Marvin Clifford Ray
January 31, 1937 – December 29, 2024
Marvin Clifford Ray, age 87 of Holt, Michigan, passed away peacefully at home on December 29, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 31, 1937, to the late William Carmi and Ruth (Schnepp) Ray. Marvin graduated from Holt High School in 1955. In July 1958, he married Wanda Overton at Holt Baptist Church. They had 45 amazing years together.
Marvin was a Boy Scout, retired from Consumers Energy after 39 years as Chief Meter Worker, and served as a Holt Volunteer Fireman and Assistant Fire Chief for 23 years. He also volunteered as a bus assistant at his grandson’s school and supported Holt High School track events during his daughter’s high school years. Marvin’s hobbies included fishing, hunting, archery, knife making, woodworking, camping, and joyfully attending his daughters’, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s activities.
Marvin is survived by his devoted daughters, Debbie (Norm) Harris, Tammy Knop, and Margie Eastlund. His legacy lives on through his cherished grandchildren who will always cherish their papa: Brandi (Dajon) Murphy, Kristi (Nathan) Hainstock, Amanda (Chad) Theuerkorn, Katie (Thomas) Knop, Whitney (Ryan) Haughey, Matthew Harris, Taylor (Nick) Hoag, Nic (Emma) Eastlund, Chloe Knop, and Payton Ray. Marvin was also blessed with many great-grandchildren: Deion and Denèe Murphy; Julia, Will, and Ian Hainstock; Camden and Lillian Theuerkorn; Riley, Reese, and Brody Haughey; and Linden, Brynn, and Hallie Hoag, all of whom brought immense joy to his life. Also, his special friend, Donna Matthews, and a special cat, Nala.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wanda; his parents, William Carmi and Ruth Ray; his sister Clarabelle, and brother-in-law, Joe Herrick.
The family will receive friends at Estes-Leadley Funeral Home (2121 Cedar Street, Holt, Michigan 48842) on Monday, January 6, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on January 6, 2025, at Estes-Leadley Holt Chapel (2121 Cedar Street, Holt, Michigan 48842). A procession to follow to Maple Ridge Cemetary (4149 E Willoughby Rd, Holt, Michigan 48842).
Memorial contributions can be made to McLaren Hospice. Online condolences may be left for his family below.
12 Messages to “Marvin Clifford Ray”
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Marcia L Klein
December 30, 2024 at 3:33 pmMarvin was so patient and attentive helping me build a Christmas present for my daughter a few years back. His woodworking knowledge was needed when it came to building four horse jump schooling standards with bases & cup holes. Marvin had every machine & tool you can imagine.
This past year he watched as my 5 yo & 4yo granddaughters slid down the pool slide giggling. His smile was precious. You will be missed Marvin. Thank you for giving us Debbie & Norm to love. We’ll take good care of them. RIP.
Amanda
December 30, 2024 at 4:53 pmPapa, You were always there for us all. I am glad you are no longer in pain and finally back with grandma. Until we meet again.
Rick Royston
December 31, 2024 at 11:55 amSo sorry to see this morning that Marv passed away. I had the pleasure of serving on the fire department with Marv for several years and I always admired him as a great mentor, leader, but most of all a gentleman. He always had a kind word, and could always tell a pretty good joke from time to time. He reminded me once that if I go deer hunting to take a good deck of playing cards. If I got lost he said just sit down on a stump and start playing solitaire and eventually someone will come along and tell me where to play one of the cards and maybe show me out of the woods. He was a good man and will be missed by many. My condolences to the Ray family.
Pat Brown
December 31, 2024 at 12:55 pmSorry to read this obituary yesterday. Marv was a good friend and patient teacher. As a rookie Holt Fire Fighter, Marv was dedicated to see this new kid succeed. His usual calm demeanor was appreciated, but when he raised his voice it was time to listen. Marv had many talents and was always willing to help or fix something at any time. Back in the day, Holt Fire Department was considered a Volunteer Department and Marv Ray was a great example of a True Volunteer to both the Fire Department and the Holt Community. I’m honored to have known Marv Ray. RIP my friend.
Julie Jordan
January 1, 2025 at 8:18 amI worked with this wonderful man at Consumers Energy!! Marv was a gentleman with a great smile and laugh!! Marv was one of a kind. R.I.P Mr. Marv
Rosalie Parmelee
January 2, 2025 at 12:23 pmSo sorry, Girls for your loss. You were so good to your Mom and Dad. They were special friends to us.
Bernie and Rose Brown
January 2, 2025 at 10:16 pmWhat a wonderful neighbor who was very kind hearted to have his daughter come over with his riding lawn mower and help us with our leaves. He had a lot of love for his family and it showed when they would come over and go swimming or share the holidays with him. His daughters are Blessed to have a piece of their Dad in their hearts, the love and care they had for him showed everyday when they were there for him. RIP Neighbor, you will be missed by family and friends.
Dave Harper
January 2, 2025 at 10:20 pmDebbie, Tammy and Margie,
Our condolences on the passing of your father. I have many good memories of your dad; thinking of him makes me smile. He and my father were buddies back in the day and always seemed to show up together. Holt was a small town then and it seemed that everyone knew everyone. Our families were close and both involved with the fire department, Holt Baptist Church, delivering Christmas baskets, school functions and every holiday event. Sadly, time errored that away, but, the good memories live on. I want to thank your father for his friendship with my father and him being there for us when we lost our father. Blessing during this difficult time.
Roger Rowe
January 5, 2025 at 3:55 pmGood friend and fellow volunteer fireman.
Michael Powers
January 6, 2025 at 11:56 amSorry to hear that Marv passed. He was always kind, and willing to help. Which I appreciated very much. Remember the good times, and the love you shared. Sorry your hearts are hurting, I pray that they get better with time.
Catherine
January 6, 2025 at 1:38 pmSo many wonderful memories spending time at Marvin’s house and pool with his grandson and our friends. Marvin loved his family immensely and was so kind and generous. Praying for all of his loved ones in this tremendous loss.
Kelly Martin
January 9, 2025 at 11:50 amI enjoyed getting to know Marv at the “round table” at A&W. I would sit with my Dad and all these older guys and that’s where I got to know Marv. I called him my boyfriend and we would laugh if we showed up wearing the same color shirt and I told everyone that he must’ve gotten my text so we would match. He was always kind and funny. He brought me one of his knives he had made and I will cherish it. I went to visit him several months ago as I hadn’t seen him in a long time. He did not remember me and I told him it was ok and for him to know that I was someone that loved him a lot. I’m so sad I did not see the obituary in time or I would have made sure I was there to see the family. My heart aches for everyone that loved him. He was a great man.