Clarence Ray Millsap

Clarence Ray Millsap passed on to heaven on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026 just shy of his 95th birthday.

Ray was born in Newton, IL to Clarence O. and Elizabeth Millsap on Jan 25, 1931.  Ray came from a large family and had 11 siblings.

Ray married Joanne Oakes on Jan, 14, 1954 and shared over 72 years of love, friendship and adventures.  They have three sons, Bruce (Alicia Neils) Darrell (Anna Rosel) and Mark (Kelley Graves)

Ray was a proud veteran and a signalman in the United States Navy.  He served four years, active duty, during the Korean War, spending most his time on the USS Philippine Sea (CV/CVS/CVA-47) Air Craft Carrier.  He also served 22 years in the United States Naval Reserve, retiring in 1984.  He was active in many veteran organizations, a past commander of the VFW in Tolono and was a member of VFW Post 5520 in Champaign, American Legion, and Forty & Eight Post 71, in Urbana and the “Chef de Gare” Champaign County Voiture #238.  Ray worked tirelessly on the updating and refurbishing the Veterans Memorial at Westside Park in Tolono, IL.  November 19, 2011 was proclaimed Ray Millsap Day by the Tolono Mayor in recognition for his work on the Veterans Memorial.

Ray worked at the University of Illinois as a foreman and later as a supervisor.  He retired after 35 years.  He truly loved working with the dairy cows.

Ray is survived by his wife, Joanne and son, Mark, daughter in laws, Alicia, Anna and Kelley as well as his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces and his sister Ethel (Bill) White.

Ray was preceded in death by is sons Bruce Millsap and Darrell Millsap as well as 10 siblings.

 Memorials may be made to St. Patrick Catholic Church, Tolono.

Funeral mass will be private along with the burial.  There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date.

Freese Funeral Home, Tolono is assisting with arrangements.

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