Harold Lewis Ray

Harold Lewis Ray, 71
Rockford - Harold Lewis Ray, 71, passed away Wednesday, December 16, 2015, in his home surrounded by his loving family. Born November 15, 1944, in Rockford, the son of Peers and Mary Elizabeth (Stocking) Ray. Graduated from Rockford East High School, class of 1962. He went on to receive his BA from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1967. Served in the US Air Force as a Captain from 1967 to 1971. Married Brenda Beachy May 12, 1967, at Calvary Methodist Church in Bloomington, IL. After serving in the US Air Force, he received his teaching certificate from Rockford College. Later he served as a substitute teacher for the Rockford 205 schools.
He worked as an insurance claims adjuster and supervisor for Rockford Mutual Insurance Company, retiring in 2001.
He enjoyed watching the Chicago Bears, doing crossword puzzles, listening to music, taking walks, sharing trivia, working on his computer, but most of all he loved spending time with his family and grandchildren supporting them in their activities. His unique sense of humor kept everyone smiling even in his final days.
He is survived by wife Brenda; children Tania (Eb) Moore, Tamara (Reggie) Pugh, Tasha (Jake) Petre, David (Jaime) Ray, Brandon (Megan) Ray, Justin (fiancée Jamie) Ray, Michael (girlfriend Bethany) Ray; grandchildren Tyler (fiancée Destine), Taylor, Maurie, Taryn, Tamarcus, Shalyn, Breanna, Nicholas, Caleb, Meladie, Olivia, Aubrey, and Bryson; great grandchildren Te’vion and Tre’mir; brothers Rev. Gordon (Colleen) Ray and Alan (Lydia Young) Ray.
Service will be 11 a.m. Monday, December 21, 2015, at The Unitarian Universalist Church, 4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107 with the Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson officiating. Visitation will be 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL, and from 10 a.m. until service time Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to either Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary, 111 N 1st St, Rockford, IL 61107, Visiting Nurses Association Hospice, 4223 E. State St, Rockford, IL 61108, or to American Cancer Society in Harold’s name. Arrangements by Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, Il 61108. – Send online condolences to www.fitzgeraldfh.com