William “Bill” Dean Ray, 79 of Clinton passed away at his home surrounded by family on Sunday August 4, 2024. He was born in Johnston City, Illinois on September 28, 1944, to Herman and Vivian (Lannom) Ray.

Those preceding William in death are his parents, wife Hazel Ray, son William D. Ray, daughter Katherine L. Christensen, granddaughter Tiffany Estes, grandson David Christensen, brothers-in-law Howard Jolly and Jim McKenzie.

William was in the United States Navy during Vietnam and served on the submarine USS Grampus. He retired from Eli Lilly where he was a maintenance supervisor.

Survivors include his daughters Bekki Garthwaite (JT) Terre Haute, IN., Cindy Denson (Kenny) of Paris, IL., Sherri Morris of Indianapolis, IN., Tabatha Addison (Mike) Fallbrook, CA., and Amanda Fordyce of Surprise, AZ., son Pete Morris of Clinton, IN., brother Ed Ray (Beverly) of West Frankfort, IL., sisters Ruth Jolly of Channahon, IL., and Gail McKenzie of  El Cajon, CA., son-in-law Dale Christensen of Diamond, IL., 22 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be at Frist Funeral Home on Friday August 9, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 12:00 p.m. including military honors. Pastor Paul LeClercq officiating. Cremation will follow.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Tunnels to Towers Foundation or Wounded Warrior Project in memory of William.

Online condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.fristfuneralhome.com