ILION-Richard Frank Ray age 76 of John Street, passed away on Friday evening June 15, 2012 in the Hospice Palliative Care Inc., Siegenthaler Center, New Hartford. He had the peace and comfort of his loving family at his side. He was born on April 20, 1936 in Herkimer, son of the late Frank VanVorst and Anna Mae Weakley Ray. Dick was raised in Herkimer and was educated in Herkimer public schools. In 1956 at the age of nineteen he moved to California. It was there that he met Nora Meyer and on February 5, 1966 they were united in marriage in Gardena, CA. For twelve years Mr. Ray owned and operated Rays Small Engine Repair in West Jordan, Utah. He retired in 1998. In December of 1999 he and his wife moved to Ilion coming from Sandy, Utah and have remained here since. Richard had a strong belief in God and was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints in East Herkimer. In the early 1950s he was well known for his racing stock cars and motorcycles. A true car buff, Mr. Rays entire life revolved around cars, especially old cars. Over the years he had collected more than one hundred antique Hudsons. An avid participant in local car shows he could proudly tell you anything you wanted to know about the car he was showing as well as telling others what he knew about the cars they were showing. He was a good friend to anyone he came in contact with and will be greatly missed. Surviving besides his devoted wife of forty-six years Nora are three sons, Jeff Swensen and his wife Tonya of Wyoming, Tim Ray of Midvale, UT, Michael Ray of Ilion, four daughters, Jonnie Brewer and her husband Jude of Spring City, UT, Anna Reynolds and her husband Shawn of Midvale, UT, Christina Sanchez of Taylorsville, UT, Lisa Ray of Ilion, one brother, Donald Ray of Ilion, one sister Barbara Finehout of East Herkimer, a sister-in-law Marie Ray of Ilion, twenty grandchildren, many great grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son Richard Patrick Ray in 1989, two brothers, Bill Ray and Bob Ray, two sisters, Marge Chidester and Eleanor Finehout. The family will be present to receive relatives and friends in the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, Gros Blvd, East Herkimer on Tuesday from 2:00 until 3:00 pm. with a funeral service to follow at 3:00 pm in the church sanctuary. Interment will be at a later date in Taylorsville, UT. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to Hospice and Palliative Care Inc. or the Missionary Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints. Envelopes will be available at the church. Funeral arrangements are with Fenner Funeral Home Inc., Herkimer.