Raymond E. Johnson's Obituary
Decatur - Raymond Earl Johnson, 91, on December 11, 2023, was taken by the hand of the Lord to join all the angels and saints and to join Jesus in the Kingdom of the Lord. Ray was born October 10, 1932, in Decatur, Illinois the second son to Jay L. Johnson Sr. and Alice B Johnson. He was a graduate of the School of Hard Knock's. Raymond dropped out of Decatur High to join the Army.
Ray was stationed in Germany briefly learning how to fly planes on border patrol. Yes, border patrol of another country. From Germany, Ray wanted to fight and was granted his transfer to Korea. In Korea, Ray fought in two major battles of Pork Chop Hill. The first battle was from April 16th-18th, 1953. The last battle from July 6th-11th, 1953.
After being discharged on December 22nd, 1953, he came back to Decatur, Illinois. Though he couldn't find a job in Decatur at the time, Ray moved to Florida and lived with his uncle and aunt where he learned the trade of fixing dishwashers, stoves, and ovens. A year later, Ray moved back to Decatur where he worked three jobs.
Ray had a passion to fly, so he bought a plane. He then bought a farm in southern Missouri. In 1956, Ray landed a job at Caterpillar where he worked as a millwright. Ray spent 33 years at Cat until he retired in 1989. In 1959, he met the love of his life, Mary A. Utley, a nurse taking care of his father.
In October 1960, Ray and Mary joined each other in marriage at St. Patrick's Church where they were parishioners. They were married for 34 years having three children together. Mary died in 1994 at the age 56 to cancer. Ray was an avid fisherman until the last two years.
Ray Is survived by his son David (Laurie) Johnson, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, wife Mary, daughter Brenda Bowe, son Ray Johnson, brother Jay Johnson Jr., brother Harry Johnson Sr., and sister Edith Carter.
Funeral liturgy will be 11 am, Friday, December 15, 2023, at the Star of Hope Mausoleum in Graceland Cemetery, Decatur; visitation will be one hour before the service. Burial with military rites will follow in Graceland Cemetery. Memorials in honor of Raymond may be made to your favorite veteran’s organization or group.
Graceland/Fairlawn Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.gracelandfairalwn.com.
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