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Junior Ray Obituary
Junior Ray, age 86, of Joliet, IL, passed away on the evening of Friday, March 15, 2024. Junior is survived by his sons, Roy (Melanie) Smith, Johnny Ray, and Junior Ray II; grandchildren, Sharmika, Willie (Small), Jeremy, Amanda, Ariel, Tyler, Shannon, and Ian; special friends, Julio Rodriguez, Chad Cole, Samuel Lee Stokes Jr., Lynn, and Margaret Durant; and numerous great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
His death is preceded by his parents, James "Bus" Ray and Gracie Harris Ray; wife, Louise; sons, Willie and Tony; brothers and sisters, Zanders, Camay, Anna Mae, Bill, JB, Gradie, Thealos (Cat), and his twin, Jim; grandson, Matthew, and partner, Sharon Brumm Power.
Friends and family are gathering together for visitation on Thursday, March 21, 2024 4:00-7:00 PM at ST. PAUL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH, 1404 S. BRIGGS ST, JOLIET, IL 60433 and Visitation Friday, March 22, 2024 from 10:00-11:00 AM at ST. PAUL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH. Service at 11:00 AM and Interment will follow at Mt. Vernon Memorial Estates in Lemont, IL. Following the burial, a funeral repast will be held at Cemeno's Pizza - 1630 Essington Rd, Joliet, IL 60435, from 1:30-4:30PM.
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Memories and Condolences
for Junior Ray
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Robert Breeding
March 25, 2024
Mr. Ray was a hard working man. No one knew more an about Horses than him.
David McClinton
March 22, 2024
My condolences cousins
Denise Mocny Pletzke
March 21, 2024
Junior Ray was the most kind, steady and successful mentor I have ever known. I was about eight. I spent hours together with his wife Louise, as he trained the horses with Jeanette Heisler and later with Jeanette´s husband, Dick Durant. This was at my parent´s, Bob and Lorraine Mocny´s stable Rolling Meadows in the 60´s in Lemont, IL. I am sending my deep condolences on behalf of my late parents and late brothers, Jaime and Skip. I also send my deep appreciation to Lynn and Margaret Durant. Those were the best years of my life.
Junior Ray will always be The Magic Man!
LaTonya Walker
March 19, 2024
To one great uncle! Uncle Junior was always smiling and happy even when life threw many curve balls! You were as genuine as can be and there are Not a whole lot of people in this world that measure up to you! Rest well my uncle, rest well!
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Nancy Bodnar
March 19, 2024
Jr. will
be missed immensely! Hang out with Clarence and Sonny! I can just hear the stories
Cheryl Rangel
March 19, 2024
Not just a gentleman but a Gentle Man
Sheila Ray
March 19, 2024
Thank you for your peaceful contribution to the family and wonderful smile. You have always treated me with kindness. It was a pleasure to be called your daughter-in-law. I still carry your last name with honor.
Rest in peace,
Sheila Ray
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