Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Ray Rutland Jr.
Jul 18th, 1946 - Dec 1st, 2022Raymond Leonard Rutland Jr., age 76, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Thursday evening, December 1, 2022, at his home.
He was born July 18, 1946, in Flora, the son of Raymond and Evelyn (Roy) Rutland Sr. He was united in marriage to Dorris Murbarger on February 14, 1992, in Flora, and together they have shared 30 wedding anniversaries.
Ray was a 1964 graduate of Flora Township High School. He was a well-known and highly skilled mechanic in Clay County for over 50 years. He loved his animals. Ray liked antiquing and flea markets and was always collecting a little bit of everything. He enjoyed drag strip and stock car racing, attending tractor and car shows, horseback riding, and always looked forward to attending Horse Camp with Dorris. He was constantly looking for 6 good numbers for the lottery. Ray will be remembered for being brutally honest but soft at heart. He was always willing to donate to others and help someone that was down on their luck.
He is survived by his wife: Dorris Rutland of Flora; 3 children: Mark (Robin) Rutland of Iuka, Christy (Eric) Robinson of Flora, and Chris (Dawn) Murbarger of Flora; 8 grandchildren: Reece (Myriam) Rutland of Benton, Cory Rutland of Long Mount, Colorado, Lenzi and Aidan Robinson of Flora, and Ava, Ethan, Kinsley, and Connor Murbarger, all of Flora; a sister: Peggy Jaco of Troy; several nieces and nephews; his beloved dog: Abby, his mule: Little John; and his cat: Angel.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife: Jewell Rutland; a brother: Bob Rutland; and a sister: Virginia Smith.
A private memorial ceremony with interment in Floral Garden of Memories Cemetery will take place at a later date. Arrangements are by Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Memorial donations are suggested to Clay County Cancer Crusaders and will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com