Ray V. \"Big Daddy\" Gore

Ray V. “Big Daddy” Gore, age 83 years, a resident of Cypress, IL. Passed away Tuesday evening, July 27, 2004, at 11:12 PM at Western Baptist Hospital in Paducah, KY. Ray was born April 13, 1921 in Cypress, IL. He was the son of James Oscar Gore & Rosie Mae (Eastwood) Gore. Ray was united in marriage to Estelle “Cubby” (Wilkes) Gore on July 8, 1944 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She preceded him in death May 13, 2004. Survivors include: a Daughter – Diane Terry, and her husband Jay, of Cypress, IL; 2 Grandchildren – Shawn Roberts, and her husband Greg, of Carbondale, IL; James Oscar “J.O.” Fadely of Vienna, IL 2 Great Granddaughters - Destiny Nichole & BriAnna Denise; a former Son-in-Law – Jim Fadely; Nieces & Nephews In addition to his Parents & Wife, Ray was preceded in death by: 2 Brothers – James Utley & Carl Utley and 2 Sisters – Mildred Brown & Madge Crow During the 1930’s, Ray was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Ray was a U.S.Army veteran, having served in the European Theater of Operation during World War II. He participated in the Battle of the Bulge. Ray was a Life Member of the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post 5222 in Vienna, IL. He was also a member of the American Legion. Ray was employed as an Operating Engineer until his retirement in 1982. He was a 50 year member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local # 318. Ray was a Mason. He was a member and 8-time Past Master of Stone Arch Masonic Lodge # 953 A.F.& A.M. Additionally, Ray was bestowed with Honorary Memberships in the following Masonic Lodges: Metropolis Lodge # 91 A.F. & A.M., Saline Lodge # 339 A.F. & A.M., Brookport Lodge # 232 A.F. & A.M., Gurney Lodge # 778 A.F. & A.M., Sesser Lodge # 918 A.F. & A.M., Murphysboro Lodge # 498 A.F. & A.M., Bay City Lodge # 771 A.F. & A.M., Vienna Lodge # 150 A.F. & A.M., and Belknap Lodge # 822 A.F. & A.M. Ray was also a member of the Robert E. Lee Order # 46 Sword of Bunker Hill at Brookport, IL. Ray was a member of the Cypress Baptist Church, where he served as Sunday School Superintendent. Ray was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing, rabbit hunting, & gardening. Ray was a Cancer Survivor and, along with his Grandson “J.O.”, had participated in past Johnson County Relay for Life events. Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon, July 31, 2004, at 1:30 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Rev. Gary O’Neal will officiate. Interment will be in the Masonic Cemetery at Cypress, IL. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post 5222. Friends may call from 6 PM – 8 PM Friday at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Masonic rites, under the auspices of Stone Arch Lodge # 953 A.F. & A.M., will be conducted at 7:30 PM Friday. Memorials may be made to the Heather Harper-Treat Memorial Cancer Fund, PO Box 98, Vienna, IL 62995; The American Lung Association, 3000 Kelly Lane, Springfield, IL 62707; or the Illinois Masonic Children’s Home, 101 Masonic Drive, Murphysboro, IL 62966.

Ray V. \"Big Daddy\" Gore

April 13, 1921 - July 27, 2004