Anthony "Tony" Ray Obituary

On July 16, 1959, our awesome and sovereign God elected to release from the realms of eternity and place within the realm of time, a gentle giant with a common touch and a heart of gold.  The stewardship of this spirit was entrusted to the union of William and Earlene Ray.

A lifelong resident of Joliet, Tony attended Sheridan Elementary, Washington Jr. High and Joliet East High School, playing the dual sports of basketball and football.  A proud graduate of Joliet Junior College, he later attended Lewis University where he later served as an “adjunct” faculty member and Musical Director for the Black Student Union Gospel Choir.  He was a graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology.

Known locally and nationally for his melodious and anointed voice, Tony’s passion for music ultimately impacted thousands as he mentored and directed countless musical groups, choirs, and ensembles; performed with nationally and internationally acclaimed recording artists, and of course, hosted the annual “Gospel Fest”, as a charitable event benefitting The Harvey Brooks Foundation.

Having touched and forever blessed the lives of thousands, Tony sang his own benediction of Friday, August 24, 2012 as he rendered a stirring solo, “Let The Church Say Amen” and moments later slipped from time, back into eternity.

Tony was preceded in death by his parents, William and Earlene Ray.  He leaves to mourn his only sibling, Harold, sister-in-love, Brenda, his nephew, Christopher, his niece, Whitney, two great nephews, one great niece, all of West Palm Beach, FL, one uncle, two aunts, a host of loving and supporting cousins, his neighbors of forty-one years, Edgar and Gertrude Martin and countless friends, co-laborers and supporters.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 4, 2012 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. at All Nations C.O.G.I.C., 503 S. Water St., Joliet, IL and Wednesday, September 5, 2012 9:00-10:00 a.m.  Service at 10:00 a.m., Bishop Robert R. Sanders, presiding.  Entombment following at Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet, IL.

Minor-Morris Funeral Home

112 Richards St., Joliet; (815) 723-1283