H. Ray Goff

H. Ray Goff, 73, of Casa Grande, AZ, formerly of Little York, Biggsville and Macomb, IL died at 10:58 a.m., Sunday, December 6, 2015 in Phoenix, AZ. Ray was born November 10, 1942 in Biggsville, IL, the son of George and Helen (Carlson) Goff. He was raised in Little York and graduated from Yorkwood High School in 1961, where he played the trumpet, and enjoyed playing both football and basketball. Ray served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in the U.S., Turkey and Viet Nam. In 1965 he played on the Air force basketball team. Following military service, he worked at Gates Rubber Co. in Galesburg and attended Western Illinois University on the G.I. Bill. He earned a BS in History and Education in 1971 and taught at Union High School in Biggsville. In 1989 he earned an MS degree in Educational Administration from Western Illinois University and served as principal of Union High School and later at Macomb Jr. High School in Macomb, IL before retiring in 2000. Ray married Diana Lee Ruff on Dec. 7, 1968 at the Kirkwood Methodist Church and she survives. Ray dearly loved his family, friends, and teaching. He was an avid golfer, photographer, traveler, and animal lover. He was a member of the Faith Bible Church in Oquawka, IL. While living in Macomb, he served on the Board of the Macomb Country Club. He and his wife were actively involved in several Western Illinois University programs, including the Bureau of Cultural Affairs and the Performing Arts Society. He enjoyed college football and was a Dallas Cowboys fan. Ray is survived by his wife, Diana, a son , R.C. Goff; a daughter, Cynda Reynolds; granddaughters, Amy (Jeremy) Damewood, and great grandchildren, Taeler, Tyler and Shyanne, and Amanda Reynolds and great granddaughter, Scarlett; step grandson, Ryan Reynolds; foster daughter, Cheri "Brandi" Day and grandson, Marley; son at heart, Toby (Marissa) Brady and grandsons, T.J. and Joey. Also surviving him are his brother, Carl (Betty) Goff; nieces and nephews, Jeanne (Gene) Baker, Barbie (Sean) Nichol, Sue (Sid) Kirkland, Aaron (Mindy) Murray and Ashley (Steve) Swedell and their families. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents; his brother, Clyde Goff; his nephew, Mark Goff. Memorial services with Military Honors to celebrate Ray's life will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 10, 2016 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth. Visitation will be held beginning at 12:30 p.m. until the time of the services. Memorial gifts may be given to the H. Ray Goff Teachers Education Scholarship at Western Illinois University.