By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
39 Comments
    • Service

      Outdoor Memorial Service

      Saturday July 11, 2020

      10 a.m. CDT

      At the Ray Marks home

      (352 Co Rd 1850 N, West Salem, IL 62476)

    • Full Obituary

      Ray Alan Marks passed away on July 5, 2020 at St. Vincent Hospital in Evansville, IN.
      Ray was born August 19, 1932 near West Salem, IL.
      Ray was the son of Pernie and Ruth (Reckling) Marks. He married Ruby Lee McKnight on March 4, 1951. To this marriage of 69 years, 4 children were born. Two Daughters, Terry (Dr. Ronald) Gill of Bone Gap, IL, Dixie (Jerry) Timbrook of Chambersburg, PA, and two sons, Tom (Karen) Marks of West Salem, IL, and Tim (Christy) Marks of Lebanon, IN. 11 grandchildren: Jennifer Gill (Scott) Cantner, Alissa Gill (Nick) Stieber, Rana Gill (Josh) Walker, Lindsay Gill (Peter) Stevens; Paula Timbrook (Eddie) Byrne, Amy Timbrook (Matt) Caton, Sarah Timbrook (Mark) Dodson; Randall (Kaytlyn) Marks, Miranda Marks, Andrea Marks (Jake) Staley; Katriel Marks; and 21 great grandchildren and one on the way.
      Ray was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Gene, and one great grandchild.
      Above all else, Ray loved God, Jesus Christ his Savior, his family, and his country. Ray was a lifelong member of Marion Christian Church where he served as an Elder, Deacon and Sunday School Teacher for more than 60 years. Ray was deeply committed to the Biblical education of young people. This commitment led him to serve on the board of Oil Belt Christian Service Camp for 50 years.
      Ray was a lifelong farmer in Edwards County. He served on the county USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) committee for 25 years. He was a Pioneer Seed Corn Sales Representative until 1996. He loved quail hunting with his brother-in-law Gene Hammell. In his younger years, he was the catcher for the Bennington Bears and many other local baseball and softball teams.
      An Outdoor Memorial Service will be held at 10am CDT Saturday, July 11, 2020 at the Ray Marks home (352 County Road 1850 N, West Salem, IL 62476). For those attendees who choose to remain in their cars for the service, it will be broadcast on a frequency that is accessible through your car radio. If you choose to wear a mask, please bring your own. The family will have a limited supply of masks for those who do not have one available. Burial will be at Macedonia Cemetery.
      In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Oil Belt Christian Service Camp, and/or Marion Christian Church, and will be accepted by Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home.
      Online condolences and fond memories are encouraged and may be shared with the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com
      Ingram-Meridith Funeral Home of West Salem is honored to be entrusted with the arrangements.

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    39 Condolences
     
    1. Brenda Hart / July 6, 2020 at 4:49 pm

      Steve and I are so sorry about the loss of your beloved dad. We enjoyed each visit with this kind and gentle man. He was a respected family man and excellent farmer. He was an integral part of your family and will certainly be sorely missed. Love, prayers, and long-distance hugs.

      Brenda & Stephen Hart
      Newport News VA

    2. Danny Lankford / July 6, 2020 at 7:13 pm

      Condolences to all of the family on the passing of Ray.
      Ray’Marks’ 50 years of leadership and vision for Oil Belt Church Camp has allowed it to be a major part of this area’s strong Christian faith-base, and has had influence throughout the U.S. and many other countries, via its campers and their spiritual growth at the camp.
      A true gentleman and example.

    3. Donnie And Sherry / July 6, 2020 at 7:44 pm

      Ray was very good man. Great family going to be missed. He is definitely in a better place today and forever.

    4. Russell Courson / July 7, 2020 at 12:45 am

      A great Christian man served on the Oil Belt Camp Board with Ray

    5. L Taylor / July 7, 2020 at 6:43 am

      I’m so sorry to hear this. Mr. Mark’s was always the kindest gentleman….there aren’t many left like him. I think of him and his family often as I drive by the house….he will be missed by this community, like too many before him. The season of showing yourself to be a friendly person is dying away, and replacing it is arrogance and self-centeredness…so sad, but Ray Mark’s was a shining example of a friendly attitude towards all he met.

    6. Eldon and Sue Potts / July 7, 2020 at 7:27 am

      Ruby and family, so saddened to hear of Ray’s passing. He was a great example to all who knew him and you definitely knew he knew his Lord. We will miss him greatly. May God be ever close to you now with peace and comfort. The Potts’

    7. Glenna R / July 7, 2020 at 7:53 am

      My heart goes out to all of you! I will always remember how Ray was constantly smiling and he always had time to say hi. He was such a wonderful man and I will miss him. Prayers for all of you!

    8. Coy Patton / July 7, 2020 at 9:56 am

      I only knew Mr Ray from the videos by his son Tim. But that being the case, his love for family and for our Lord was always evident in the way he present himself.
      Only knowing him in this manner, there are tears in my eyes as I type.
      So sadden fir your lost, but rest assured that he now resides in the arms of Jesus! There is no more pain, no more sorrow, no more tears for Mr. Ray!
      As a parting thought for everyone who interacted with him on a regular basis, stay the course with Jesus and it will be a short while till the words of the old hymn-Till We Meet Again—will come true for you! May Jesus bless you and comfort you!

    9. thomas givens / July 7, 2020 at 10:40 am

      An Earthly loss but a Great Heavenly gain.

    10. Danny Adams / July 7, 2020 at 10:54 am

      So very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to your family. Blessed to know Ray thru Tim and Christy and the whole TTWT Family. May god bless you all.

    11. curtis arndt / July 7, 2020 at 12:13 pm

      So sorry for your loss Tim, Christy, and Katriel my condolences to the whole Marks family !

    12. Larry and Ginger Boewe / July 7, 2020 at 1:29 pm

      Very sorry to learn of Ray’s passing. His family is in our prayers.

    13. Karen L. Smith / July 7, 2020 at 5:10 pm

      So very sorry for the family’s loss !! Ray was a very nice and friendly man who will be missed by many. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the family at this sad time.

    14. Allen Evans / July 7, 2020 at 5:45 pm

      I farmed with my dad as Tim has done and know the special memories that Tim will carry for all his life. I only know of Tim’s dad through Tim’s videos but love him all the same through his gentle spirit that was so evident. Christ shined through him and through his son and Tim’s family. Love and blessings in Christ as you spend these next few days together remembering Ray and loving each other. Tim- I’m sure your dad would say to you as God did his son, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:13
      – Allen, Caldwell, Idaho

    15. Kevin / July 7, 2020 at 5:58 pm

      Rest in Peace and thank you for letting us into your life through YouTube on Tractor Time with Tim.

    16. Mark Brewer / July 7, 2020 at 6:20 pm

      We only knew Mr Marks by being an avid TTWT viewer, but we can tell Ray was very close to the Lord and has passed that on to Tim and we enjoy all I th bible verses each episode end with . Take care and Thank you for sharing your kind hearted hard-working dad with all of us viewers

    17. Edward G Russell, Jr / July 7, 2020 at 7:48 pm

      To the Marks family, you one and all have my deepest condolence … i was truly touched by the video you shared of you and your dad working together on his last day. What a blessing was bestowed upon you that day to tend to God’s soil with your dad. My dad was Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and an Elementary School Principal, but he loved farming. I have many wonderful memories with my dad on the farm. When you shared this video I realized how special that day will always hold for you. It brings tears to my eyes that our Lord would gift us with these special moments before He calls His children home. In a world with so many troubles, He still takes the time to gifts us with these special moments to say I am still in control in all circumstances, I am the Comforter, and I will renew your faith, and I with walk with you all the days of your life. God bless each family member and when your days are emotional heavy, remember to pray your heart’s burdens and needs to the Lord.

    18. Adam Christel / July 7, 2020 at 7:57 pm

      You have my deepest sympathy for the loss of your dad.

    19. Jebby Tommy / July 7, 2020 at 9:02 pm

      Rejoice! He is with the Lord.

      What a blessing to have godly parents to guide you through (at least part of) life’s journey. Our deepest condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. I just lost my mother less than 2 months ago.

    20. Curtis Ingram / July 8, 2020 at 9:05 am

      So sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Such a kind and gentle spirit.
      You have our sympathy
      Curtis & Dolores Ingram

    21. Shane Lents / July 8, 2020 at 1:21 pm

      Ray was a great guy. When I lived there and attended Marion Christian Church I always enjoyed speaking to him and his wife they were both so kind. He will be missed. Prayer and condolences to his family

    22. Larry Gill / July 8, 2020 at 1:21 pm

      Our deepest sympathy to the Marks’ family in the loss of Ray. He was a true Christian man. May the peace of
      God be with all of you. Keeping you in our prayers.
      Larry & Linda Gill

    23. Frank Walter / July 8, 2020 at 1:37 pm

      Our sincere condolences to the entire Marks family.
      Knowing only by”ttwt”, it was evident of the true family values something the world needs more of.

    24. Mike and Brenda Featherstone / July 8, 2020 at 6:57 pm

      Tim, Christy and family, I am shedding tears for you all. I as others have learned the close relationship with Ray and Tim thru the TTWT site.I have always enjoyed their close times together, watching their interaction and with family and their tractors. I have watched this channel relentlessly and it encouraged me to purchase my own 1025R John Deere tractor.

    25. Elian Estrada / July 8, 2020 at 10:46 pm

      My sincere condolences to the Marks family and may he rest in piece.
      I only knew him by “ttwt” as well.
      I am 14 years old and enjoy watching all of the videos with Ray.
      He made me feel happy in times that I was sad
      So sorry for your loss

    26. Gary Morische / July 8, 2020 at 11:25 pm

      So sorry for your loss I always enjoyed watching Tim and Tom working on projects with There dad prayers for you and your family God bless

    27. Terry Kruse / July 9, 2020 at 12:18 am

      Tim and family, I only knew your father thru your TTWT videos. I farm near Iowa City IA. and enjoyed the times you were farming together. I wish that I could have met him in person. You and your family and friends and neighbor’s have my deepest sympathy and prayers. I lost my father in 1995 to cancer. You will not only remember your last project together, but the many times from your early years doing things together. That keeps their spirit alive in your mind until you meet again in heaven.

    28. Michael Hamilton / July 9, 2020 at 9:28 am

      Tim my deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of your Dad I enjoy all you videos
      Sincerely Michael Hamilton Gods Blessings to you all

    29. Nancy Cuppy / July 9, 2020 at 9:45 am

      Tim, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your father. May the many wonderful memories of those times with your father live on through you and the rest of your family. Prayers for you all during this difficult time.

    30. timothy rappoccio / July 9, 2020 at 4:23 pm

      Mr Tim and Family,
      I only knew of Mr Marks from TTWT, that said,
      A man who loves the Lord as much as he did will surely leave a void in this world. It is so obvious the kind of Man he was by the family he raised. My wife and I watch TTWT not just for entertainment but because of the kindness, and love we see in the videos. We look forward to the scriptures at the end. Mr Marks is an inspiration to us all. Our thoughts and Prayers are with the whole family. May the Holy Spirit comfort each of you as you mourn a wonderful Man. Semper Fidelis
      Tim and Sheryl

    31. roomsburg ..wm / July 9, 2020 at 4:27 pm

      Randall Dixie .Jerry, deep sympathy from your friends at this time of sadness……The Roomsburg family

    32. Kieran Spaight / July 9, 2020 at 8:00 pm

      Rip to a good man

    33. Mike, Lori, & Jonathan LeMond / July 10, 2020 at 10:26 pm

      Tim,
      We were so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing this week. Watching your loving tribute to him made us both think of when both of our dads passed away (Lori’s in 2013, Mike’s in 2015). While we were sad just like y’all are, it was also a celebration because we know where each of them are too! Your dad left a wonderful legacy of loving the Lord Jesus to your family! That is the best legacy a father, grandfather, & great-grandfather can leave! Y’all will continue to be in our thoughts & prayers!
      Mike, Lori, & Jonathan LeMond

    34. Eric M Gildersleeve / July 11, 2020 at 8:03 am

      While I have only come to know Mr. Marks through the videos on YouTube he reminds me so much of my own dad. The most powerful fact however is that we will get a chance to meet, when the Lord calls us home. Rest in peace Brother and please give the Lord a lot of love for we will all see Him in His time. With much love to the entire Marks family! The Gildersleeve’s of Texas.

    35. Jim Meridith / July 13, 2020 at 10:51 am

      Just want to add my thanks to Ray and Ruby for all the kindness youve shown to me and for the many prayers youve prayed on my behalf during my health struggles. Sherry has told me so many times when shed see you at the funeral home at a visitation you would ask about me and remind me you were still praying. Your friendship is a true blessing and I return that blessing by keeping Ruby in my prayers. What a wonderful family the Marks are! God bless each of you with His peace, love and sweet comfort.
      Rodney Harder

    36. Cal Norton / July 17, 2020 at 9:21 pm

      So sorry for your loss, I have enjoyed you letting us get to know Ray and your family , what a great man a genuine and hard working Christian. God Bless

    37. Mark A Ground / July 24, 2020 at 10:07 am

      I watch TTWT daily and yesterday I watched a video in which Tim shared that his Dad had died. I was born and raised on a dairy farm in Texas and my Dad and I farmed together for 24+ years. About a month ago I discovered TTWT on YouTube and now I watch new and old videos every chance I can. I only know Mr. Ray Marks from the YouTube videos, but I sense a relationship between he and Tim, that reminded me of my Dad. I have been away from dairy and crop farming for nearly 25 years and I am now a funeral director in Paris, Texas. My Dad passed away in 2006 and like Mr. Marks, he was a born again Christian so I know that he and I will be together again one day. In my new profession it is easy to observe the families that don’t have the Lord in their life, when a death occurs. I only know Tim and Christy from the videos, but, I pray the Lord will make His comforting presence known to every member of Mr. Marks family, as a special chapter in your life has closed and a new one begins. God Bless you all. Mark Ground–Paris, Texas

    38. Jim Waite / August 29, 2020 at 11:25 am

      Farewell to a “Good” bloke.

      Jim Waite

      Australia

    39. Lisa J Hajek / February 22, 2023 at 5:03 pm

      Ruby, I am so very sorry! You are in my prayers and my heart ❤️

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