Raymond (Ray) E. Parker, formerly of Harrisburg

Raymond (Ray) E. Parker, 84, of Buckingham, passed away Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018, at Presence St. Mary's Hospital.

Ray was born on Aug. 4, 1933, in Harrisburg, the son of James and Zula Joiner-Parker. He married Emma Anderson Dec. 30, 1966.

Stationed in Germany, Ray served his country with the United States Army from 1953-1955. When he was discharged, he took a job with Caterpillar of Joliet, retiring from there after 35 years. Ray was also a member of the American Legion of Herscher.

Ray was a man of many ambitions. When it came to socialization, he was there. From dancing in local establishments to attending sporting events for grandchildren, playing euchre with fellow town residents, and even throwing bags in cornhole tournaments, Ray enjoyed being around people. He never met a stranger, nor left an individual without smiling.

Next to spending time with loved ones, Ray was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. If they were playing, there wasn't a time that he didn't have them on his TV.

And if the Chicago Cubs were playing, he randomly became a fan of the opposing team.

Surviving are his two children: daughter, Teri O'Brien, of Herscher, and son, Steven Parker, of Kankakee; special niece, Sue Harrod of Buckingham; one brother, John Parker, of Muddy; five grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Ray left his earthly family to be with all of the loved ones he lost along his journey. He is preceded in death by his wife, Emma; parents, James and Zula; sisters, Bonnie, Clara and Dorothy and son-in-law, Jason O'Brien.

Visitation will be from noon to 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 at Schreffler Funeral Home, Kankakee Chapel. A short funeral service will be conducted immediately after the visitation. Burial will be at Grand Prairie Methodist Church in Bonfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Prairie View Lutheran Home/Faith Place, Danforth, IL or the Alzheimer's Association.