Lester Allen Ray, Sr.

Lester Allen Ray lost his long courageous battle with cancer on July 12, 2019 surrounded by his loving wife Sandy (Gurchie) Ray of 38 years, son Scott Ray, and mother-in-law, Barbara Gurchie. He is now at peace and no longer in pain.

Lester was born to Gordon F. "Buster" Ray and Pearl A. "Dolly" (O'Riley) Ray on December 28, 1953, in Danville, IL at St. Elizabeth Hospital. Lester served his country in the U.S. Army at Ft. Lewis, Washington, along with five of his brothers.  He is survived by two brothers, Lawrence D. “Larry” (Janet) Ray of Danville, IL, Gary Dean (Kristy) Ray of Portage, IN and one sister, Bessie P. Clauson, his daughter Catrina Hinchman and granddaughters Cidney and Addy, mother-in-law Barbara Gurchie and brother-in-law Kevin Gurchie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons Lester A. Ray Jr., and Jason Ray, also four brothers, Gordon F. (Buddy) Ray, Lewis Earl (Nick) Ray, Wayne Arthur Ray, and Harold Gene Ray and his father-in-law William Gurchie.

Lester attended school in Danville and Hammond, Indiana and graduated from Danville High School. Lester held many jobs but was usually associated with extermination companies and at one time owned his own truck and was an over the road truck driver. He loved watching old black and white westerns of which his favorite movie was Tombstone which he and his brother Larry would watch over and over and over again and cite the movie word for word.

 Thank you to his Hospice nurses Rick and Marg for the special care that was given to Lester and a very special thank you to Rick for the jokes and stories that they shared during his time in Hospice. Rick was not only a Hospice nurse to Lester but had also become a very special friend. His friendship will continue to be valued greatly.

Fly high Lester, you are so loved and already so greatly missed.

Private services have already been held.

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