Raymond E. Manley

South Roxana: Raymond E. Manley, 79, passed away and went to be with the Angels and his Lord and Savior at 3:15pm on Monday, October 9, 2017, at his residence. He was born on April 30, 1938, in St. Louis, Missouri, the son of the late Edward F. and Alma L. (Johnson) Manley. He married the former Margaret Dawson on August 27, 1966, in East St. Louis, Illinois, and she survives. Other survivors include four daughters and three sons in law: Deborah and Jerry Peck of Oklahoma, Donna and Ed Huebner of Bethalto, Patricia Fitzgerald of St. Louis, Suzanne and Kevin Schaefer of House Springs, Missouri, two sons and daughters in law: Raymond “Buddy” and Tracy Manley of Rosewood Heights, Steven and Annie Manley of St. Jacob, Illinois, his grandchildren and their spouses: Michelle McMillian and Mike Wilson, Thomas and Jennifer McMillian, Jamie and Katy Huebner, Nick and Andi Huebner, Eric and Jessica Huebner, Jake and Courtney David, Casey and Madi Mikhayel, Patrick Schaefer, Stephen Schaefer, Andrew Schaefer, J.R. and Amanda Payne, Michael and Melissa Payne, Eric Schaefer and his fiance’: Madisyn Thompson, Brittany and Dennis Edney, Brendan Ray Manley, Levi Peck, Austin Peck, his great grandchildren: Kingston, Chayton, Heston, Dash, Olivia, Ellie, Jude, Ryker, Wilken, Quinn, Larkin, Sutton, Benton, Austin, Gabe, Taylor, Logan, Ellie, Emrie, Aria, Mya, Christian, Vera Rose, Brianna, Harrison, Griffin Ray, his two caregivers who loved him and took excellent care of him at any time of the day or night: Angela Washington and Tonia Caito, his special friends: Ronnie Westenhaver, Judy, Tarrah, Janet, Cat, Becky, Jim, Justin, Pastor Terry and Karen McKinzie, Kari Stone, Hannah Stone, his many church friends: Dixie, Shirley, Sharon, Vickie, Brenda, Rose, Marie, his loving sisters in law, brothers in law, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and other extended family and friends. Raymond was formerly employed at G & L Trucking in St. Louis as a driver for eight years prior to going to work at Senior Services Plus in Alton as a driver. He was an avid horse person since he was a young boy. He always loved them and rode since he was young. His pride and joy were his horses Hanka – Bars and King Joe Jack who were Grand Champions. His other love was music. He sang since he was ten years old. His father Ed, used to take him to the bar to sing for people. He sang for years prior to giving his life to the Lord. Then he sang only for him. He and his wife Maggie sang for nursing homes all around Illinois and Missouri. He also sang for homecomings in Bethalto, Roxana, and South Roxana. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, but most of all he liked spending time with his son Buddy to just sit and sing. He enjoyed spending time with his other children just sitting around BBQ’ing. He loved being the center of attention and telling his stories over and over. He was a member of Faith Family Church of Illinois in Wood River. He was a veteran of the United States Army. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step – father: Fory. In celebration of his life, his family will hold memorial services at 11am on Saturday, October 14, 2017, at Faith Family Church of Illinois, 78 East Jennings Avenue in Wood River. His son, Pastor Buddy Manley will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family or to Faith Family Church of Illinois in Wood River.