Ray Gepford, 75, of East Peoria, passed away at 7:00am Monday, August 27, 2018 at his home. He was born November 26, 1942 in Decatur, to Russell and Geneva Ragsdale Gepford. He married Sharon Pacione on December 10, 1960 in Peoria. Surviving is his wife Sharon; two sons, Richard (Kim) Gepford and Gerald (Mary) Gepford; four grandsons, Raymond, Clayton, Sawyer, and Austin; two great-granddaughters, Jemma and Noella; and a sister, Marilyn Van Fossen. He was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Geraldine Gepford. Ray was enlisted in US Navy for 8 years, serving aboard an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War. He was an aircraft mechanic in the area for over 50 years. A memorial service with military honors will be held at 11:00am Saturday, September 8, 2018 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Visitation will be held two hours prior to the service at the funeral home. Cremation rites have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.