Ray Lee Stevens, 65, of Chicago, Ill., passed away on April 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Ray was born on November 22, 1960 in Columbia to Mildred Stevens and Clifford Gannaway, both of whom preceded him in death. He attended Montgomery County R-II High School.
Ray was a talented carpenter, mechanic and held plumbing certifications. He was truly a man of many talents and was always willing to lend his skills and services to anyone in need. His generosity and work ethic reflected his deep care for family, friends and community.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred Stevens and Clifford Gannaway; brothers, Clifford Kemp, Jerry Stevens, Kermith Stevens, Kenneth Stevens, George Stevens and James Stevens; brother-in-law, Oscar Green; and four sisters-in-law, Dee Kemp, Edith Mure, Nancy Stevens and Elizabeth Stevens.
Ray leaves to cherish his memory his devoted girlfriend, Mari Gunn of Chicago; his brother, Leroy and wife Mure of Hermann; six sisters, Maryann and husband Donnie Johnson of Jefferson City, Joyce and husband Sterling Forrest, Erlene Green, and Rev. Rosemary and husband Johnny Camp, all of Montgomery City, and Juanita Anderson of Columbia; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved him dearly.
Visitation and funeral services will be held at Schlanker Funeral Home in Montgomery City on April 25. Interment will be at the Montgomery City Cemetery.
Ray’s warm smile, generous heart and enduring love for his family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
The pallbearers will be Oscar McAdams, Zachary Stevens, Sterling Forrest Jr., Carl Mahaney, Orlando Graves and Larry Thomas.
Honorary pallbearers will be Rob Mahaney, Charles Reese, Ronnie Gillette and Larry Gillette.
