Junior Ray Ely

Junior Ray Ely, age 84, of Dayton, passed away May 20, 2024. Junior was born in Jonesville, Virginia on May 23, 1939 to the late Apsy and Margie Ely.

Junior is preceded in death by his parents, three sisters and five brothers.

He is survived by brothers, Gene (Jeanna) Ely and James Ely; several nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

Junior is an Army Veteran, serving for two years. Junior retired from Duriron Company after 30 years. He was a member of the Moose Lodge #73. In his free time, he enjoyed feeding squirrels and birds, sitting on his porch, reading books and sharing conversations with his neighbors. In the early morning, Junior and his brother, James along with his cousin, Roger Thomas, enjoyed talking on the phone about current events and family. It is our hope that you think of Junior in the hills of Virginia riding an ATV with family and friends through Hagan Holler, Stone Mountain, he so loved.

Junior was a great brother, uncle and friend. He was an avid learner and had an open ear for advice. Junior was a hard worker and had a love for the outdoors on a sunny day. He had a great sense of humor and a grin that would light up a room.

He loved his family and will be greatly missed and remembered by all who knew and loved him.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Gene Cheek, Robert, Angie, Isaiah and Hannah Justice, Dale Monday, his dogs, Frank and Georgie Carroll, and Trish Livesay. Special thanks to all neighbors, as well as Tina and Robert O'Neal, who took extra good care of him.

Donations may be made in Junior's memory to Hospice of Dayton (324 Wilmington Ave, Dayton) or to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (P.O. Box 1999, Memphis TN 38101)

Visitation will be held from 10:00am-11:00am on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at Newcomer Funeral Home (3380 Dayton-Xenia Rd., Beavercreek), where funeral services will begin at 11:00am. Junior will be laid to rest at Valley View Memorial Gardens following the service.