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Dennis Ray Obituary
NEWMAN - Dennis "Hoggy" F. Ray, 83, of Newman passed away Friday (Jan. 3, 2025) in Newman.
He was born on Sept. 16, 1941, in Rossville, the son of Fred Ray and Faustene Nicoson.
He is survived by his wife, Sheila; children, Traci (Paul) Jensen, Angie Decker (Jerry) and Denise (Doug) Grussing, all of Villa Grove; grandchildren, Alisha (Bob) Beringer of St. Charles, Dane (Kara) Jensen of Villa Grove, Jordyn Ray of Villa Grove, Jena Decker of Champaign and Brandon McConkey of Fisher; and great-grandchildren, Laken, Jake, Spencer, Adalyn and Aiden. He is also survived by his mother; brother, Jack (Pam) Ray of Rossville; and sister Sandra (William Albert) Wilson of St. Joseph.
He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Ray; stepfather, Ted Nicoson; and sister Fredna Glover.
Dennis served in the U.S. Army in the Vietnam War. Once discharged, he worked as an engineer for Union Pacific Railroad, from which he retired. He was an avid fisherman and hunter known worldwide for his famous hog calls. He loved his Farmall tractors, Harley riding, fish fry's, his friends and family and his dogs. He also enjoyed watching the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bears and Fighting Illini.
Per his wishes, he will be cremated, and a celebration of life will be held in his honor at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Newman American Legion.
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