Raymond Leroy Inman Sr.

Even though Ray’s passing was sudden and unexpected, we know that he was met in heaven with open arms by the family members who proceeded him in death: his wife Sharon, his son Raymond (Ray), his daughter Cynthia (Cindy), and his grandson Blake. He is survived by his daughter April and husband Tom, his son Brian, his 8 grandchildren, 8 great-granddaughters, his sister Minerva, and brother Luther.

Ray was born in Indiana on November 6, 1942 to Luther and Ellen Inman, the middle of three children. He was many things during his life in addition to being a husband and father to his four children; he was an avid hunter and fisherman, an outdoorsman, a craftsman, a builder, a fixer, a barterer, a hard worker, an inventor, a teacher, a jokester, a collector, a storyteller, and an animal lover - just to name a few.

During his high school football years, he was given the nickname “The Tank” which followed him throughout his life. From the outside it was easy to see why that was such a fitting nick name for him: he was big, strong, he was a fighter, and a force to be reckoned with. But, to those that really knew him, he was also a big teddy bear who truly cared for and loved his family and friends with all his heart. He was a stoic, man-of-his-word, a man who loved the simple things in life; someone who found true value in his faith, his family and friends, and his country above all else.

Ray will be missed dearly by all who had the honor and privilege to know him, but he will never be forgotten. His memory will live on in those that loved him. A smile will come when they eat peanut butter, use a life skill he taught them, spend time in nature, get a good deal, or hear a bad dad joke because “The Tank” had a way of making a big impression that can never be forgotten.

Because he lived in both Michigan and Arizona throughout his life, he will be having two memorial services that are being postponed until after the holidays.