Raymond R. Torry, 88, of Washington, Ill., died at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021, at Snyder Village in Metamora.

He was born Sept. 5, 1933, in Williamson, Ill., to John and Lena (Semanek) Torry, who preceded him in death. He married Esther M. Graiff on April 12, 1958, in Livingston. In addition to his wife of 63 years, also surviving are three sons, Donald (Lisa) Torry of Chatham, Ronald (Andrea) Torry of Urbandale, Iowa, and Michael Torry (Greta) of Normal; 12 grandchildren, Kyle (Hannah) Torry, Danielle (Cam) Wyper, Kayla (Connor) Markell, Madison Torry, Alexander Torry, Claire Torry, Rachel Torry, Hannah Torry, Emma Torry, Jacob Torry, Benjamin Torry and Bradley Torry; one brother, Norman (Robin) Torry of Prescott, Ariz .; and nephew, Jay Torry of Rhode Island.

Ray attended Illinois State University and was team captain for ISU Men's Baseball team from 1951-1955. He earned his bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Illinois State University in 1955. Ray was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in 1956-57. Ray often joked that the "Army gave me a rifle with no bullets" as he was soon "re-drafted in the Army" to play baseball for the Armed Forces League for most of his active military service. He received his master's degree in Education Administration from the University of Illinois in 1962. Ray taught and coached at Leroy High School in Leroy, Ill., and then came to Washington Community High School as the Assistant Superintendent in 1964. He served as the Superintendent at WCHS from 1969-1989. In 1986 he was awarded the "Those Who Excel" award from the Illinois State Board of Education which is one of the State of Illinois' highest honors given to education professionals. Upon his retirement, Mr. Torry was honored by WCHS with the naming of the Raymond R. Torry Gymnasium. After retirement, Ray taught and served as Head Baseball Coach at Illinois Central College for eight years.

Ray was a member of St. Patrick Church in Washington, and the Knights of Columbus Fr. John Menco Council #6707. He was active in many Washington community organizations including the Rotary Club, Lions Club, Civic Club, and the Police Commission, holding various offices over the years. In 1980, Ray was honored with the Washingtonian Award and he was also inducted as a member of the inaugural class of the WCHS Hall of Fame in 2018.

Ray loved fishing, reading, golfing, and watching St. Louis Cardinals on TV. He most enjoyed being with family and he traveled countless miles to watch his grandkids' sporting and dance events, graduations, weddings, and other special family events; including annual family vacations to Minnesota and several Canadian fly-in fishing trips with grandkids. Ray's professional dictum which defined his career was "to meet the needs of these our children" – a fact that was not lost on his own kids, grandkids or any children of Washington and the greater central Illinois region.

Visitation was held from 4-6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington with a reception following from 6-9 p.m. at the American Legion Hall Post 100 in Washington. A funeral mass was held Saturday, Dec. 4, at St. Patrick Church in Washington, with Father John Steffen officiating. A graveside committal followed on Saturday at Memorial Park Cemetery in Staunton.

In lieu of food and flowers, The Torry family requested that donations be made to the Raymond R. Torry Memorial which has been established to develop, enhance and support WCHS Faculty and Student academic initiatives and scholarship at Washington Community High School. You may make a one-time or annual contribution by sending the donation to: Raymond R. Torry Memorial, Washington Community Bank, 1895 Washington Rd., Washington, IL 61571. Donors may call Washington Community Bank directly to request routing and direct deposit instructions to the Raymond R. Torry Memorial at 309-444-1700.

Ray's memorial website is available at http://www.deitersfuneral home.com where condolences may also be sent to his family.