William Jessie Ray Minard

WILLIAM JESSIE RAY MINARD CROWN POINT, IN William Jessie Ray Minard, age 76, of Crown Point passed away Saturday morning, February 9, 2013. He is survived by his loving wife, Irene, of 57 years; his children: James (Paula) of Crown Point and Janice (Billy) Young of Brownsberg, IN; grandchildren: Jamie (Rae Anne) Minard, William (Gina) Young, Kelly Minard, Suzanne (Tim) Sullivan, and Jennifer (Cain) Noojin; great grandchildren: Kayla, Courtney, Jonathan, Grace, Nathan, Zoe, Megan, Tyler, Connor, Charles, Jacob, Devin, and Benjamin; sister, Mary Louise Ward of Luverne, AL; brother and sisters-in-law: Ray and Laura Dunn of Ringgold, GA and Lori (late Paul) Dunn of Northport, AL; many nieces and nephews. William was born on December 13, 1936 in Greenville, AL to Earnest and Lucy Minard. He lived his early years running around in Butler County, AL. While working at an orange grove in Florida, he fell out of a orange tree and fell in love with Irene. William was a member of the U.S. Army Reserves. While living in Indiana he belonged to the Griffith Masonic Lodge # 735 F & AM. He went on to obtain the 32nd Degree Scottish Rite. Ray, known to his family and friends, during his life worked and lived in Alabama, Florida and Indiana. Working most of his life as a diesel mechanic, then retiring to Tuscaloosa, AL. Wanting to spend time with their grandchildren they moved back to Indiana. Friends are invited to visit with the family on Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at the Chapel Lawn Funeral Home from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, February 13, 2013 at 12:00 noon at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 8178 Cline Ave., Schererville (219) 365-9554. We want to thank the nurses, Dr. Pierce and Dr. Don at Pinnacle Hospital, and Vistas Hospice for all the care and support to the family. One of his greatest joys was spending time with his great grandchildren.