Raney Ray Sellers

Raney Ray Sellers, 84, of Atwood, IL passed away at 11:57 AM on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon, IL.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 at the United Church of Atwood, 210 North Main St., in Atwood, IL. A graveside service with Military Rites conducted by the Atwood American Legion James Reeder Post 770 will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 in the Mackville Cemetery in Atwood, IL. Rev. Mike Drake will officiate. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Ray was born on December 24, 1940 in Chester, IL to James Nathan and Grace Gladeen (Akers) Sellers. He married Diana L. Traxler on April 27, 1962 in St. Louis, MO. She passed away on October 30, 2023.

He is survived by two children, Marsha (Sellers) Eastin and her husband Lyle of Atwood, IL and Truman Sellers and his wife, Tina of Mt. Vernon, IL; grandchildren, Jeff Hendrix and his wife Amber of Tuscola, IL Stephanie Philpott and her husband Jordan of Mitchel, IN, Ryan Sellers of Mt. Vernon, IL, Krystal Porter and her husband Brad of Mt. Vernon, IL, McKenzie Welch and her husband Tyler of Mt. Vernon, IL and Baylie Tipton and her husband Clay of Lexington, KY; 13 great-grandchildren, and one great great grandchild on the way, due in May, siblings, Gene Sellers of Waterloo, IL, Larry Sellers of Downers Grove, IL, Ina Guethle of Columbia, IL, Joan Hoffman of Columbia, IL, Linda Freeman of Pekin, IL, Darla Schanuel and her husband Dave of Kansas City, MO, and Rhonda Sellers of O’Fallon, IL.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 61 years, Diana L. Sellers, three brothers and one sister.

Ray served in the 101st Airborne Division during the Korean War.

Ray worked for Mason Steel in Decatur, IL, as a welder and pipefitter for 24 years. Following the company’s acquisition by ADM, he continued his career there for an additional 32 years. Additionally, Ray ran and operated Traxler Lawn and Landscaping Center for many years.

Ray loved to share stories with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was always willing to go out of his way to help anyone in need.

In his free time, he enjoyed deer hunting and fishing, often spending time at his home pond, as well as Lake Shelbyville and Lake Decatur. Ray also had a passion for riding his motorcycle, particularly his Honda Goldwing.

Memorials may be made to the Douglas County Animal Shelter