Charles "Digger" Ray Schola

Charles Ray “Digger” Schola, age 96, a resident of Philippi, passed away Friday February 19, 2021 at his residence. Digger was born May 4, 1924 in Barbour County, WV a son of the late Rube Schola and Stepmother Lillina (Bryan) Schola. Digger was united in marriage in 1947 to Harriet Virginia (Young) Schola who preceded him in death on October 26, 2000. Surviving is Sons, Sam Schola and companion Carol Smiley of Philippi Clifford “Jim” Willis and wife Patricia “Pat” of Buckhannon Three grandchildren, Jed Schola and wife Misty of Philippi, Rebecca Wilfong and husband Brent of Buckhannon, Ryan Willis and companion Filica Hooper of Buckhannon Three great grandchildren, Grant, Madison Schola, and Hailey Poling Close friend John Mayle of Philippi Digger was preceded in death by Sister Virginia Hollen. He worked for 51 years as a school bus driver and mechanic for Barbour County and Taylor County Schools, he had also worked as a truck driver for King Knob Coal Company, and was a painter for Starcraft Boat Company. Digger served in the US Army during WWII as a tank operator. He was a member of the American Legion Post #44, the Red Line Custom Car Club, the Model A club of WV. Digger was a past member of the Philippi Volunteer Fire Department, he was an avid fisherman, and he loved restoring and working on classic cars. Friends will be received at the Wright Funeral Home and Crematory 220 N. Walnut St. Philippi on Monday February 22, from 9am- 1 pm. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 pm with Pastor Jim Strawderman officiating. Interment will follow in the Mary’s Chapel Cemetery.