John Robert Ray

John Robert Ray

Feb. 3, 1940 - March 5, 2024

BLOOMINGTON - Dad died last night, March 5, 2024. He was 84 years old. He suffered a fall, conking his head and lived through two very short - and incredibly long - weeks to a non-recovery. In the end, he was at peace.

Dad was born in Attalla, AL, in 1940, to A.W. Ray and Alouise (Klapp) Ray, and grew up in Georgia. He served as an intelligence officer in the US Army (1962-65) and married mom, Sue (Lakin) Ray in 1967. They had a son, Gannon Ray, and daughter, Teal Ray (me), and two grandkids, Zander Ray and Jennie Mulholland; we all survived him. He had five siblings: Al, Sarah, Freeda, Rita, and Kathy. Al and Sarah passed in the last few years.

Dad loved people - his family and friends; folks he knew and many he only read about. He loved to volunteer with the local Historical Society, free clinic, and as part of the Bloomington Golden K Kiwanis Club. A photo of Dad and his buddies of the weekly CRS (Can't Remember Stuff) coffee club can still be seen on the wall at Panera's in Normal, IL.

He also loved learning, starting with degrees in history and agriculture from Oregon State University, and continuing with New York Times Sunday editions, many other newspaper and magazine subscriptions, and tons of books. All that learning lead him to many vocations, and avocations.

He was a forest fire fighter, Extension agent, Boy Scout leader, and teacher of kids from kindergarten through high school. He was a building contractor and small business owner, an agricultural chemical salesman, and nanny to his grandson for three years. He raised sheep, cows, rabbits, ponies, and Christmas trees. He was famous for his tomatoes.

We won't be having a formal funeral.

If anyone feels moved to memorialize Dad, consider doing something kind for someone, anyone. Or, plant a tree - or maybe 50. (Thank you, Freeda, for doing just that.) Or, contribute to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. We dearly loved Dad and we will miss him always.

He had a favorite poem that beautifully captured who he was and how he thought about his life. He wanted us to share it when he died, so here it is...

Abou Ben Adhem, by Leigh Hunt Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!) - "Awoke one night from a deep dream of peace, And saw, within the moonlight in his room, Making it rich, and like a lily in bloom, An angel writing in a book of gold: - Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold, And to the presence in the room he said, "What writest thou?" - The vision raised its head, And with a look made of all sweet accord, Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord." "And is mine one? Said Abou. "Nay, not so," Replied the angel. Abou spoke low, But cheerly still; and said, "I pray thee, then, Write me as one that loves his fellow men." The angel wrote, and vanished. The next night It came again with a great awakening light, And showed the names whom love of God had blest, And lo! Ben Adhem's name led all the rest."