Robert Ray Downing

Robert Ray Downing, age 78, of DeGraff, Ohio passed away at 7:03 A.M. Monday, November 27, 2017 at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Bellefontaine, Ohio February 20, 1939, to the late Robert Lee and Eva Winifred (Moore) Downing. In addition to his parents, Ray was also preceded in death by his sister, Nancy Logan and a brother, Jerry Downing.

On May 12, 1958, Ray married the former Mary Joan Clay and she survives, along with their four children, Lisa (David) Brown and Gina (Curtis) Fry, both of DeGraff, Rhonda (Lewis) Brill of Mechanicsburg, Ohio and Chris (Jenny) Downing of Cable, Ohio; nine grandchildren, Jeffrey (Kelly) Fry, Eric Fry, Lyle (Jessica) Brill, Sarah (Adam Riedmiller) Brill, Sondra Downing, Traci Downing, Shari (Mike) Boysel, Sam (Meredith) Dillon, and Cassie (Zach) Fairchild; nine great grandchildren; a brother, David Downing and many nieces and nephews.

A United States Army Reserve Veteran serving from 1956 to 1964, Ray was self-employed most of his life. He was a retired owner/operator of RJ Transport and D&D Tree Service. He was a former Washington Township zoning officer, a former member of Teamster Union 1206, and an active member of the N.R.A. A lover of horses, he was a lifetime member of the Rushsylvania Rough Riders. Ray enjoyed camping, western horse shows and contest racing, where he made countless life-long friends.

Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 P.M. Friday, December 1, 2017 at the Daring & Sanford Funeral Home in DeGraff. Pastor Jerry Lewis will officiate the funeral service at 10:30 A.M. Saturday, December 2, 2017 at the funeral home. Burial will follow the funeral service at the Highland Memorial Cemetery in West Liberty, Ohio.

The funeral arrangements are in the care of the staff of the Daring & Sanford Funeral Home in DeGraff.