Obituary: William “Bill” Gerald Ray

William “Bill” Gerald Ray (December 11, 1951 – August 14, 2024)

William “Bill” Gerald Ray, 72, of Clinton, Mich., passed away on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, unexpectedly in Clinton. Bill’s family and friends will gather from 9:30am to 11am, on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Emanuel United Church of Christ in Manchester, Mich. His funeral services will follow at 11am. Rev. Dr. Gene Blair will serve as officiant.

Bill was born on December 11, 1951, in Chicago, Ill., to William and Mary (Jacobson) Ray. At the age of 10, his mother unexpectedly passed away and his Aunt Florence and Uncle Alvin welcomed him into their home and adopted him into their hearts and blessed him with a family of brothers and sisters. Bill married the love of his life, Linda Brown, on March 13, 2004, in Maui, Hawaii. He graduated from Saline High School with the class of 1970 and received an associate’s degree from Cleary University. Bill spent more than 30 years at GM as a receiving clerk. His true passion was his family! Bill loved spending time with their children and grandchildren and just spending as much time as possible with his brothers and sisters. During his spare time, he enjoyed painting. Bill was part of the Iron Creek Church until its closing and recently started attending Clinton Baptist in Clinton, Mich. He will be remembered as a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather, who will truly be missed.

Bill will be missed by his spouse, Linda Ray; his children, Christopher (Katie) Ray, Nicholas (Courtney) Ray, Craig Greene, Kristy Greene, and Kevin Greene; his siblings, Sherry (Randy) Haas, Jim (Sylvia) Heskett, Kati O’Grady, Allen (Debbie) Heskett, and Bob (Sandy) Heskett; grandchildren, Hayley Ray, Everett Ray, Nolan Ray, Joanna Greene, and Racquel Greene; many nieces and nephews; and many great-nieces and -nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Rick Heskett; his granddaughter, Alexis Greene; and his nephew, Adam Heskett.

Memorial contributions may be given to the family for future designation.  Please leave a message of comfort for Bill’s family or sign his guestbook at www.EinederFuneralHomes.com.

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.