Beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Walter Ray Hook, 81, of Yorktown, VA, passed away suddenly on Sunday, May 31, 2015. Ray graduated from North Carolina State University in 1955, with a BS in Mechanical Engineering, with an Aeronautics Option. He began his career at Langley Research Center in Hampton, VA in 1955 as an aeronautical research intern. After serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1955 to 1958, he returned to Langley as an aerospace engineer where he worked for the next 36 years, culminating his career as the Director of Space. Ray was central to many of Langley's space research efforts, including planetary entry, development of large manned and unmanned spacecraft, systems analysis software, Space Station Freedom, large space antenna research and Langley's atmospheric sciences programs. He was also integral to the implementation of Sky Lab, America's first space station launched in 1973. In 1989 he was presented a Presidential Rank Award at a special ceremony in Washington, D.C.; he received the rank of Meritorious Executive in the Senior Executive Service for his outstanding contributions to the management of NASA programs. He is a fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Ray was a member of the First United Church of Christ in Hampton, Virginia for nearly 60 years. He loved his church and was actively involved, serving in many capacities including Church Treasurer and Deacon. He also enjoyed scuba diving, oyster gardening, as a member of the Tidewater Oyster Growers Association, and "tinkering" with all manner of mechanical and electrical devices. Ray, a devoted family man, was born in Elon College, NC to the late Marshall Ward Hook and Minnie Laura Edge Hook. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Ernestine Folk Hook; three sons and daughter, Eugene Wayne Hook, and his wife, Ellen Smith Hook of Virginia Beach, VA, John Lee Hook and his wife, Bobbie Jo Hillman of Virginia Beach VA, Russell Alan Hook of Yorktown, VA, Janet Lynn Hook and her husband, Dr. Paul T. Golumbek of St. Louis, MO; his son-in-law, Philip McAllister Edwards; ten grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. His family was the center of his life. Ray was preceded in death by his daughter Laura-Marie Hook Edwards, and his brothers Gerald E. Hook and Harvey O. Hook. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 13, 2015, at First United Church of Christ, 1017 Todds Lane in Hampton, VA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the First United Church of Christ in Hampton, VA. Arrangements are by Berceuse Funeral and Cremation Traditions in Hampton, 757-825-8070.