Loyce Edward Ray, age 70, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away at 4:20 A.M. on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at Fireside House of Centralia in Centralia, Illinois. He was born on July 29, 1944, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the son of Loyce Everett and Lillian (Ries) Ray. He married Elena Aibar on March 21, 1974 in Centralia, Illinois and she survives him in Centralia, Illinois.

Mr. Ray was preceded in death by his parents.

Mr. Ray was of the Catholic faith. He loved traveling with his wife through the small towns of Southern Illinois, as well as around the world. He enjoyed reading science fiction books and watching science fiction movies. Mr. Ray graduated with a master's degree in sociology and anthropology. He retired on May 18, 2004 as the Chairman of the Social Sciences Department at Kaskaskia College in Centralia, Illinois after 35 years of service.

A Celebration of Life Services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2015, at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois with Deacon John Hempen officiating. Friends may call from 4:00 P.M. until the time of services at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday at the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made in Mr. Ray's memory to the Disabled American Veterans and will be received by the Moran Queen-Boggs Funeral Home in Centralia, Illinois. Online Expressions of Sympathy may be sent to Mr. Ray's family at www.moranfuneralhome.net or on Facebook.