Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Ray Rutland
Jun 21st, 1957 - Mar 13th, 2023Raymond Lewis Rutland, age 65, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Monday morning, March 13, 2023, at his home.
He was born June 21, 1957, in Cushing, Oklahoma, the son of Bernie Robert and Janice (Kennon) Rutland. He was united in marriage to Shannon G. Briscoe on September 9, 1978, at the Flora First Christian Church and together they have shared 44 wedding anniversaries.
Ray was a longtime family farmer and worked several truck driving jobs over the years including delivering feed and for McDaniel Transit. Ray spent many hours working on equipment as well as tinkering on projects like restoring pedal tractors with Shad, and he often made light of whether you could find him “working out in the shop or hiding out in the shop.” He was a member of Flora First Christian Church and served as a Director on the Clay County Soil and Water board for 35 years. Ray appreciated time with his family, taking scenic drives and Ranger rides, and feeding the fish with Autumn when she visited. He had been an avid hunter in the past. Ray will be remembered for his quiet but faithful and giving spirit, with a willingness to lend a hand to help others.
He is survived by his wife: Shannon Rutland of Flora; a daughter: Amie (Larry) Evans of Radom; a son: Shad Rutland of Flora; mother: Janice Rutland of Flora; a granddaughter: Autumn Evans of Radom; a brother: Greg (Diana) Rutland of Flora; a sister: Becky (Larry) Timm of Benton, Kentucky; 2 brothers-in-law: Mike (Karen) Briscoe and Blake Briscoe; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father: Bernie Rutland; father-and-mother-in-law: Rex and Phyllis Briscoe; and an uncle: Ray Rutland Jr.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 17, 2023, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Tre Schleif officiating. Interment will follow in Floral Garden of Memories Cemetery, Flora. A visitation will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. on Thursday evening at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to Flora First Christian Church and will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com