Raymond L. Ford

Raymond Lee Ford, age 81 of Highland, IL, died Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJC) in Saint Louis, MO. Ray was born in Kirksville, Missouri, to Betty June Pritchard and John Eugene Ford on May 8, 1944. They lived in Ethel, Missouri, during his younger years and later his family moved to St. Louis where his Dad found work. When he was in fifth grade, his family moved to Cahokia where he graduated from high school in 1962. He went on to college at SIU-E earning a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in school administration. He also earned credits towards a specialist’s degree. Several years after his family moved to Cahokia, his parents opened Cahokia Floral and Gift Shop. On busy weekends, Ray helped out in the flower shop where he developed a real knack for floral arranging. After graduating from SIU-E, Ray was hired to teach at Breese Public Schools where he stayed for six years. He was awarded The Outstanding Educator Award from the Breese Jaycees in 1968. It was during that time that he met Brenda Brant, his future wife, on a blind date. He had family coming in for the weekend and needed a date. He got her number from the mother of a friend of Brenda’s who worked at the flower shop, and as they say, the rest is history. Ray and Brenda were married November 9, 1968, after a 10-week courtship. In the early years of their marriage, Ray worked on his master’s degree and later a specialist degree. It was in 1970 that they welcomed their first child, David Ray. In 1972, Ray was hired as the building principal and sixth grade teacher for New Douglas Elementary in the Highland school district. Ray and Brenda bought their first home in Highland in August of 1972 and welcomed their second child, a daughter named Terri Lynn in 1973. In 1978, they welcomed their third child, Adam Jay. As the family grew older, Ray started coaching Khoury League for middle school kids and later for son’s teams. In 1985, Ray became the building principal of the 4-5-6 building in the Highland district. In 1998, Ray won the Those Who Excel Award for Exceptional Commitment and Service from Highland Community School District and the Those Who Excel Award from the Illinois State Board of Education for Outstanding Contributions to Education. He was in the 4-5-6 building until his retirement in 2003. Ray became an avid golfer and had 5 hole-in-ones. He was also an avid bridge player and was the director of the Highland Duplicate Bridge Club. Ray earned the certification of Master Bridge Player. He played bridge in many different clubs. He liked playing games with a couple’s group. He enjoyed taking walks and fishing. He and Brenda took many cruises, as well as their favorite yearly family vacation to Branson, where they enjoyed lots of boating, game nights, going to shows and making lasting memories. Ray was a member of the First Baptist Church of Highland where he taught adult Sunday School for many years and served as the Church Moderator for almost 20 years. He was a man of very strong faith. Survivors include: Wife - Brenda J. Ford, nee Brant, Highland, IL Son - David Ray Ford, Glen Carbon, IL Daughter - Terri Lynn (Brian) Hagler, Maryville, IL Son - Adam Jay (Kristen) Ford, Rowley, MA Grandchildren - Cole Jordan (Josie) Moss, Noah Matthew (s.o.-Kourtney Zobrist) Moss, Trey Ronald Moss, Arabella Grace Ford, Savannah Jean Ford, Ava Joy Ford and Aiden Jay Ford. Great Granddaughters - Ronnie Jo Moss and Jordie Ray Moss Sister - Beverly (s.o.-Philippe Belonni) Szopinski, Bethalto, IL Brother-In-Law – Lt. Com. Rev. Larry J. (Tammy) Brant, Twentynine Palms, CA He was preceded in death by his parents, John Eugene "Gene" Ford (died 10/21/1994) and Betty June Ford, nee Pritchard (died 7/1/2014). Arrangements are being handled by Spengel-Boulanger Funeral Home in Highland, IL. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Highland, IL. Funeral Service will be at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at First Baptist Church in Highland, IL, with Rev. Cody D. Knapik, Pastor, officiating. Interment will be at Highland City Cemetery in Highland, IL. Memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church or HACSM.

Raymond L. Ford

May 8, 1944 - January 14, 2026