A. Raker. Grandchildren: Kaitlyn Elizabeth Raker, Sarah Anne Carpenter, Thomas Paul Carpenter, Jr. (Kelsey), Christopher Andrew Ward Raker, Matthew Ward Carpenter, Robert Simeon Carpenter, and Kenneth William Carpenter. Great-grandchildren: Jose Esteban Chacon, Jr. and Willow Rose Carpenter. Sister: Virginia Wingate, sister-in-law Shirley Devaris and brother-in-law William H. Martens, Jr. (Linda) and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Pre deceased by his sister Mary Ward Raker.
A funeral service for William will be held Tuesday, December 7, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Englewood United Methodist Church, Dearborn Street, Englewood, FL 34223.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lemonbayfh.com for the Raker family.
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