Raymond “Ray” Stockton

In the Spring of 2021

Raymond “Ray” Leroy Stockton, age 74 of Grayville, IL passed unexpectedly and joined his Heavenly Father on December 9, 2020 at his home. Ray was born on April 3, 1946 to Eldon and Virginia (Redden) Stockton in Portsmouth, OH. He was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War with his deployment being in Korea. Ohio is where Ray would call home but over the years he lived in various places until he settled in the southern Illinois area near his family. He was a member of the Albion VFW and the American Legion in Albion. Ray was a member of Cornerstone Fellowship of Grayville where he was welcomed by his loving church family. Ray was a man of true faith who loved God and his country. He loved watching the St. Louis Cardinals play baseball. Ray loved his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and two sisters, Opal Dianne Clark and Cathy Copley. He leaves a lifetime of precious memories for his family to cherish, which includes his daughter, Melissa (Chris) Zint of Newburgh, IN, two sons, Raymond (Amy) Stockton of Mt. Carmel, IL and John (Sheri) Stockton of Grayville, IL, two sisters, Zetta Davidson and Leona Rader, three brothers: Riley Stockton, David Warnock and Robert Warnock. Also left with their own special memories are his 10 grandchildren: Brett, Layne, Levi, Brenndan, Bryce, Macy, Branten, Kade, Kristen and Kaylee, and 3 great grandsons: Ryker, Leon and Kolsyn, who faithfully received a birthday card from Grandpa Ray which often read May God Always Bless You and Keep you Safe.

A touching tribute by Julie Allen on Facebook captured the essence of Raymond and his friends from Ohio who were very important people in his life known as the “Fabulous Five”. “Growing up I was lucky enough to have the fabulous five in my life. We have lost the last one and now they are all in Heaven together. These men helped form the person I am today. There was my dad, Jerry who was the dancer, doing his hillbilly scoot. Ted, who was just like another father to me as he was the comedian always telling jokes. Uncle Matt was the storyteller. Uncle Ray was the entertainer playing his guitar and singing. Uncle Billy was the shy one, he didn’t talk much but you would get a nod and a “yelp” occasionally. All these men had families of their own but together we were all one great big family!

A private family inurnment of cremains will be held in the spring of 2021 at Scioto Burial Park in Rushtown, OH. Details will be provided to friends and family once the future arrangements have been made so that you can join us when the time comes.

Ray was a friendly man with amazing blue eyes and a beautiful smile. He was a deep thinker who loved to read anything that captured his attention. His worn bible is just one of many books he read over the course of his life. He had beautiful penmanship in his letter writing days and he left behind a treasure trove of stories of his life to be shared with those he loved. Ray loved that mighty Ohio River which is evidenced in a poem he penned in 1978, entitled Beautiful Ohio: “The Ohio, a river richly blessed, allowed to witness history; history at its best. You were here when man was not, you flowed without restraint. But soon the heroes were to come, you complied without complaint. Men such as Clark, Tecumseh and Boone, loved you and left you abandoned too soon. You may have worried or even have sighed, it’s hard to tell when a river has cried. You may think pollution has won, but river, old river, you’ll be here when all of us are gone.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com
Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the local arrangements.