OBITUARY: William Ray Braddock

William Ray Braddock, of Harrisburg, passed away peacefully at 12:20 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2014.

Bill is survived by daughters: Lisa Braddock, Cynthia (Gary) Trammel and Beth (Donnie) Bond. In addition are four grandchildren: Brian Trammel, Julie Coulter, Lyndsi and Travis Bond; and two great-grandchildren: Evelyn and William Trammel. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Jane (Harvey) Jordan.

He was preceded by his wife, Dianne Reed Braddock, and his parents, Lucille Cowan and Ray Braddock.

Bill, who had been at the Carrier Mills Nursing Home, was an engineer for the Southeastern Illinois Electric Cooperative for 42 years, working in Eldorado and Marion. Much of his time was spent surveying in the backcountry of Southern Illinois. In retirement, he enjoyed gardening including tomatoes, garlic, gourds and rhododendrons. He made birdhouses and birdfeeders for his yard and for others, as he delighted in caring for his beloved birds and squirrels. He also loved wolves and supported their protection and preservation.

With the knowledge of areas off the beaten path gleaned from his job, he spent time exploring and sharing those treasured areas with others. Bill and Dianne also had a special love of the Smoky Mountains. He loved meeting and visiting with people, telling stories and jokes, and making people smile. He also loved music, especially blues and rock and roll and the Mike Harvey Show. He was a member of the Elks, Lions, and American Legion.

Visitation will be held at the Reed Funeral Chapel from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2014, and the funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26. Donations in his memory may be made be made to either: Wolf Park in Battle Ground, Ind., (www.wolfpark.org); St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis (www.stjude.org); or to the First Christian Church in Harrisburg. (www.myhfcc.net)