He later became the first resident to die and was brought back to Imber for burial.
To be buried in Imber – which is only open to visitors a few times each year – a person must have been born or lived in the village.
Although there have been several funerals over the years, Ray’s funeral is believed to be only the second to have taken place in the village – the last being in 2012.
Mr Nash said: “Dad lived in the village for a short time and was baptized in Imber so he qualifies to be buried there.
“I don’t imagine there are many other former occupants left, if any, so Dad’s funeral will be the second and probably the last funeral to take place after the evacuation in 1943.”
“This is a rare case”
Mr Nash’s wife, Elaine, died two years ago aged 82. The couple had four children, Kelvin, David, Lawrence and Vicki, and now have 24 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
His funeral will take place on January 5, Thursday, by special arrangement with the Ministry of Defence.
Neil Skelton, a voluntary churchwarden at St Giles Church in the village since 2005, is helping the family with the funeral arrangements.
He said: “I was only too pleased to be able to help the family – it’s a rare occasion. There may or may not be another.”
Access will be restricted to mourners.
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