Raymond J. Stone

Ray was a devoted brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, faithful Catholic, loyal employee, dedicated volunteer, and friend to many. Throughout his life, he was known for his quiet dedication to others, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment to his faith, family, and community. Ray spent more than 30 years working in the Information Technology and data support industry throughout the Chicago area. His career included positions with several large corporations, educational institutions, and Catholic healthcare organizations. One of the hallmarks of Ray's professional life was his loyalty. He enjoyed long tenures with the organizations he served and built a reputation as a dependable and trusted colleague who approached his work with professionalism and integrity. Following his move from Chicago to Dunnellon, Florida, Ray retired from his primary career but remained active in the workforce. He took a position with Walmart, where he enjoyed meeting people, staying involved in the community, and continuing a lifelong habit of serving others.

Faith was at the center of Ray's life. A devoted Catholic, he spent many years as an active parishioner in Chicago. He proudly served as a member of the Knights of Columbus, volunteered with numerous Catholic organizations, and regularly served as an usher during Sunday Mass. His dedication to helping others extended beyond the church, as he generously gave his time to charitable local organizations and community service efforts. 

After relocating to Florida, Ray continued to live out his faith through volunteerism, parish involvement, and service to those around him. Through his years of parish life, Ray developed many lasting friendships that became an important part of his life. He deeply valued the relationships he formed through his church communities, both in Chicago and Florida. Whether serving alongside fellow parishioners, participating in church activities, or simply sharing conversation and fellowship after Mass, Ray appreciated the sense of community and connection that his faith provided. The support, friendship, and shared faith of his parish family brought him great comfort, joy, and purpose throughout his life. 

One of Ray's greatest joys in life was being an uncle and great-uncle. He shared a special bond with each of his five nieces and nephews, Nicole, CarriAnne, Joe, Annie, and Allan. No matter where life took him, he always made them a priority. He took genuine interest in their lives, celebrated their accomplishments, offered guidance when needed, and treated each of them with respect, kindness, and unconditional love. As their families grew, Ray warmly welcomed their spouses into his life and considered them an important part of the family. He valued the relationships he built with them and was grateful for the love, support, and happiness they brought to those he cherished most. In recent years, Ray found tremendous joy in being a great-uncle to his beloved great-nephew, Hayes, and great-niece, Gracie. Though Hayes is only 2 years old and Gracie just 8 months old, the love Ray showed them was unconditional.

Ray's role as Godfather to his nephew Joe held a particularly special place in his heart. Over the years, their relationship grew into a deep and meaningful bond rooted in mutual love, respect, faith, and a shared devotion to God. He embraced the responsibilities of being a Godfather not only in title, but through his actions, serving as a spiritual mentor, trusted confidant, and source of strength throughout Joe's life. Ray had many interests and hobbies that reflected his curiosity and appreciation for history, craftsmanship, and nature. From a young age, he had a special love for animals and pets. Over the years he raised rabbits, hamsters, birds, and dogs and a cat, caring for them with patience and affection. He recently fell in love with bird watching. He also enjoyed collecting coins, collecting stamps, and searching for vintage beer cans. One of his greatest passions as a young adult was classic automobiles. As a teenager, Ray developed a love for vintage cars and, alongside his father, completely rebuilt his first car, an early 1970s Chevrolet Monte Carlo. The project became more than a hobby; it was a cherished memory and a reflection of the close bond he shared with his father. Ray was also known for playing a good practical joke. He had a great sense of humor and was always looking for a way to make people laugh. Whether it was pulling a prank, buying a gag gift, or finding humor in everyday situations, Ray enjoyed bringing smiles to those around him. His laughter, playful nature, and ability to bring a little silliness and joy to others were a big part of who he was

Ray will be remembered for his kindness, loyalty, generosity, strong faith, and willingness to help others. He lived a life grounded in service and humility, leaving a lasting impact on the many people whose lives he touched. His legacy lives on through the family, friends, fellow parishioners, coworkers, and communities who were blessed to know him. His life stands as a testament to faith, service, kindness, and a love for others that will not be forgotten. He was loved more than he probably ever realized. While we will miss him every day, we find peace in knowing that he is now at rest with our Heavenly Father, reunited with Mom, Dad, family, and friends who have gone before him. Our faith reminds us that this is not goodbye, but simply until we meet again. We look forward to the day when we are reunited, and until then, we will hold Ray close to our hearts and remember the laughter, kindness, and love he brought to all of us.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, October 9, 2026 at 10:00 AM at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Dunnellon. The family will receive friends in visitation on Friday from 8:30-9:30 AM at Roberts Funeral Home. Interment will take place at a later date in Illinois.