Carl Ray

CARL RAY, 93, of Newman, IL passed away at 2:15 P.M. on Friday, February 15, 2013 at his residence.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at the Edwards Funeral Home, 221 East Main in Arcola, IL. Rev. Dave Dundas will officiate. Burial with Military Rites conducted by the Villa Grove VFW will be in the Murdock Cemetery.

Carl was born on April 28, 1919 in Hindsboro, IL. He was a son of John Clinton and Arlie Opal (Cuttingham) Ray. He married Mary Wheatley on February 20, 1940 in Tuscola, IL.

Survivors include his wife Mary Ray of Newman, IL, four children, Betty E. Snow and her husband Ben of Clarksville, TN, Earl “Billy” Ray and his wife Joanne of Murdock, IL, Linda A. Wells and her husband Frank of Newman, IL and James A. Ray of Tolono, IL; thirteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one infant son, Carl Michael Ray, three brothers, Hobert, Paul, and Lawrence Ray and three sisters, Neoma Jones, Lucille Winn and Dila Simmons.

Carl was an Army Veteran of WWII. He was a member of the Villa Grove VFW and had been a member of the Newman American Legion.

Carl had farmed for many years in Douglas County. He worked at the University of Illinois for 27 years, and as a part-time mechanic for the former Smythe Import Motors.

Memorials may be made to the Villa Grove VFW.