Jarrett "Ray" Starkey, 95, of Dunbar, WV passed away on Monday, February 23, 2026 at Hospice Hubbard House in Charleston, WV.

He was born on February 28, 1930 in Corley, WV to the late Albert and Mandy Starkey.

Jarrett Ray quit high to join the United States Navy in 1948.  After nearly two years aboard the USS Missouri, he left the US Navy and returned to Dunbar High School graduating with his GED in 1951.  He was drafted into the US Navy in 1952 and was aboard the USS Meredith until 1955.  Jarrett Ray then enlisted in the United Sates Coast Guard (USCG) Reserves in 1963.  His tour of duty included a dozen countries and he often shared his experiences and adventures.  Holland was one of his favorite tours because of the reception and hospitality of the Dutch people along with the beauty and culture of the country.  He retired from the USCG  with twenty years of service as Chief Petty Officer and Chief Gunners Mate in 1990.  After forty plus years, at age 91, he retired from his business "Starkey's Microwave".  When he was not working, he was enjoying his childhood home place in Flatwoods, Braxton County.  This Flatwoods Camp is where he liked to be most of all.  Tromping through the woods, cutting brush, dredging the pond, cleaning the creekbed, operating the weed eater, and riding the lawn mower was an every weekend event for the past sixty years, but his passion was deer hunting.  He never missed the opportunity to scout for deer.  Thanksgiving was always spent at the Flatwoods Camp.  The highlight of deer season was Muzzleloading.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 74 years, Sylvia Pauline; his sons and daughters-in-law, Rick and Jean Ann Starkey and Steve and Leslie Starkey; and his grandson, Kevin Starkey.

Jarrett Ray is survived by his daughters, Pamela K. Starkey of Dunbar, WV and Jo Ann Hayes (Ralph) of Hurricane, WV; along with his eight grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

Thank you for the care and compassion that Hospice displayed at the Hubbard House in Charleston, WV.  We appreciate the help and support you gave.  Thank you Chaplin Ray and Chaplin Pete for your prayers and support.

A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar. Burial will follow in Grandview Memorial Park.

Family will welcome visitors one hour prior to the service at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.
www.kellerfuneralhome.net