| Graduation Year | Class of 1965 |
| Date of Birth | May 05, 1947 |
| Date of Passing | Jun 11, 2024 |
| About | Raymond Leroy Wilsey was born May 5th, 1947 in Lexington, Nebraska, entered into his eternal rest June 11th, 2024, and did quite a bit in between. He was the first of eight children born to Fred and Velma (Sanders) Wilsey. He was often found running around his neighborhood capturing bugs and frogs as a kid and storing them in jars behind the house, much to the chagrin of his mom. He had fond memories of the first time his mom let him take a couple siblings to a movie, The Giant Claw, by themselves (a real thriller by today’s standards). He enjoyed his high school years as an Islander in Grand Island, Nebraska and attended many class reunions. During the 1965 draft, Ray went when his number was called but ran into an Air Force recruiter on the way. This turned into a 22-year career that left deep impressions on him. Trained as a radar technician, he was sent to Vietnam, Korea, Taiwan, and all over the US. Ray had tears in his eyes when relating stories from his time in the service because of the bond he felt with those he served with. Those memories were the ones he held close to his heart. After retiring from active duty, Ray graduated from Boise State with Associates of Applied Science in 1989 and started his own business repairing electronics, following in the footsteps of his father. The “fix anything” talent has passed down to his own kids and even some grandchildren. If he wasn’t fixing something, you could find Ray at a bowling alley most nights. Ray is survived by his wife Lynda, four children (Jim Wilsey, Vickie Martin, Joe (Becky) Wilsey, and Steve (Sarah) Wilsey), five siblings Robert (Hahn) Wilsey, Fred Jr. (Theda) Wilsey, Deborah (Ron) Kalkwarf, Patrick (Gayle) Wilsey, Patricia Wilsey and 11 grandchildren. He has been freed from the pain and suffering of a long and difficult battle with cancer, and will be dearly missed. We love you Ray. Services will be offered July 2nd, 2024 at 11am Alsip and Parsons in Nampa, followed by interment at the Veterans Cemetery in Boise. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Nampa, ID VFW Post 3465. |
