Raymond Lyle Dennis

Raymond Lyle Dennis of Bay City, formerly of Caro, age 74, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, October 8, 2019. Ray was born April 17, 1945 in Caro, the son of the late Vernon & Verna (Rickwalt) Dennis. Following his father's passing, he was raised in his teenage years by his stepfather, Ralph Williamson, and graduated from Kingston High School in 1963. He began work at the former Eaton Foundry in Vassar before being drafted by the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War to serve in Korea. Following his honorable discharge in 1967, Ray returned to Eaton, later Grade Foundry, in a career that would span forty-two years, retiring as a forklift operator in 2007. He was united in marriage with the former Shirley Weber on March 18, 1966 in New Jersey, and she survives. Ray was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Caro, was an avid Detroit Tigers fan, and enjoyed woodworking and carpentry projects. He also worked as a part time farm laborer and loved mowing his lawn and cutting wood. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of fifty-three years, Shirley Dennis of Bay City; two children and their spouses, Matt & Sara Dennis of Bay City, Jill & Gregg Brimmer of Mt. Pleasant; daughter-in-law, Heather Jasman of Reese; four grandchildren, Elijah, Allison, Aaron and Amber Dennis, with another grandson due in February; mother-in-law, Violet Weber of Bay City; thirteen siblings and their spouses, Ruth & Phil Mikesell of Virginia, Karen Dennis & David Irving of California, Dwain & Terese Dennis of Lake Odessa, Shirley & Mark Leslie of Florida, Vernon & Mary Dennis of Virginia, Pat & Marion Williamson of Big Rapids, Anthony Williamson of Tennessee, Sheila & Bill Lawson of Tennessee, Colleen Clark of Virginia, Kevin & Ginny Williamson of Virginia, Debra Williamson of Virginia, Randy & Dong Hua Williamson of Virginia, Jo Williamson of North Carolina; and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and stepfather, Ray was preceded in death by one son, Robbie Dennis; and brother, Jim Dennis. In keeping with Ray's wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 14, 2019 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with Rev. Cameron Steele officiating. Military honors, afforded by the U.S. Army and American Legion Post # 7, will follow the service. The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society. Visitation Information Date: Monday, October 14, 2019 Time: 10:00 am Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the funeral home on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Monday, October 14, 2019 Time: 11:00 am Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 14, 2019 at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro with Rev. Cameron Steele officiating. Military honors, afforded by the U.S. Army and American Legion Post # 7, will follow the service.