Hendred, Ray

Ray Hendred, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died peacefully in his home with his family at his bedside on Jan. 11, 2011. Services: 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation, 520 Wilson Ave. SW, by the Rev. Richard Reed. Family will greet friends Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial: Oak Hill Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.

 Survivors include his daughters, Nesbeth (David Reynolds), Rae Mona (Marcus Johnson), Renee (Tony McCraney) and Rhonda (Robert Wright); his son, Ronald Hendred; stepsons, Billy Adams and James (Margie) Adams; 34 grandchildren; 50 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Geraldine M. Hendred; his parents; and all of his siblings which include seven brothers, Brinkley, Marshall, Floyd, Russell, Durwood, Horace and Manfred; and three sisters, Carolyn, Maxine and Betty.

 Ray was born Feb. 6, 1920, in LaBelle, Mo., to Isaac and Elsie Hendred. During World War II, he served in the United States Army as an automotive equipment mechanic with the Transportation Corps. In 1945, he received an honorable discharge with the following decorations: European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon W/2 Bronze battle stars, one Service Stripe, six Overseas Service Bars and a Good Conduct Medal. In 1946, he married Bernice Akers and they remained lifelong friends. In 1958, he married Geraldine Overton and they remained married until her death in 2007.   He worked as an automotive mechanic for Allen's Import Service and later retired from the Pepsi Cola Bottling Co.

Ray was a loving husband, an awesome father, grandfather, brother and a loyal friend to many. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. Most importantly, he will always be remembered for his humility, kindness and patience to all who knew him. 

 Memorials may be directed to Hospice of Mercy.

Please sign the online guest book for Ray at  under obituaries.