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Tony Ray Obituary
Tony accepted Christ at Shiloh M.B. Church under the leadership of the late Pastor J.W. Walton. Tony was a graduate of Joliet West High School. Tony and Laura Fulton owned Stoneridge Stables in Ringwood, IL. His love for animals especially horses led him to become a very accomplished Show Horse Trainer and Show Horse Judge.
He will be fondly remembered as the first person to help someone in need, and he always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone.
Tony was preceded in death by his brother, Willie M. Ray.
Tony leaves to cherish his devoted parents, Junior and Louise Ray, brothers, Roy (Melanie), Johnny, Junior II, his loving fiancee, Laura Fulton, special nephews, Willie Blalock, special friend, Chad (Michele) Cole of Louisville, KY, many special nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends. Every person whom Tony met he touched their life in a special way.
Celebration of Tony's life will be held Monday, March 17, 2008 9-11 am at St. Paul M.B. Church, 1404 S. Briggs St., Joliet, IL. Homegoing service at 11 am, Pastor Edward Martin, Jr. officiating.
MINOR-MORRIS FUNERAL HOME
112 Richards St., (815) 723-1283
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Tony Ray
Michael Johnson
March 9, 2020
I love you brother my heart still ache but I know that god has called you for a reason. As I write this god has also called both of my mother home, so Im sure now that our house will stay full of love.. To us left behind my condolences but know that God has us always. MJ
Bill and Holly Greenhill
March 31, 2008
To Laura and the Ray family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories of good times bring you comfort in the days ahead.
Louise Duckworth
March 29, 2008
Praying during your time of loss. May God bless and Keep you.
Louise Duckworth & April Family
Renee Harris-Wakefield
March 26, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Adrianna Bast
March 21, 2008
Laura, Junior, Louise and all who loved him. You can be proud that where ever Tony went smiles and laughter followed. Its not how long we have, its how that time is spent, and I think he loved every moment. From my family to all of yours, take care and remember him with smiles, he would want it that way.
Barbara Hare
March 20, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sister Mary Agnes Cross
March 19, 2008
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Ray and family, I just found out that Tony C. Ray went to his eternal reward. You have my deepest sympathy. I remember meeting him at the Center one time and he was wonderful and had a sense of humor. God bless all of you at this time. I am so sorry. You will be in my prayers. from Mary Agnes Cross, OSF
Jan (Shelby) Coble
March 19, 2008
Junior, Louise, Roy, Johnnie, Baby Jr. and the rest of the Ray family: God just got a bonus! My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Michael Johnson
March 18, 2008
To The Ray Family from the bottom of my heart. I know that god will take care of his childrens, so i say to you. You'll always be in my prays. Love your long but not lost Friend.
Dwayne & Cindy Garwood
March 18, 2008
Laura and the Ray Family,
What can I say about our T-Ray! He was the Man! He was the Best and we Loved him! I have Many, Many memories of him at our house over the years and all the laughs together! He called Dwayne "little buddy"and me "darlin" and Savannah "peanut". He had the sweetest heart and was always happy. 4 weeks ago he took and picked us up from the airport. We were just going to leave our truck there but he insisted that he take us. That was a specal time for the 3 of us. We talked about everything and Jamaica since he was getting married in Dec. I remember when Laura came into his life too! He was so in love with her! He was so excited to get married to Laura and start a family! He will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends! Ours heart will be sore for a long time! May God put his hands on all of our hearts at this time of sorrow! Tony we loved You! God Bless us all!
ADAl LEWIS(PAIGE)
March 18, 2008
Ray Family,
The words that we write you will comfort you,but only God is able to wipe your weeping eyes and heal your broken heart. My prayer are with you in the passing of your son.
gloria woods
March 18, 2008
On behalf of the Woods family in Atlanta, We send our deepest sympathy and the belief that the Lord will comfort you in this difficult time.
Tammie Gaston
March 18, 2008
Uncle Junior, Aunt Lou, Laura, Roy, Johnny, Junior and all of our family,
We are ALL experiencing a great deal of pain with the loss of Tony. But as Junior said "don't let this be in vain". Continue to share the stories and the smiles as he would have us to do. That is what will keep me going.
Smiles, Strength,and Blessing,
Tammie Ray Gaston and family
Sheila Ellis & Arthur Knox
March 18, 2008
Mrs. Ray and Family,
Sorry for the loss of your son, may God continue to bless you and your family during these hard times. I will keep you in my prayers.
Kimberly (Harris) Washington
March 18, 2008
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived. I went to school with Johnny & Willie and remember when Small was born. Tony was the Baby brother! May you carry his spirit in your heart always! I am deeply sorry for your Loss!
Lynn Wolfgram-Jensen
March 18, 2008
Mr. and Mrs. Ray and Family,
I wanted to express my deepest sympathies during your time of loss. I knew Tony while he was married to my sister Lori. A truly genuine man, he was always there when needed whether to lend a helping hand or just an ear to listen. I have many fond memories of visiting Stone Ridge and staying at the house with him and my sister.
Tony was an usher in my wedding in 2003 and was one of the light hearts that kept my husband cool and collected prior to the ceremony.
Even after Tony and my sister split, he kept in touch with cards and a gift for my daughter when she was born.
Tony touched many people in many ways and I am blessed to be one of these people. He will be missed by all that knew him.
I pray that you have friends to comfort you, faith to uphold you, and loving memories to help you smile again.
Tiffani Banaszak
March 17, 2008
My deepest condolences to Laura, Junior and everyone else missing Tony. He was always willing to help me out with my horses at home or at a show, he was generous with his knowledge and time and his quick wit and smile will be missed.
Marcia Fuller
March 17, 2008
Tony was a giver!! Giver of smiles, laughs, jokes, helping hand...whatever people needed. I remember he was closing his barn and I was just opening mine, and he brought his whole trailer full of horse equipment, and let me "shop". The whole time with a smile, knowing he was helping me get started. I still have and use all of those things. He helped our young trainer and invited her to his place to teach her training techniques when she was struggling. He was so great with my daughter and she looked for him at every show! I also bought my first at home saddldbred from him, and he helped me all the way with her! He shall be greatly missed by this family! God Bless.
Heather Marchiafava
March 17, 2008
I was shocked as many were in the Saddlehorse world to hear of the passing of Tony. He was a wonderful man, so kind and funny. His family and many friends are in my thoughts.
Anthony Shelby
March 17, 2008
Junoir, Lousie, Our families have known each other since you guys moved to Joliet. It's my prayer that as the days and weeks pass, you feel comforted by the memories of Tony along with the love and support of family and friends.
Ken an Rueshon Dantzler
March 17, 2008
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Margaret Strano
March 17, 2008
Words cannot express our sadness over your loss. Please know you, your family and friends continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Margaret & Marjorie Strano
Mary (Shelby) Casey & Family
March 17, 2008
Junior, Louise, Roy, Johnny, Baby Jr. & Family
I was so sorry to here about the loss of Tony. I had not seen him in a long time but I remember him as a cute kid who was definitely the baby of the family. Always sticking close to his Mom. Always had his big brothers looking out for him. Let your memories of Tony and all the good times you had be a comfort to you. May GOD bless you and keep you through this difficult time.
Sammie Lancia
March 17, 2008
Junior, Louise and Laura,
My deepest sympathy, and peace for all of you May God give you all the strength you need to get through your loss guided by the loving arms of all Tony's friends and extended family. He was a VERY SPECIAL person, always smiling and always helping the little person. He gave very freely of his talent, and I was one of many that he help truely out of the kindest of his heart. I will never forget him or his kindness and will think of him often, when I ride one of the horse that he broke! I will miss his love, laughes and smiles as will so many. GOD Speed.
Sammie Lancia - Midnight CappO'cino
Jennifer Shelby
March 17, 2008
To the Ray Family:
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I have many memories of our families growing up next door to each other. May your memories bring you comfort and peace in your time of grief.
Toyce Paige-Price
March 17, 2008
On behalf of the Paige Family, we wish to extend our deepest sympathy to the entire Ray Family. Our prayers is that the Heavenly Father give you beauty for your ashes and joy for your oil, the garment of praise for your heaviness that you may be called to the tree of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that you may be glorified in Jesus' name. I love you all. Roy you will always be my brother
Lori Ray
March 17, 2008
Dear Grandpa, Louise, Roy, Johnny, Junior, Laura, Small and all of your extended family,
I deeply regret and feel the pain of your loss. No words can express the pain that my family and I share with you. Both my parents and sisters extend their sympathies to you and pray that you will find solace in the wonderful life that you provided for your son. He had all of the kind qualities as a person and gentleness with a horse that his father has and all of the spirit and personality of his mother. I am grateful for having known and loved him and shared in ten years of his life and pray for your peace knowing he is at rest with God.
May God keep you close,
Michelle (Shelly) Luebke
March 16, 2008
Dear Laura, Junior and Ray Family - I am proud to say that Tony was a good friend to Craig and I. There is nowhere I can go now where I am not reminded of him in some way; the loss I feel is beyond words. I will miss his giggle - it seemed so funny coming out of that big guy. I will miss that wide grin and the way he used to call me 'darlin'. I will miss my trainer that believed I could show that gaited horse Danny when I was scared to death - it was likely the first and only time for me - I knew he would be there if I got into trouble. That was your boy... I picture him now with his old Chuck-Dog, off on some big adventure that we can't know about until we get to see him again - I will look forward to that day. Until then, I will think of Tony often and fondly and miss him terribly. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jeff Hayes
March 16, 2008
May God bless and keep you always...
Honor Mogul
March 16, 2008
Dear Loise and Junior,
My sincere condolences. My symathy and empathy. You are strong people and God is with you.
Honor Mogul
Rex & Shirley Parkinson
March 16, 2008
Our deepest sympathies to Jr, Louise, Laura and the rest of the Ray family. Tony will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Uncle Gil Romito
March 16, 2008
No words can express my deep sorrow for your loss as well as mine and many, many others. May peace be with you and yours. Uncle Gil & Steel in Love
Percy&Michelle Mabry
March 16, 2008
To, Lou & Junior
Our prayers are with you and the family for loss of a very special person and I know that the smile (Tony's)always kept and no words were needed to know something was up like going with Da and training the horses instead of going to school and your all fond memories will help see you and the family thru this time and the days ahead, and in time (Tony's) smile will still and alway make you smile and bring you comfort God bless You all.
Love, Mickey
Terrell Martin
March 16, 2008
I remember going too school with Tony, we were friends back in 3rd,4th and 5th grade. He had a great personality and everybody liked him. He will truly be missed by everyone that knew him.God bless all of you and and condolences from the whole Martin family.
Felinda Holmes
March 15, 2008
Mrs. Ray,
May God's love continue to comfort you and your family during this time.
Sean Phalen By-Rite Furniture
March 15, 2008
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
christopher mcnair
March 15, 2008
The loss of someone so close is difficult to bear. We share your grief.
CHRIS BATOZECH
March 15, 2008
LOUISE, JUNIOR,
ROY, JOHNNY, AND JUNIOR ,
PLEASE KNOW THAT WE ARE THINKING/PRAYING FOR YOU ALL DURING THIS SAD TIME , TONY WAS A TRULEY SWEET MAN , ALWAYS HAPPY,AND VERY FUNNY!
I WAS A BETTER MAN FOR HAVING KNOWN HIM ,
HE WILL BE MISSED .
WE LOVE , AND MISS YOU ALL
CHRIS AND STEPHANIE BATOZECH
JANET WOODS-ERVINS
March 15, 2008
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO THE RAY FAMILY IN THIS TIME OF NEED, MAY GOD KEEP YOU ALL STRONG. JANET ERVINS
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