Ernest Ray

ERNEST “BUD” RAY, 72, of Kemp, IL passed away at 10:22 P.M. on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at his residence in Kemp, IL. His family held a private memorial service. The Edwards Funeral Home assisted with arrangements.

Bud was born on May 12, 1938 in Marshall, IN. He was a son of Bill and Mary (French) Ray.

He is survived by three sons, Bert Ray and his wife Rachel of Tuscola, IL, Roi Ray and John Michell Ray both of Kemp, IL; a step-son, Ed Montgomery of Tolono, IL; five grandchildren, Justin Hood, Shaun Ray and Emily Ray all of Tuscola, IL, Britany Ray of Tuscola and Clayton Montgomery of Charleston, IL; two sisters, Catherine Wright and her husband Chester of Hardinsburg, IN and Kay Zuk of Myrtle Beech, SC and one brother, Larry Ray of Stamford, TX.

He was preceded in death by parents.

Bud was a Vietnam Veteran of the United States Air Force where he served as a flight engineer on a C130 aircraft. He had two tours in Vietnam, completed jump school and received the Purple Heart.

Bud worked as an automotive technician in Nevada for an auto test center. He worked as a service manager at Floyd Ray’s Imperial Garage in Tuscola, IL and later at Illini FS in Kemp, IL.

He was a life member of the Oakland VFW Post 3637 and the Disabled American Veterans Association.