Raymond "Ray" Lester Lawrence, 77, of Wood River, passed away at 1:58 a.m. Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at his residence with his family by his side.

Ray was born February 25, 1948 in Alton.  He was a son of the late Lester LaVerne and Becky Elizabeth (Coatney) Lawrence.

He and the former Sharron Kay Middlecoff were married on April 15, 1967 in Alton.  She survives.

Ray worked as the Director of Buildings and Grounds for the East Alton- Wood River Community School District for several years, then became the Maintenance Supervisor for the H.S.M. Company in St. Louis, MO before retiring.

Besides his wife, Ray is surviving by two sons, Jeffrey Scot Lawrence and Tina of East Alton, Eric Dale Lawrence of Wood River; three grandchildren, Chris Lawrence, Kyle Lawrence and Hailey Lawrence.

Ray loved to spend time with his grandchildren and watching them grow. He was a fan of golf and loved playing it, but his favorite place to go was Silver Dollar City in Branson, MO where he went every opportunity that he had.

In following Ray's wishes, a private burial has been chosen.

Ray will be greatly missed by family and friends.