Ray Miller

MOUNDS, Ill. -- Ray Dale "C-Ray" Miller, 84, of Mounds passed away Thursday, Oct. 6, 2011, at his home.

He was born June 13, 1927, in Arkansas City, Ark., son of the late Charles Raymond and Nota Mae Edwards Miller.

Ray was a member of the former America Christian Church, American Legion Post 178 of Villa Ridge, Ill., Cairo VFW Post 2649; member and chaplain of the Military Burial Ritual Team in Pulaski County, Ill. He served as a state chaplain of the Veterans Organization and was instrumental in the Avenue of Flags at Mound City National Cemetery.

C-Ray was a legendary/legacy of Egyptian Country Club of Mounds, where he was a club pro four years. He was known by many friends as "Gristle." Ray was a retired teacher from Meridian School District of Mounds and a retired farmer.

He was a Navy veteran of World War II.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Jimmy Miller; and a daughter, Raelen J. Miller, on Nov. 19, 2009.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Jackson Miller of Villa Ridge; two sons, Darrell (Marilyn) Miller of Brawley, Calif., Tracey R. (Sherry) Miller of Cape Girardeau; two daughters, Carol G. (Randy) George of Grand Chain, Ill., Cindy (Kevin) Calvin of Villa Ridge; a sister, Mildred Powers of West Palm Beach, Fla.; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at Jones Funeral Home in Villa Ridge.

Private graveside service will be held Monday at Miller Family Cemetery in America, Ill., with the Rev. Scott Kelley officiating. Full military honors will be provided by Illinois National Guard and area veterans.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of memorials to American Legion Post 178, c/o George Nelson, 199 Mason Road, Olmsted, IL 62970, for Memorial Park Fund; or to Southern Illinois Pet Society, o/o Birdie Conant, 726 Wessenberg Road, Villa Ridge, IL 62996, in memory of Ray Dale Miller.