Ronnie Ray Gulley

Ronnie Ray Gulley was called to his heavenly home on Oct. 4, 2021.

He was born on Aug. 10, 1937, the son of Elmer and Demovah Gulley, who preceded him in death, along with a brother, Darrell. 

He is survived by a son, Michael Gulley (Tricia) of Cincinnati, Ohio; a daughter, Sheryl Brenningmeyer (Dennis) of Goreville; four grandchildren, Jennifer Albracht (Derek) of Waterloo, Katie Galvin (Josh) of Cincinnati, Ohio, Adam Brenningmeyer (Rachel) of Goreville and Aaron Brenningmeyer (Mary) of Carbondale; and six great-grandchildren.

He attended high school in Ullin, and after graduating went to work for the Florsheim Shoe factory in Anna. After it closed its doors, he transferred to the factory in Cape Girardeau to finish out his 43 years of making shoes. 

On May 22, 1959, he married the love of his life, Doris Schnaare, in Wetaug, and it was there that they built a beautiful life of 62 years. 

Their house was always welcoming to anyone who entered and love was always shown along with a hug.

He had two passions that were very evident: his love for music and especially his love for ministry.  

He ministered at the Church of Christ at Wetaug for many years, as well as filling in at various churches in Southern Illinois. 

In 2007, he became minister at Park Street Church of Christ in Metropolis up until 2019, when his health wouldn’t allow it. 

He loved spreading the Good News of the Gospel and God’s love to those he came in contact with. 

Singing was his other passion and we’re sure he’s in Heaven leading the angels in singing praises to God. 

One song he was always asked to sing at the area-wide singing was “God’s Family,” and that’s where he was most at home, with God’s Family.  

He also loved singing country music and was in several bands over the years that played at nursing homes, festivals, ice cream socials and homecomings. 

Also, every Friday night you would find him playing music at an area jam session with anyone who wanted to participate.

He loved life and he and Doris were always on the go. They truly loved being with people.  

He also had a love of baseball and was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan and he also coached his son’s Khoury League team for many years.

Funeral services were at Crain Funeral Home in Ullin on Thursday, Oct. 7, at 11 a.m. Burial followed in Christian Chapel Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to the Robert Cheek Memorial Community Center.  

Crain Funeral Home in Ullin was in charge of arrangements.

For more information or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.