Raymond Edward McClanahan suddenly passed away Friday, December 18, 2020 at 4:57pm. Last year, Ray told his kids, "If I die, I am okay. I have lived a happy life," a fact known to anyone who knew him.

The patriarch of the McClanahan family, Raymond was born February 11, 1936 to Raymond "Jick" and Erma (Richerson) McClanahan, Ray started and ended his life in DuQuoin, moving back after retiring from 35 years at Reynolds Aluminum in McCook, IL, where he invented the process for diamond plating.

He was survived by his wife Hermelinda (Garcia); 4 children: Penny (Rich) Gray and Michael McClanahan of Decatur, IL, Scott (Edward) of Garland, TX, and Paula McClanahan of New Smyrna Beach, FL; 5 stepchildren: Alfredo Alviar of Cicero, IL, Linda (Brian) Woltz of Romeoville, IL, Sandra (Tom) Capizzi Brookfield, IL, Juan Manuel (Kristina) Castenada of Mesa, AZ and John Paul (Dina) Castenada of North Riverside, IL; 3 siblings: Glenna (Roger) Harrison of DuQuoin, IL, Terry (June) McClanahan of Elkville, IL, and Linda (Tom) Stewart of Robinson, IL; and 1 Aunt: JoAnn Siefert of DuQuoin, IL; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins. He will be remembered for his generosity, his ability to fix anything, and for his friendly waves from the back yard to anyone who passed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; 2 sons: Raymond Jr. and David Barry McClanahan; 3 brothers: Joseph Bruce, Steven Kent and Timothy Nils McClanahan, and granddaughter Nicole Gray.

Graveside services will be at 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at the Sunset Memorial Park in DuQuoin, IL with Rev. Joe Wagner officiating.

Friends may call from 10:30 A.M. until the time of service on Wednesday at the cemetery.

Please use social distancing guidelines. Everyone in attendance is required to wear a mask.

Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin, IL.

Friends are asked to make memorials to the American Cancer Society in lieu of flowers and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin is in charge of arrangements.