James Earl's Obituary
ames Earl Ray, son of Sylvester L. and Carrie Norris Ray, was born March 2, 1928, in Zion, Illinois. He departed this life Saturday, March 8, 2008, in his home, near Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty years, and six days. On July 5, 1951, he was united in marriage to Margaret Beria, and to this union one daughter was born. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Margaret, in 1998; a brother; and a sister. James is survived by a daughter, Barbara Pockington, of Winthrop Harbor, Illinois; two grandsons; a sister, Margaret Brooks, of Zion, Illinois; a special friend, Verna Bottoms, of Lebanon, Missouri; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. He was born and raised in the Zion, Illinois area and lived many of his adult years there also. He served his country faithfully in the United States Army for over twenty years, and was stationed in Germany, Vietnam, Texas and North Carolina. After retiring from the Army in 1968, he and Margaret returned to Illinois, and James worked for U. S. Steel for several years. In 1999, James retired and made his home in Lebanon, Missouri. He was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and was active in V.F.W. Post # 4107 in Lebanon. In his spare time he enjoyed doing woodworking projects and working on the computer. James will be fondly remembered as a patriotic citizen and caring friend, and will be greatly missed by all of his family and many friends. Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 12, 2008, in Mount Rose Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel. Burial will be in Veterans' Park in Mount Rose Memorial Park Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home at their convenience. Services are under the direction of Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Lebanon, Missouri. Return to top
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