Raymond Joseph “Buck” Pankey, 64, of Peoria Heights passed away peacefully at 5:20am Saturday January 22, 2010 at his residence with family by his side.
He was born on February 2, 1946 in Peoria the son of James and Louise Rogers Pankey. He married Betty Jo “Jody” Riley on March 31, 1964 in Peoria.
Surviving is his beloved wife of 47 years and their daughter Tracey L. Brownell of West Peoria and her children Taylor Brownell and Ellis Brownell. One son Raymond Shayne (Lisa) Pankey of Mt. Sterling, KY and their children Kirstyn, Heidi, Dakota and Levi. He is also survived by one brother James (Evelyn) Pankey of Crossville, TN, five sisters Mary Sanders of Las Vegas, NV, Sharon Dale of Crossville, TN, Bonita (Ray) Grable of Las Vegas, NV and Sandy Hodges of Crossville, TN and Valerie (Chuck) Elliot of St. Peters, MO. His parents, two brothers, Gerald and Ronald Pankey and one sister Louella Sales preceded Ray in death.
He was an honorably discharged US Army Veteran assigned to the Airborne Division at Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. He enjoyed various careers consisting of Integrated Circuit Technology, Inc as Director of Customer and Engineering Service. Director of Transportation of the Hardees Corporation and an OTR owner operator for many years. He was also the proprietor of the former Heights Gun Shop.
Ray enjoyed muscle cars, drag racing, hunting and music. Most of all Ray was a devout Christian studying, reading and contemplating the word of God. He loved reading Christian material and discussing his faith with others. He was a very loving and kind person and had a great love and compassion for his family. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He is now in heaven with our Lord Jesus where there is no suffering, pain or tears.
Cremation rites have been accorded with a memorial service scheduled for 12 noon on Saturday January 29, 2011 at Peoria Heights Congregational Church 4906 N. Prospect, Peoria Heights with Rev. Karl Kramer officiating. Visitation will be from 10am until service time at the church. Memorials may be given in his name to the Peoria Heights Congregational Church. Notes of condolence may be sent to peoriafuneral.com