Raymond “Ray” Edward Sparks, age 82, of Troy, IL, formerly of Granite City, IL, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at Anderson Hospital in Maryville, IL surrounded by his loved ones. Ray was born on August 19, 1941 in Granite City, IL, son of the late Eleanor June (Bayer) Sparks and Raymond Maurice Sparks.
On April 22, 1967, Ray married Sandra “Sandy” Sue Butler, the love of his life in Granite City, IL. Ray was a highly-skilled machinist at Boeing for sixty years. He loved the challenge of crafting all the aircraft parts. He was a great mentor to his fellow workers and took pride in helping them learn the skill. Ray was a car enthusiast, enjoyed working in his yard and spending time with family and friends. Ray loved life, he loved to laugh and most of all he loved his family and friends. Ray will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Sandy.
He is survived by his sister, Barbara Sue Phelps, and family of Granite City, IL and his extended Cedarhurst family in Troy, IL.
In celebration of his life, a visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 26, 2023 at Irwin Chapel, Glen Carbon, IL, with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. with Father Jeff Holtman officiating.
Ray will be laid to rest at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon, IL.
Condolences may be expressed at www.irwinchapel.com.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ray’s name to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.
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