Ray Caraker

Ray Caraker Age: 74 years A resident of Hallsville, Missouri since 2006 and a former resident of Harrisburg, IL and Vienna, IL Passed away Sunday morning, October 11, 2009, at 3:53 AM at his home in Hallsville, Misouri. Ray was born April 14, 1935 in the Buncombe community, Johnson County Illinois. He was the son of Charles & Ida (Thornton) Caraker. Ray was united in marriage to Joyce Whitehead on June 24, 1955 at the Vienna First Christian Church. In addition to his wife, Ray is survived by: a Daughter - Tammy of Moreno Valley, California a Son - Chad (and his wife Susan) of Columbia, MO 3 Grandchildren - Charlie of Moreno Valley, California Jessica and Caleb of Columbia, MO a Sister - Maryann Snyder of Tulsa, Oklahoma In addition to his Parents, Ray was preceded in death by: 2 Brothers - Lewis Dee and T.J. Caraker a Sister - Paula Price Ray was a 1952 graduate of Vienna High School. From 1958-1960, Ray served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. Ray began his working career as a dispatcher with the New York Central (Penn Central/Conrail) Railroad in 1952. He was employed as a railroad agent, retiring in 1984. Following his retirement, Ray worked as an independent insurance agent and later worked for Williams & Associates Insurance Agency. Ray was a member of the Harrisburg First Christian Church. He loved people and visiting with everyone. Ray especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, who were the loves of his life. He also enjoyed football and was a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. Ray loved listening to music and especially enjoyed Gaither Homecoming gospel music. A Memorial Service will be conducted Saturday, October 17, 2009, at 1 PM at the Harrisburg First Christian Church, 20 S. Webster Street, Harrisburg, IL. Brother Howard Scott will officiate. Burial will be in the Cedar Grove Cemetery near Buncombe. Military graveside rites will be accorded. The family will receive friends from 11 AM - 1 PM Saturday at the Harrisburg First Christian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hospice Compassus, 3050 I-70 Drive SE, Suite 100, Columbia, Missouri 65201 or to the Ellis Fischel Cancer Center, 115 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia, Missouri 65203.

Ray Caraker

April 4, 1935 - October 11, 2009