Ray Buss, 92, of Fleetwood, peacefully passed away from natural causes on 13 Jan 2021 at home surrounded by loving family members. He was born in Limestoneville, PA. A diehard Penn State fan, he was a member of the 1950 and 1951 national championship soccer teams, garnering All-America honors in 1951. He also earned three varsity letters on the PSU baseball team and played semi-pro for six years in the Boston Red Sox system during summer breaks from teaching. He compiled a 28-year career record of 512-99-48, primarily at Fleetwood High School, winning two state soccer championships, 9 district championships, 14 county titles and coaching 20 All-State and 9 All-America players, culminating in his selection as 1980 NSCAA Coach of the Year and induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1997.

Ray enlisted in the USMC on his 18th birthday at the end of WWII and served a two-year tour as an air traffic controller. His high school gym teacher inspired him to become a physical education teacher and obtain his master's degree, which led to a 40-year career teaching high school youth. A member of The Greatest Generation, his legacy and contributions to the community extend well beyond the soccer world. A dedicated family man during his 61 years of married life, he served as a role model and community leader, raising four children, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren with his talented and energetic wife, Betty.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, daughters Becki McCullough (Wayne), Bonni Whitman (J.W.), sons Barry (Kara) and Brent (Katie), and sisters Delphine Hamershock (Bill Wesner) and Janie Saine (Carl, deceased). There will be a celebration of life at a later date once travel and group gatherings are possible. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Coach Ray Buss Scholarship Fund online through the Berks County Community Foundation or by mailing a check (with fund name in the memo line) to Berks County Community Foundation, 237 Court St., Reading, PA 19601; or Fleetwood Youth Soccer Club, P.O. Box 117, Fleetwood PA 19522.

56 Fleetwood Soccer Alumni thank Mr. & Mrs. Buss for all they have done for them and Fleetwood Soccer