Gary Kenneth Ray's Obituary
Gary Kenneth Ray, SFC (R), age 47 of Franklin, TN went to be with the Lord on June 16, 2013.
He was born in Decatur, IL to Ken Ray and Carole Ray. Gary graduated from St. Teresa High School in Decatur, IL. Even as little boy Gary wanted to serve his country he never wanted to play cowboys and Indians all he wanted to play was Army. He enlisted in the United States Army just after graduation. He served in numerous campaigns for 21 years including Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was most proud of his accomplishments while serving as Crew Chief on a Blackhawk and then as Station Commander in the US Army Recruiting Command. During his military service he received the following awards: The Bronze Star Medal, The Meritorious Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal with Two Campaign Stars, Two Campaign Stars, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal Second Award, Army Achievement Medal Sixth Award, Arm Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Fifth Award, National Defense Service Medal Second Award, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, US Army Recruiter Badge with 3 Sapphire Stars, Senior Aircraft Crewman Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, and Expeditionary Medal. After honorably retiring in March, 2010, he used his military expertise to motivate young people to become better citizens in the Army JROTC program at Fred J. Page High School, Franklin, TN. Within his duties as a JROTC Instructor, he coached the Award Winning 'Patriot Battalion' Air Rifle Team. He loved hunting, fishing, and spending time being in the outdoors. He was a legend in his own time. He was a man of honor and duty who loved his wife, family and country.
Gary Ray, SFC (R) is survived by: wife, Kimberly Newsom Ray; daughters Rachael Danielle Ray and Sarah Elizabeth Ray; mother- Carole Nuxoll Ray and fiancé Delbert Morgan of Effingham Ill; father -Kenneth Ray of Decatur Ill and his wife Linda; sisters- Laura Ray Kelly and her husband, John, of Peoria Ill; Dawn White and her husband, Kyle, of Tulsa, OK; Carrie Mathias and her husband, Jim, of Illinois City, Ill; Neely Bullington and her husband, Kevin; mother-in-law, Lane Russell Newsom, plus multitudes of loving nieces, nephews, former students and Military Service Members with whom he served.
He was reunited in Heaven with his grandparents Joseph and Sarah Ray and Cletus and Pauline Nuxoll, Uncle Jerry Ray, and special cousin Tommy Kullik.
Mass of Christian Burial to celebrate Gary's life will be on Wednesday, June 26 at 10 am at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 407 E. Eldorado Decatur with Rev. John Burnette, Celebrant. Visitation will be from 6-8 pm on Tuesday, June 25 at Moran and Goebel Funeral Home in Decatur. Burial with military honors conducted by the U.S. Army and Macon County Honor Guard will be at St. Isidore Cemetery in rural Dalton City, IL. In lieu of flowers please donate, in honor of Gary Kenneth Ray, SFC (R.), to the Wounded Warrior Project: www.woundedwarriorproject.org or via 1-855-448-3997.
The family of Gary Kenneth Ray, SFC (R) is being served by Moran & Goebel Funeral Home honored provider of Veterans Funeral Care, 2801 N. Monroe St. Decatur, IL. View the online obituary, send condolences, and share memories at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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