Gary Ray Delay

SHERIDAN, IL - Gary Ray DeLay, age 72, of Sheridan, IL passed away peacefully Saturday, March 15, 2025 from complications of diabetes and dialysis. Born May 22, 1952 in Springfield, Missouri to Myrtle and James DeLay (Armitage). Gary graduated from Sheridan Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School (1967), Broadview Academy (1971) and then completed his one year auto mechanics certificate at Andrews University (1972). He then went to Iowa to build banks with his life long friend, Jimmy Baugher. When completed, he moved back to his hometown of Sheridan, Illinois and built his own two story house and barn. He later spent about a decade in Franktown, Colorado. He loved the mountains and grew a long beard and long hair looking more like a mountain man. However, he missed home and decided again to move back to his hometown of Sheridan where he lived the rest of his life near his parents and brother. For most of his life he did construction jobs, fixed vehicles and used his skills as an active journeyman electrician. Some of his greatest joys were spending time with his sons and grandchildren, talking to people, and acting like a supervisor (telling others what to do). He loved to shop and collect lots of things including glass objects like top hats. He enjoyed scuba diving, swimming, camping, hiking, snowmobiling, four wheeling, listening to loud country music in his truck and watching NFL football.

He is survived by sons, Scott (Suzanne) DeLay of Cantonment, FL, and Michael (Jamie) DeLay of Ooltewah, TN; grandchildren, Ian & Lilli DeLay and Ted & Tim DeLay; younger brother, Jay (Debbie) DeLay of Marseilles, IL; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Celebration of Life Memorial held Tuesday March 18, 2025 at 5:30 pm at the Sheridan Seventh-day Adventist Church, 200 W Church St, Sheridan, IL 60551. Cremation rites accorded. Christenson Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements. Memorials to the family.

www.rockfordfunerals.com