Ray D. Hill, 86, Columbia City, died at 6:39 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, at the home of his daughter in Fishers. He had been in failing health.

He was born May 21, 1929, in Anderson, a son of the late David Dale and Dollie E. (Hampton) Hill. His formative years were spent in Anderson. He graduated from Anderson High School in 1949.

On Jan. 17, 1951, he was inducted into the U.S. Army. He served in Korea. On Oct. 17, 1952, he was honorably discharged. Returning to the area he continued his five-year apprenticeship with the plumbers and steamfitters.

He spent his more-than 50-year career as a master plumber and steamfitter with local 166, Fort Wayne. He was employed by Hattersley, Fort Wayne, as a foreman plumber from 1952 to 1991.

On July 1, 1961, he was united in marriage to Judith A. Whited. They made their home for 32 years on SR 14E, Whitley County. In 2001, they moved to Columbia City.

Active in the Boy Scouts of America, following his retirement he joined a group of men called the Over-the-Hill Gang, providing carpentry and repair work to the Boy Scout’s Chief Little Turtle Camp at Pleasant Lake. He also enjoyed scroll saw and intarsia woodworking.

His memberships included Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Local 166, Hope Lutheran Church and BSA- Anthony Wayne Council.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Judy; a son, Mark (Terri) Hill, Yuba City, Calif.; two daughters: Tammy (Jesse) Green, Greenville, Ohio, and Cheryl (Matt) Randall, Fishers; six grandchildren; and a sister, Wilma (Joe) Huffman, Anderson.

He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Donald Hill, infant sister, Mary Hill and a granddaughter, Mandy Green.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 29, at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City. Burial will be in Union Township Cemetery, Coesse. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials are to Boy Scouts of America, Anthony Wayne Council or Hope Lutheran Church.