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Visitation:
September 25, 2025 from 10 - 11 a.m. at Hurley
Funeral Home in Mason City.
Service:
September 25, 2025 at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Funeral home:
Hurley Funeral Home
Obituary
Buford Dean Ray, 83, of Mason City,
IL, passed away on September 20, 2025 at St Clara’s
Rehab and Senior Care in Lincoln, IL.
He was born on September 8, 1942, in
Crane Creek Township, Mason County, IL, to Fred and
Edith (nee Seaman) Ray. He attended Havana High
School, graduating in 1960. He proudly served in the
United States Army during the Vietnam War as a Field
Artillery Radar Operator.
Buford later married Lucille Wilson on August 30,
1972, happily creating his ready-made family with
four children. They were married 46 ˝ years before
she preceded him in death on March 2, 2019.
He is survived by his children, Gwen Wilson of
Lincoln, Lori (Mike) Kirby of Mason City, Robert
(Shelia) Wilson of Lincoln, and James (Cathy) Wilson
of Iowa Park, TX; grandchildren, Ken (Stephanie)
Leonard, Brad (Cathy) Leonard, Ryan Hatfield, Jeremy
Hatfield, Emily (Riley) Wolpert, Braden Wilson, and
Joshua (Elyse) Wilson; seven great-grandchildren
plus one on the way; four great-great-grandchildren.
Buford worked at Modern Brake and Alignment for 31
years. In 1997, he built and opened his own auto
repair shop, Ray’s Auto Repair in Mason City. In
2004, he sold his shop, but continued to work for
the new owner for another 10 years. He was a very
active member of the American Legion Post #496 in
Mason City and a life-time member of the AMVETS Post
179 in Greenview. He enjoyed riding his golf cart
around town, antique cars, tractors, steam engines,
and camping, especially at the Pontiac Thresherman’s
Reunion.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on
September 25, 2025 at Hurley Funeral Home in Mason
City. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the
service. Brian Shawgo and Steve Bagby will
officiate. Burial will be held in Mason City
Cemetery, with military rites. |
Memorial contributions in honor of Buford may
be made to the St Clara’s Rehab and Senior Care.
Hurley Funeral Home in Mason City is assisting the family
with arrangements and online condolences may be left at
www.hurleyfh.com |
