Arthur Harrel Ray
Arthur Harrel Ray, 93, of Du Quoin, passed away at 3:58 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, 2014 at the Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.
Arthur worked as a buggy operator at the coal mine. Arthur was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Du Quoin. He was a member and served as Chaplin in the Du Quoin V.F.W. for several years. He was a member of the Du Quoin Knights of Columbus and Perry County Senior Citizens and served as president for 10 years. He was also a member of the U.M.W. of A Local 1545. Art was a big sports fan, avid gardener and bingo player.
He was a U.S. Army Veteran of World War II serving as a Sgt. in the 776 Amph Tank Bn Co. A. He served in the Southern Philippines and Ryukyus receiving two bronze stars for serving in the campaigns and the good conduct medal.
He was born June 6, 1921 at Christopher, Ill., the son of Charles Arthur and Wanda Leah (Silkwood) Ray.
He married Florence Marie Martin on March 17, 1942 at Du Quoin and she preceded him in death on March 15, 1987.
He then married Juanita (Thill) Hunt on June 9, 1991 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and she survives.
He is survived by his wife Juanita Ray of Du Quoin, two daughters - Joan Cavins and husband Roger of Crete, Ill. and Suzanne Majewski and husband Mike of Du Quoin, son-in-law - Paul Krone of Tamaroa, sister - Pat Huebner of Chicago, brother - Charles Ray and wife Vera of East Peoria, sister - Betty Overturf and husband Bob of Centralia, sister - Lynda Fornear and husband Adam of Sesser, eight grandchildren - Jeff Cavins of Crete, Ill., Gregg Cavins of Chesapeake, Va., Mark Cavins and wife Rebecca of Oswego, Ill., Gene Krone and Scott Latta of Du Quoin, Jason Krone of Rockford, Ill., Paul Krone and wife Casey of Pinckneyville, Amanda Majewski of St. Louis, Mo. and Melissa Leffner and husband Frank of Ashley, nine great-grandchildren - Nicholas Cavins, Brandon Cavins, Kennedy Cavins, Connor Cavins, Katie Cavins, Cambell Cavins, Dakota Krone, Gage Krone and Stella Leffner.
He was preceded in death by his parents, first wife - Florence Marie Ray, daughter - Carole Krone, and brother - Bill Ray.
Mass of Christian Burial was at 10:00 a.m. Monday, Dec. 15, 2014 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Du Quoin with Fr. Joseph Oganda officiating.
Visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Burial was at the Sacred Heart Cemetery at Du Quoin.
Friends may make memorials to Masses or Gold Plate and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Du Quoin V.F.W. and American Legion and the Army National Guard.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.