Ray Eldridge's Obituary
Decatur, IL – Ray Eldridge, 92 of Decatur, IL passed away Saturday, May 24th, 2025, at Lincolnshire Place-Decatur.
Ray was born on July 5, 1932, in Stratford, OK, the son of Raymond and Vernice (Hayden) Eldridge. Ray attended Bethel Bible Church and was the co-founder of K’s Merchandise with his brother Kay Eldridge in 1957. He and his brother retired in 2007. Ray’s two passions in life were Diamonds and Golf! Ray was a member of Southside Country Club, joining in 1983. He was very proud of his 5 handicap. Ray married Una Mae (Mazie) Twitchell on June 4th, 1958. He was equally proud of being married almost 67 years.
Ray served his country as a Marine 2nd Lieutenant, serving 2 years during the Korean Conflict just after he graduated with his Bachelor of Business from Bradley University. While in college, Ray was a loyal member of Lamda Chi Alpha.
Surviving is his wife of 66 years, Una Mae of Decatur; daughter Miss Lynn Eldridge of Nashville, Tn and daughter Mrs. Tempest Grader and husband Mr. Richard Grader of Decatur; granddaughters Miss Jordan Gader of San Francisco, CA, Mrs. Jessica Long and her husband Maj. Caleb Ling of Savannah GA, and Mrs. Jentry Nasif and husband Mr. Nathan Nasif of Wellington; and 6 great-grandchildren Miss Avery long, Mr. Archer Long, Miss Baylor Long and Miss Nora Nassif, Mr. Kaladin Nasif and brand new to the line up Mr. Samuel George Nasif at a week and a half!
He also is leaving to mourn, his very good friend and caregiver, Mr. George Brown.
Meeting Ray in Heaven are his parents Ray Sr. And Vernice and Brother Kay, sister-in-law's Mrs. Pat Eldridge and Mrs. Eileen Eldridge, Niece Elizabeth Eldridge, Nephew Christopher Eldridge.
Ray had a rare talent that made everyone he ever met feel they were so special....
A Funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday (05-31-2025) at Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Home with visitation from 9:00 A.M. until service time. The burial will be at Graceland Cemetery.
Condolences and memories may be shared with the family in care of Graceland Fairlawn Funeral Homes www.gracelandfairlawn.com.
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