Ray W. Rhoades, 83, of Tremont, formerly of Washington, passed away Monday, January 11, 2021 at his home with his family. Ray was born September 2, 1937 in Schuyler County to Earl and Erma Edwards Rhoades. On December 24, 1958, he married Judith E. Bucy in Sheldons Grove. IL. Surviving is his wife, Judy of Tremont; daughters, Melissa (Ricky) Emmons of Pekin and Jennifer (Eric) Miller of Tremont; grandchildren, Kelton and Reece Emmons; Erica (Grant) Lonie, and Haley and Luke Miller; and his siblings, Maxine Davis, Bob Rhoades, and Joyce Whittlesey. He was also preceded in death by his parents and four siblings. After serving in the Army Reserves for six years, Ray worked in the office supply industry for 40 years. His favorite job was serving the kids of Lincoln Grade School in Washington as "Mr. Ray"; he was a playground and lunchroom monitor for 16 years, retiring in 2018. Ray was an active, longtime member of Highview Christian Church, serving in leadership roles and youth ministry as well as with the Central Illinois Evangelical Association. He loved collecting marbles and cherished his rural upbringing with his 7 siblings where he learned to love the outdoors. He loved squirrel hunting, trapping turtles, and mushroom hunting. A memorial service for Ray will be held at 3:30p Saturday, January 16, 2021 at Highview Christian Church in Washington. Visitation will be from 2:30-3:30pm Saturday at the church. Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's or Tremont Baptist Church.