Raymond Day's Obituary
Raymond “Ray” E. Day (65) of Naples, Florida and formerly of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Mt. Zion, Illinois, died Saturday May 9, 2015 at Avow Hospice of complications from Acute Pancreatitis.
A memorial service will be held at Hammock Bay Country Club on Tuesday, May 12th at 10 AM. All friends and neighbors are welcome to attend.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Moran and Goebel Funeral Home, located at 2801 North Monroe Street in Decatur, Illinois. Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 15th at 11:00 AM at the same location. Following the services, there will be a private burial at Traughber Cemetery in Moweaqua, Illinois. All friends are invited to attend a reception at the Country Club of Decatur beginning at 2:00 PM.
Ray was born on January 27, 1950 in Decatur, Illinois to Raymond “Mike” Day and Kathryn (Wright) Day. Ray attended Moweaqua High School and graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Economics. Ray was a member of the Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity. After college, Ray worked for Kimberly Clark before joining ADM in 1976. In 1980, while working at ADM, Ray met Gina Schuerman. They were married on Friday, March 13, 1981. The two worked together on the ADM trading floor for four more years before moving to Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1985. They lived and worked in Cedar Rapids for 20 years and raised their three kids, Michael (29), Christopher (27) and Jessica (25). In 2004, Ray and his family moved back to ADM’s Decatur location where he held the title of Vice President of Eastern Grain Group. He oversaw the activities of 45 country and terminal grain facilities in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio. In addition, Ray served on the Board of Directors for the National Grain and Feed Country Elevator Committee. He was also on the Board of Directors for the ADM/Weldon Joint Venture. Ray retired in January of 2013 at the age of 63 and moved to Naples, Florida full time.
Ray is survived by his wife of 34 years, Gina (Schuerman) Day of Naples, Fl., his children Michael Day of Chicago, IL., Christopher Day of Chicago, IL. and Jessica Day of Nashville, TN., sister Rhonda (Day) Heller and husband Jerry Heller of The Villages, FL., nephew Jeremy Heller of Polo, IL, niece Jennifer (Heller) and husband Matt Woodhouse and great nephews Jordan and Jase Woodhouse of Cedar Rapids, IA.
Ray is preceded in death by Raymond “Mike” and Kathryn Day.
Ray was one of the good guys. Ray loved his wife and was so proud of his family. He was a fair boss and went out of his way to make sure the people who worked for him were in the right location and the right job. Ray trained and mentored hundreds of people because he wanted people to be successful in both their personal and professional lives. Ray was so proud of Mike, Chris and Jess for their achievements, academically and athletically. Ray coached numerous teams over the years and could still recount a game or a play from 20 years ago. Ray loved playing softball, occasionally even pointing to where his home runs were going to land. In his thirties, his passion switched to golf. He was a student of the game and was always practicing at Hammock Bay or The Rookery, trying to perfect his game. Ray loved to travel with Gina and play golf all over the U.S. Even though he had only been retired for two years, it was a great two years; golfing, biking, exercising, traveling and spending time with his kids or numerous friends brought Ray much happiness. He was a quiet man, but a terrific speaker when called upon and Ray had a wicked sense of humor. His smile will be missed by all.
The family would like to thank the staffs of Physicians Regional Hospital at Collier, Brookdale Rehabilitation Center, NCH North Hospital and Avow Hospice. A special heartfelt thanks goes
out to Dr. Russell Weintraub and Dr. David Lamon for never giving up on Ray. From February 13th until May 10th, both doctors fought for Ray and we appreciate it. So many dedicated people cared for Ray and are now considered part of the family. We are forever grateful.
The family has asked that memorials be given in Ray’s name to either Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, 153 Cherry Hill Road NW, Cedar Rapids, IA. 52405 or The First Tee Golf Program of Naples/Collier, 1370 Creekside Blvd., Naples, FL 34108.
What’s your fondest memory of Raymond?
What’s a lesson you learned from Raymond?
Share a story where Raymond's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Raymond you’ll never forget.
How did Raymond make you smile?