James Ray Puckett Sr., 85, Mount Victoria

James Ray Puckett Sr., 85, of Mount Victoria died July 20, 2012, at Civista Medical Center, La Plata.

Born Nov. 12, 1926, in Surry County, N.C., he was the son of the late William E. Puckett and the late Zula Z. Puckett.

Mr. Puckett served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was honorably discharged as a corporal.

His professional career spanned 60 years. He operated several businesses including Parts Inc. and B&J Auto Parts. He also served in the Bladensburg Rotary Club and with the Maryland Farm Bureau.

He is survived by his wife, Anne H. Puckett; sons, James R. Puckett Jr. and his wife, Debra, Brian S. Puckett and Dwight E. Puckett and his wife, Andrea; daughter, Donna J. Downs and her husband, Michael; sister, Francis Smith; 12 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A celebration of life will be held at 3 p.m. July 29 at Christ Church Wayside, Newburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ Church Wayside, P.O. Box 177, Newburg, MD 20664 or to a charity of one’s choice. Burial will be private.

Arrangements are being handled by Arehart-Echols Funeral Home, La Plata.