Russell Ray “Hootie” Starcher, age 67 of Barrackville, WV took his departure to Glory on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 peacefully in his sleep at United Hospital Center surrounded by family. He will be cremated and rested at Arnettsville Cemetery in Arnettsville, WV. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date by invitation or facebook after the holiday season.
Hootie worked for the UMWA and the Marion County Board of Education as well as moonlighted as a Bouncer at Joe’s Bar and Teddy’s Lounge. He attended East Fairmont High School and was known by most in Fairmont, WV. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and mentor. He never met a stranger and was always the life of an occasion. Hootie loved sharing stories of his many shenanigans, jokes, singing, fishing, riding motorcycles and spending quality time with his friends and family, especially outings and cookouts to which he called “getting beeped”. His talents were many as he was an amazing story teller, history buff, singer and mentor.
Hootie was preceded in death by his parents Fred Woodrow Starcher and Lily May Adkins Starcher, two sisters, Shirley Young and Carol Nestor, and two brothers, Clayton “Artie” Starcher and Freddy “Fred” Starcher.
He is survived by his ailing wife of 37 years, Christine Louise Arnett Starcher who resides at Pierpont Center at the Fairmont Campus in Fairmont, WV, his daughter Dawn Starcher Menefee and her husband James “Jimmy” of Midway, GA, his three step-sons, Larry Thompson and wife Brenda of Fairmont, Robert “Robbie” Hixon and wife Rosa of Fairmont, WV, and Steven “Stevie” Hixon, his step-daughter Rachella “Shellie” Hixon Wood and husband Aaron of Republic, MO, grandchildren, Aliyah Starcher Merritt Barefield and husband Elijah “Eli”, Evan Hootman, Leanna Hixon, Caleb Angeline and partner Cheyenne Myers, Destiny Donley, Caylee Hixon, Serena Hixon, Bailey Hixon, and Connor Hixon, great-grandchildren, John Ryder Drain and Weston Angeline, and three siblings, Cody Starcher, Kathy Starcher Ice and husband Rick, and Brad Starcher and wife Brenda. Hootie is also survived by several nieces and nephews as well as friends that he considered family (each and everyone).
A special thought as the love he had for everyone he met was truly beautiful and he shown this most by the love he shared with his sister Kathy and how they both shown me (Dawn) how to unconditionally love others.
There will be no funeral home services as cremation was chosen as the final method of disposition. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family. Masters Funeral Home in Mannington has been placed of the final arrangements.
Condolences
Dawn prayers to you and the family! Hootie was not only a great friend but like family to myself and my mom... His smile was 1in a million and his love and care for everyone he knew was unmatched I don't think I have a childhood memory that does not have him in it.. I was blessed to know him and have him part of my life...he will be missed daily... Love you!!
Ray was a good cousin. He visited our house often when we were children. Prayers for the family 🙏.
Hootie was like a second dad to me him and my dad where best friends and rode there motorcycles together he will be missed but I k ow him and dad are having a big old reunion in the sky love you hoot rip.
To a great brother luv you Hootie
So sorry for youll loss I have read the passing of Ray this evening on Facebook many prayers to all
God-bless buddy. 🙏🙏🙏
My son Joey and I always loved Hootie. He was a great person that will be missed by all that knew him.
What a loss of an amazing friend!
Loved Hootie with all of my heart. Not only did we have good times too many to mention, he stood by me when I was down and other friends turned their backs. The last time I was fortunate too talk to him was a year ago. He told me how much our friendship meant to him and how proud of me he was. That meant a lot to me, I mean a lot