Lester Dale Ray

Lester Ray, 83, of Sidney, IL, passed away at 2:54 PM on January 12, 2012 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Lester was born on May 20, 1928 in Danville the son of Lawrence Oliver and Effie (Nier) Ray. He married Rosalie Lindsey in Catlin, IL in 1947. She survives. He is survived by one son-Ron Ray of Sidney, IL, one sister-Arlene Neal of Danville, IL, three grandsons-Travis (Leah) Ray of Westfield, IN, Troy (Andrea) Ray of St. Joseph, IL, Tim Ray of Ogden, IL, four great-grandchildren-Addison Rose Ray, Korben Dale, Graham and Eston Charles Ray and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and four sisters. Lester started out his working career at Grab It Here grocery store in Danville as a meat cutter then later opened Ray's Market in Ogden, IL and ran it for 22 years before retiring in 1980 to Springhill, Florida where is grandchildren would often visit. He enjoyed woodworking, making crafts for the yard, being outdoors, watching the birds, and especially loved his dogs gidget and peppercorn. Lester was a huge Nascar fan and his favorite driver was Jeff Gordon. A celebration of Lester's life will take place on Monday January 16, 2012 at 2 PM at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center, A Life Celebration Home in Danville with Pastor James Blue officiating. A visitation will be held from 1-2 PM on Monday January 16, 2012 at the funeral home. Burial will be at Spring Hill Cemetery in Danville. Memorials may be left in Lester's name to the Elks Children's Care Corp. Please join Lester's family in sharing photos, videos, and memories of him on his tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com