Ellsworth B. “Ray” Rapine, 85, completed his life’s journey on November 28, 2016, in the presence of his loving family at the Lehigh Valley Hospital. Ray was a motivated, creative man who always had a project at hand, making tomahawks and hand forging 18th century iron implements, building PA long rifles, repairing guns of all types, building his workshop from the ground up, and starting a business. His Rapine Bullet Mould Mfg Co. gained worldwide recognition for the quality and variety of its products until his retirement in 2011. One of his molds was featured and used by Mel Gibson in his movie, “The Patriot”.

Ray’s working career consisted of a position at Knoll Mfg in the research and development department where he implemented tooling for the Platner and other lines of furniture. He then worked for many years as plant manager for the JG Furniture Co in Quakertown.

Born in Norristown, PA Ray was the son of the late Gerald E. Sr. and Blanche (Undercoffler) Rapine and brother of Gerald E. Rapine Jr. and Blanche Ortlip. Ray married his wife Harriet Moffett nearly 55 years ago, and their family includes two children: Keith Rapine and Alison Parker; two grandchildren: Gregory Bobo and Wendy Wagner; a great granddaughter: Melany Rivera. He was a fond Uncle El to many nieces and nephews, as well as their children.

Ray was a member of the 49er’s class of Norristown High School and served his country as a PA National Guardsman and a Military Police Officer in Heidelberg, Germany for three years with a SP3 rank. He held memberships in the American Legion Post 184, the Norristown Lodge No 620 F&AM, the Single Action Shooting Assoc, and the North South Skirmish Assoc. For over 40 years he was an active competitor in the later group, shooting with a number of teams representing Civil War military units and competing with original muskets, carbines and cannons. Ray earned his share of medals and also worked as a sutler selling his bullet moulds and other supplies for the shooting teams.

Ray was a happy troubadour, playing country and bluegrass music on his guitar. Most recently he was heard practicing “Sunday Morning Coming Down” a Kris Kristrofferson ballad. He most admired old school country music artists like Hank Williams and Hank Snow. When Ray told a joke, it was done with a sly smile and a twinkle in his eye, and he laughed at it heartily, no matter how corny the punch line. Another of his talents was drawing, mostly Disney characters, to the delight of any kid or waitress that happened to be in his vicinity. There are examples of his sketches around the Valley in restaurants, doctors’ offices and the Pennsburg Pharmacy.

Ray took delight in all aspects of his life, from strolls with Harriet on the Siesta Key Florida Beach to watching the deer on their wooded property to travels in Europe and across the US. There was always more to see, do and experience. His circle of friends and family will surely miss his sense of humor, his commentary on many topics and his signature cowboy hats.

A memorial service will be Saturday, December 3 at 10:30am, at the Falk Funeral Homes & Crematory, Pennsburg, all are welcome to call at 9:30am. Contributions may be made in his honor to the Vets for Vets, 32 4th St, Pennsburg, PA 18073 or the American Legion Association, 744 Gravel Pike, East Greenville, PA 18041. To offer online condolences to the family, visit his “Book of Memories” at falkfuneralhomes.com.