Ray Lee Moore

Ray Lee Moore, 101 years, 2 months and 23 days, passed away quietly at the home of his granddaughter, Mandy Sherman on Monday, May 6, 2024 as she tended to him. He was born on February 12, 1923 to Ruby Lee (Bridges) and Ray G. Moore. Ray attended Abraham Lincoln and Nancy Hill elementary school on Aurora’s west side. In 4th grade his family moved to Belknap, IL where he attended a one room school house where the teacher arrived, riding a mule. Ray’s sense of humor, hard work ethic, and compassion were formed in these early years. After graduating Vienna High School in Vienna, IL, Ray returned to Aurora to work at the CB & Q locomotive shops at the Roundhouse on Broadway. On November 16, 1942, Ray volunteered to go into the U.S. Army and after his basic training, he was honored to be chosen to enter the U.S. Air Corp, stationed in Nuthampstead, England, in the 398 Bomb Group, 603rd Bomb Squadron, 84th Air Force. After his service in the Army, Ray bought a 1932 Ford Coupe and traveled the country; eventually settling in Miami, FL before returning to Aurora where he secured employment with the Burlington Railroad where he rose to the position as locomotive engineer. Ray married the girl next door, Dolores Zagorce. He hand built their home in Marywood and they became lifelong members of Annunciation Church. He is survived by his daughter Janet Sherman; son Ron (Barb); several grandchildren Jennifer (late Kelly) Byrne, Mandy, Adam, Francis Eric Sherman, Ray, Kelly and Karli Moore; great grandchildren Millicent Sherman, Livia Byrne, and Colton Kreklow great great granddaughter Aleithea L. Sherman; two brothers, Lindell (Arlene) Moore and Larry (Liz) Moore; his close companion Frances Vaughn of Mt. Morris and so many friends that he made throughout his long life; along with his love of trains, the Air Force, cars and his church. He was preceded in death by his wife Dolores, his daughter Diane (James) Moncrief; his son Ray Moore, Jr.; his granddaughter at birth; his son-in-law Gary Sherman; his parents; and his siblings Robert (Catherine) Moore, Doris Moore, Shirley (Wayne) Jeffries, Charles, Dean, Fred (Doris) Moore, Martha (Chuck) Groleske, and Joe (Sue) Moore. Funeral from THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY will be Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 9:30am to Annunciation Church at 10:00am. Fr. Patrick Gillmeyer, OSB will officiate with interment at Marywood Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, May 10, 2024 from 4:00pm until 7:00pm at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora, 630-631-5500. Please visit our website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may leave condolences for Ray’ family.

Ray Lee Moore

February 12, 1923 - May 6, 2024