H. Eugene “Gene” Ray, Paris, IL

H. Eugene “Gene” Ray, 78, of Paris, Illinois, passed away at 5:21 a.m. EST Wednesday, December 2, 2020, at Union Hospital in Terre Haute, Indiana. He retired from Paris Police Department in 1995 after twenty years of service, serving as Range Officer and his last ten years as Chief of Police.

Gene was born October 25, 1942, in Paris, the son of the late Roland P. and Ida K. (Zier) Ray. He married June Maggert on November 1, 1975, in Paris.

In addition to his wife of forty-five years, Gene is survived by a daughter, Tami (Ray) Klotz , three sons, Jeff Ray, both of Paris, Jamie (Christy) McDaniel of Plantation, Florida, and John (Lisa) McDaniel of Charleston, Illinois; a brother, Don (Kathleen) Ray of Enumclaw, Washington; seven grandchildren, Hannah Jernigan (Michael Pinnell), Amanda Jernigan (Kyle Johnson), Cheyanne (Joey) Revell, Matthew and Luke McDaniel, and Keridwen and Ian McDaniel; three step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren Oliver Pinnell, Finley Johnson, and Emma Revell; four step-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Judy (Andy) Anderson of Paris; brother-in-law Lloyd (Sharon) Maggert of Paris; and several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Ray was a veteran of the U. S. Army National Guard. Gene was an outdoor enthusiast who passed on that passion to his grandchildren. He also shared that passion with the youth of Edgar County as an instructor at Nature School. During his time as Police Chief, Gene organized and ran the Toys for Tots program for several years and also implemented the local D.A.R.E. program. Gene volunteered countless hours to support his community and enjoyed cooking big pots of beans for various fundraisers. He was a plumber for many years, a firearms instructor, an avid photographer, nature writer, fisherman, hunter, and kayaker. He was always happiest when out on the water and spending time with his grandkids and great-grandkids.

For those who wish, the family suggests that memorials be made to Shop with a Cop or to a charity of the donor’s choice.