Raymond (Ray) Brimm

Raymond (Ray) Brimm of Downey, Calif., passed away peacefully on the evening of Saturday, March 11, 2023. He passed away in his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 88. 

Mr. Brimm was born on Feb. 19, 1935, in Anna, the son of Ed and Christina Brimm. 

He lived and worked in the Anna-Jonesboro area until 1965 (at the age of 30), when he moved with his wife, Lula and daughter, Debbie to California. He had been a resident of Downey, Calif., for 40 years.

He was born and raised on the Walton Farm in Anna. In his youth he was a farm worker and after marriage he worked at the Bunny Bread factory and the Anna Rock Quarries. 

On Oct. 18, 1954, he married Lula Belle Wright (predeceased). They had one child, his pride and joy, Debra Irene Brimm, on May 23, 1957. 

In 1965, he and Lula made the bold move to Southern California to pursue the California Dream. 

His career spanned several industries in manufacturing. He was a steel fitter. He worked on Navy frigates in the shipyards of San Pedro, Calif., followed by passenger planes at Boeing and McDonnell Douglas in Long Beach, Calif. 

Together, with his wife Lula (a real estate agent), they purchased several home properties. Ray used his skills to renovate and maintain the properties while Lula managed the business side of land lordship. 

He and Lula both retired early due to Lula’s failing health. Ray spent 10 years dutifully caring for Lula until she passed in 2000. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time with his family and visiting Pechanga Casino with his dear friends Janet Johnson and Leota Voshell. 

In his spare time, he loved to woodwork and garden. He grew the most luscious tomatoes and helped Lula raise orchids. He built all kinds of things, like gates, ladders, dog houses and gazebos. He even built a pair of stilts for his granddaughters. 

He was an animal lover and had many pets over the years. He enjoyed helping his daughter (a single mom) raise his granddaughters and maintain her home.

He is survived by his daughter Debra (Debbie) Gregory, and two granddaughters, Tonya Stonesifer and Julia Santiago; and his son-in-law Chris Santiago. He had three great-grandchildren, Jeremy, Odin and Ostara. He had four sisters, Alice May (predeceased), Betty Grace McCormick, and twins Carolyn Sue (Sue) McKinney and Marilyn Lou (Lou) Curdie. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lula, who passed on Sept. 24, 2000.

Funeral services will be held at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Anna on Wednesday, March 29. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. and the service is at noon.

He will be laid to rest next to his wife Lula at the Jonesboro City Cemetery, following the service. 

He was a loving, loyal and dutiful man who leaves a legacy of pride and grace. He was very loved by many, and adored by his daughter and granddaughters.

The Gazette-Democrat

112 Lafayette St.
Anna, Illinois 62906
Office Number: (618) 833-2158
Email: news@annanews.com

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