Mr. Martin Ray Reilly

Martin "Ray" Reilly passed away Tuesday morning May 25, 2010, with his granddaughter by his side. "Ray", as he was known to his family and friends, was born in Stratton, Colorado. He was born to Martin "Joe" William Reilly and Alice Talbott-Reilly. As a young man, he and his family moved to a small farm and cattle ranch in Reedley. He graduated from Reedley High School in 1940.

After serving in WWII, he returned to the valley and worked as a carpenter for many years. With his wife of 62 years, Lucille Fay Ecker-Reilly, he built his own home and many apartment homes in the Fresno area. In 1965 he retired from carpentry and bought a small farm just south of the Fresno city limits.

He harvested walnuts and raisins on his farm. He loved the slower life of a farmer as well as the many friends he met during his time living there. Declining health was the driving force in leaving the farm. New joys awaited in the city however. He and Lucille moved closer to their grandchildren and great-grandchildren of which he then spent much time with. Church and family, especially his great-grandchildren, were the joy of his life. He also enjoyed walking and riding his tricycle. Until just recently, he was seen riding around his neighborhood twice a day. He loved Jeopardy on TV and attending Mass at Holy Spirit. His favorite saying was "Should have bought a Ford". Before departing, he donated land for the "Martin Ray Reilly" skate park to open at Chestnut & Harvey Avenues in the near future.

Martin was preceded by his sister Lorraine Holly.

He leaves behind his wife, Lucille; a brother, Paul Reilly of Fresno; daughters, Shirley Beal of Madera and Diana Willimon of Plains, KS; grandchildren, Jamie Ferri and Duane Iler of Fresno and Steve Iler of Plains, KS; six great-grandchildren including Andrea, Julia and Luca Ferri, Zachery and Kobe Iler; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held at Whitehurst, Sullivan, Burns & Blair Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 2, 2010 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary and Mass of Christian Burial will be held at The Shrine of St. Therese on Wednesday, June 2, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow with a Veterans salute at St. Peter's Cemetery.

Any remembrances may be made in his honor to Hinds Hospice, 1616 W. Shaw, Fresno, CA 93711.