Obituary for Ray Dean Reavis
Ray Dean Reavis, age 90 of Bartonville passed away peacefully Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 2:00a.m. at UnityPoint Health Methodist Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. He spent his final week of life surrounded by his family. Ray was born on the Reavis Family Farm in rural Mulberry Grove, Illinois on September 11, 1932 to Ira M and Bernice (Wright) Reavis. He married Marlyn L. Grigg on her 19th birthday on June 24, 1953 in Mulberry Grove. Ray and Marlyn were married for 66 years. Marlyn passed away in January of 2020.
Ray is survived by his three children: Rayla Shope and Rinda (Wayne) Durham both of Bartonville and Kevin (Debbie) Reavis of Wee Ma Tuk Hills. He is also survived by 4 grandchildren: Christa (Chad) Fuchs, Callie Durham, Cory Durham, Robyn Shope and 2 great grandchildren, Kaleb and Mariah Fuchs. His parents and four siblings preceded him in death. Brother Jay Reavis, and sister Rotha (Dean) Walton of Vandalia, Illinois and sister Norma Jean (Skip) Smith of Pekin, Illinois and one sibling who died in infancy. He was also preceded in death by his son-in-law Rocky Shope in August of this year.
Ray was a Korean War veteran having served in the United States Air Force from 1949 to 1953. He spent the remainder of his working years in the airline industry. He was employed with Ozark Airlines for 27 years in Peoria before moving to Orlando Florida to finish his career with TWA, retiring in 1994. Ray and Marlyn moved back to Bartonville in 1994 to be close to family but continued to enjoy life on the road spending the winter months in Florida. He was a “jack of all trades” who enjoyed the challenge of fixing things. Ray was an avid boater on the Illinois River from the mid 1960s through the early 1980s. Upon entering retirement, he changed his focus to restoring vintage automobiles. He loved to spend his days tinkering in his garage.
Ray’s family would like to express their profound gratitude to Dr. Goksel and the staff at Illinois Cancer Care for gently helping Ray navigate the challenges of the last 12 months. For this we are forever grateful.
Cremation rites have been accorded and in observance of his wishes, there will be no memorial service. A private celebration of life will occur at a later date. Memorials in his name may be made to Bartonville Fire & Rescue.
The Cremation Society of Mid-Illinois Co. Pekin/Peoria is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at csmico.com
To plant a tree in memory of Ray Dean Reavis, visit the Tribute Store.
Loading...