W. Ray Whitehead

William Ray Whitehead, of Dimondale, Michigan, was born in Lansing, Michigan on September 19, 1946 to William and Maggie Whitehead. He graduated from Everett High School in 1965 and served in the United States Army, 1st Armored Division. Ray married the love of his life, DeElda (née Doerr) Whitehead, on April 18, 1970. They built a family together and enjoyed nearly 41 happy years of marriage until her passing in March of 2011. Ray was also preceded in death by his parents.

Ray was known to be a talker. He always had several jokes and stories to share and enjoyed getting a laugh from anyone who would be his audience. A life-long lover of sports, the Michigan State Spartans were Ray’s favorite team and he loved collecting MSU paraphernalia. After 40 years of work at General Motors Ray retired, but it didn’t last long. Soon he joined the team at Hot Shots Nuclear Medicine, working part time delivering to imaging centers and hospitals. He liked to make friends on his route, regularly bringing sweets to the staff at each stop. Family was most important to him and he loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren sharing family dinners, playing games, and watching movies and sports.

He is survived by his son Nathan (Lisa) Whitehead, daughter Amanda (Chad) DeKatch, and grandchildren Phineas, Solomon, and Charleigh.

On March 29, 2022 Ray joined Dee in heaven at the age of 75. He will be dearly missed and fondly remembered.

A private service will be held. Memorial donations may be made to a VFW or American Legion of the donor’s choice.

Arrangements are by the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel.