Jerry Jay Ray

Jerry Jay Ray, 74, of Bolingbrook, IL, formerly of Arthur, IL, passed away at 2:35pm on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Endeavor Health Edward Hospital in Naperville, surrounded by his family.

Jerry was born on July 21, 1952, in Tuscola, IL. He was the son of Willis “Dude” and Helen (Piper) Ray. He married Gwen McElroy on June 28, 1975, at the Vine Street Christian Church in Arthur, IL and they shared 51 years of marriage.

He is survived by his wife, Gwen Ray of Bolingbrook, IL, and his two children, Justin (Lisa) Ray of Dallas, GA, and Shelby Ray of Oswego, IL. He is also survived by his two grandchildren, Chase Ray (14) and Jaylee Rick (15); his step-grandchildren, Brady (Michelle) Mast, Lindsey (Derek) Blodgett, and Jaden (Lily) Mast; and his great-grandchildren, Scotland Mast and Miles Blodgett. Also, a bonus son from Germany (currently resides in Zurich, Switzerland) who joined the family as a foreign exchange student in 1996, Frederic Tobien (Anne) and their daughters, Leonie and Clara.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother and sister-in-law, Jan and Alice Ray; his sister and brother-in-law, Jacqueline and Roger Lauterjung; his nephews, Jason Ray and Eric Lauterjung; and many aunts and uncles.

Jerry was a 1970 graduate of Arthur High School and attended Lake Land College before starting his career at Schrock Cabinet Company (now MasterBrand Cabinets, Inc.) in 1973. In his 31 years there, he held positions including Human Resources Manager and Safety Manager, and he was best known for being the kind of leader people wanted to follow. He retired from MasterBrand in 2004 and spent a year consulting local businesses before taking his talents to MidState Tank in 2005, retiring fully in 2014.

Jerry was a member of the Vine Street Christian Church. He was very active in the community and loved the Village of Arthur and the people who made the community so special. He was a member of the Arthur Rotary Club, the Arthur Park Board, and the Arthur High School Sports Boosters, and he was President of all three organizations at the same time. He was a member of the Arthur Fire Department for 15 years and earned Honorary Retirement. With his impact on local business and the community, in 1997 he was recognized for making distinctive contributions where he was awarded the Business Ethics & Social Involvement (BESI) Award.

Jerry loved being anywhere on the water, but especially Lake Shelbyville. He loved coaching his kids in sports and was passionate about watching his grandkids play. He spent many hours at the softball and baseball fields, the football field, and watching volleyball. He was the loudest and proudest Papa, cheering on every player like they were his grandchild. He was an avid lover of sports, but especially his Chicago Cubs and Fighting Illini.

Jerry was the kind of person that if you met him even once, he was impossible to forget. He was always making everyone feel special and loved. He was the Papa that never said no and lived to bring joy to his grandchildren. Even in the Liberty Green neighborhood where Jerry and Gwen lived, he was loved not only by all the people but by furry friends too. All the dogs stopped by because they knew Jerry had treats.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the Vine Street Christian Church, 249 South Vine Street, Arthur, IL. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the church. Burial will be in the Arthur Cemetery. Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Memorials may be made to Vine Street Christian Church.