John Vincent Ray

He was born on April 26, 1941 in Springfield, the son of the late Joseph V. and Margaret R. Ray. He married Shirley Jean Belden and they later divorced. He later married Mary Haggerman and she preceded him in death in 2012.

Mr. Ray worked as a union painter with the Painter’s Union Local #90. He loved fishing, drinking beer, and working on boat motors and motorcycles. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends and loved his 2 dogs.

He is survived by his children Juanita Christine (husband Tregg) Jipp of Normal, IL and Jerry (wife Michelle) Ray of Athens, IL; 9 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents and his wife Mary, he was preceded in death by a son John Vincent Ray, Jr., 4 brothers, Tom, Jim, Pat, and Larry Ray, and a sister Mary Ray.

Services are under the direction of Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen, Springfield where visitation will be held on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015 from 11 am until time of the funeral service at 1 pm, with Pastor Tony Laughhunn officiating. Cremation rites will follow and inurnment at Oak Ridge Cemetery will take place on Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2015 at 10 am.

Memorials may be made to the APL (Animal Protective League).

Please visit the online obituary at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com where tributes and condolences may be left for the family.