Obituary for Richard “Dick” Ray

Richard “Dick” Ray passed away peacefully on April 17, 2024.  Richard was the son of Melba I. Ray and Kenneth E. Ray.  He grew up in Bushnell, Illinois. 

Richard worked for his father at Bushnell Tank Company and later became a correctional officer at Iowa State Penitentiary.  Richard served in Vietnam with the 1st Infantry division.  He loved the outdoors and was famous for frying fish for friends, family, and local organizations. He spent most of his summers and fall on the river at the Ideal Hunting & Fishing Club outside of Dallas City, Illinois.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Kelly Jo Ray, his father, Kenneth E. Ray, one sister, Deborah Curtis, and his wife, Mary K. Ray.

He is survived by his mother, Melba I. Ray, sister, DiAnne (David) Zill, brother-in-law, Terry Curtis, sister, Dawn Ray, his son Kenneth (Crystal) Ray, daughter Alaina (Cody) Paxton, stepsons Wally Foster and Lance Parsons.  He was the proud grandfather of 6 grandchildren, Graiclyn, Warren, & Tobias Ray, Ryker Coulter & Adaline Paxton, and Mattisun Foster.

Per Richard’s wishes, a gathering for a celebration of life will be planned later this Spring/Summer.