Buford D. Ray

Buford Dean Ray, 83, of Mason City, IL, passed away on September 20, 2025 at St Clara's Rehab and Senior Care in Lincoln, IL. He was born on September 8, 1942, in Crane Creek Township, Mason County, IL, to Fred and Edith (nee Seaman) Ray. He attended Havana High School, graduating in 1960. He proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a Field Artillery Radar Operator. Buford later married Lucille Wilson on August 30, 1972, happily creating his ready-made family with four children. They were married 46 ½ years before she preceded him in death on March 2, 2019. He is survived by his children, Gwen Wilson of Lincoln, Lori (Mike) Kirby of Mason City, Robert (Shelia) Wilson of Lincoln, and James (Cathy) Wilson of Iowa Park, TX; grandchildren, Ken (Stephanie) Leonard, Brad (Cathy) Leonard, Ryan Hatfield, Jeremy Hatfield, Emily (Riley) Wolpert, Braden Wilson, and Joshua (Elyse) Wilson; seven great-grandchildren plus one on the way; four great-great-grandchildren. Buford worked at Modern Brake and Alignment for 31 years. In 1997, he built and opened his own auto repair shop, Ray's Auto Repair in Mason City. In 2004, he sold his shop, but continued to work for the new owner for another 10 years. He was a very active member of the American Legion Post #496 in Mason City and a life-time member of the AMVETS Post 179 in Greenview. He enjoyed riding his golf cart around town, antique cars, tractors, steam engines, and camping, especially at the Pontiac Thresherman's Reunion. A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on September 25, 2025 at Hurley Funeral Home in Mason City. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Brian Shawgo and Steve Bagby will officiate. Burial will be held in Mason City Cemetery, with military honor's. Memorial contributions in honor of Buford may be made to the St Clara's Rehab and Senior Care. Hurley Funeral Home in Mason City is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be left at www.hurleyfh.com