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Timothy Ray Obituary
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TIMOTHY 'TIM' RAY
WOOD RIVER — Timothy G. "Tim" Ray, 49, passed away at 10:54 a.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2015, in Pontoon Beach. He was born on August 9, 1965, in Alton, the son of the late Denver and Lois (Wood) Ray. He married the love of his life, Melinda Prater, on Nov. 3, 2001, in Eureka Springs, Ark., and she survives. Other survivors include two daughters, Grace Ray of Wood River, Lilliana Ray of Wood River, two sisters and brothers-in-law: Kathryn and Wayne Van Winkle of Bethalto, Tina and Keith Zumwalt of Wood River; four brothers and sisters in law: Gary and Shirley Ray of Godfrey, Christopher and Melann Ray of Wood River, Rick and Alice Ray of Alton, Joe and Judy Ray of Bunker Hill, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and other extended family and friends.
He was employed as an engineer at Emerson Electric for 25 years. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan, he loved watching the St. Louis Rams, and was an avid golfer. His girls were the love of his life.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one sister, Lori Vinyard in May 2014.
In celebration of his life, memorial visitation will be from 10 a.m. until time of memorial services at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 27, 2015, at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River. Pastor Erik Scottberg will officiate. Private inurnment will be at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.
Memorials are suggested to Options Now or to Our Lady Queen of Peace School, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Timothy Ray
Darin Ufert
March 27, 2015
Tim and I were best friends from the age of 5 until high school. We kind of lost touch, which I truly regret. My prayers are with all of you.
March 27, 2015
Tina-I just found out about your brother. I am so sorry for your loss. God must know your family is made of some strong believers. Keeping all of you in my prayers.
Debbie O'Dell
Tracy Virtue
March 27, 2015
Such good memories working with Tim over the years. He was a great mentor and friend. Praying for Melinda and his girls.
Vicki Meeks Murphy
March 27, 2015
So sorry to hear this. RiIP Tim
Tom Settles
March 26, 2015
Tim and I had some unforgettable times growing up. He will be missed. My prayers and sympathy to his family.
Darrell Vollmer
March 26, 2015
We had a lot great times back in the day Tim. My prayers to all who will miss you.
Jane Crouch
March 26, 2015
Tina, I am so sorry for your loss. May God provide you all the strength you need.
Dale Alcorn
March 25, 2015
I am deeply saddened to hear of your family's loss. Please cling to the happy memories that you have.
Steve Hobbs
March 25, 2015
Tim was like a brother to me growing up and it greatly saddens me to hear of his passing. I will always treasure his great sense of humor and all the fun times we shared growing up. My thoughts and prayers go out to Melinda and the children as well as the entire Ray family. God be with you all at this very sad time.
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Pitchford Funeral Home - Wood River2555 Vaughn Road, Wood River, IL 62095
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