Scholarship Fund Established for Wyoming East High School Graduates

​BAF is honored to announce the establishment of the Stoutamyer Scholarship Fund, in memory of Raymond “Pody” Stoutamyer. Raymond taught science and biology in Wyoming County for nearly 40 years at Oceana and Pineville high schools. The scholarship is to benefit students with financial need from Wyoming East High School, to enable their quest for higher education while reducing their financial burden.

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Raymond, fondly known as Pody, was born in Augusta County, VA, August 20, 1933. He grew up spending summers on the farm and the remainder of his time in Rainelle, WV. He had many dear friends from Rainelle, and just as many wild, wonderful stories about growing up. He was well-liked, a multi-sport athlete, and quite a comedian. He joined the military and served in Korea as military police (MP) and brought great honor to his role in bringing home soldiers killed in the line of duty.
 
He attended Concord college and met the love of his life, Nancy Louise Gunter. They spent the next 65 years together. They graduated from Concord and received master's degrees from Marshall University. He continued to play sports in college, where he joined the tennis team and played football briefly, because someone bet him that he couldn't make the team.

His passion to teach made an impact on generations and he cared about each student's education to guide them to a better life. He was loved and respected because that is what he gave to his students first. His home was always open, and he and Louise hosted many impromptu gatherings on the back porch and badminton court. He also coached tennis for many years, and played well into his 70's.

An avid outdoorsman, he loved to hunt and fish. He travelled to Canada to fish and fly fishing became his passion later in life. He was still a sharpshooter at 88. He loved to travel with Louise, her sister Daisy, and Daisy's husband Richard. They saw the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, New Orleans, etc., played many games of cards, and of course, kept score.
 
He was an amazing father to Rick and Chris Ann. He taught them to be curious about the world, love nature, be observant, conscientious, kind, competitive, free-spirited, fun, funny, take risks, and to follow their dreams. He was so proud of them and the lives they built with their families. He loved his three granddaughters with all his heart, and had wonderful relationships with every niece, nephew, and cousin.

Anyone interested in donating to this fund may mail contributions with “Stoutamyer” in the memo to BAF, 1210 S. Kanawha Street, Beckley, WV 25801 or click the button below to donate online. If you are interested in starting a fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email [email protected].

Support Graduates of Wyoming East High School