Ray Greenwood

RAY JOHN GREENWOOD

Ray John Greenwood, age 94, a long-time beloved resident of American Fork, Utah, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday morning, July 25, 2021.  He had recently enjoyed the company of his loving children, their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He passed away feeling satisfied and very much loved.

Ray was born February 23, 1927 in Downey, California to Frank Crystal and Jennie Pearl Thornton Greenwood.  As a young 15 year old adolescent, his folks moved back to American Fork, Utah in 1942.  Ray, along with his younger sister Elaine, only 5 years old, at the time, continued to flourish in their young lives within this safe and close-knit community.

Shortly after Ray graduated from American Fork High School, he completed a dream of honoring the country that he loves and to see a little bit more of the world, by joining the Navy near the end of WWII, on February 21, 1945.  He was released honorably on July 20, 1950, after serving in the Pacific Fleet.   Upon returning home, Ray did attend college for a short time and also met and fell in love with Shirley Stevens.  She was a lovely local beauty with long dark hair, talented in many things, including being an American Fork High School baton twirler.

Ray and Shirley were married in the living room of her childhood home with friends and relatives present on July 15, 1950.  They and three of their four children were sealed as a family in the LDS Temple on January 20, 1964.  The early years of marriage were spent building, with their own hands, a fine red brick home.  The couple had 3 boys and 1 girl.  Ray was employed by the Geneva Steel Company as a brick mason.  Shirley enjoyed BYU employment after the children had left the nest.

Ray enjoyed hunting large and small game.  He enjoyed the company of his father, uncles, cousins, his children, and grandchildren while on many of these overnight excursions.  Fishing from the lake shore and especially, fishing from his boat gave him great pleasure.

He will be remembered for his great laughter, his ease as an attentive conversationalist with new friends and acquaintances. He spent many hours volunteering at the American Fork Senior Center.  He was an active participant and leader in the Lions Club.

Special thanks to all the loving care provided to Ray by the Canyon Home Health Hospice and the A+ Home Care & Hospice staffs.

Ray was looking forward to being greeted by his wife, Shirley, when he departed this world. Others who proceeded him in death:  parents Frank & Jennie Greenwood; wife Shirley Greenwood; great grandchild Marcella.

Ray is survived by his children: Michael (Mary Jo); Richard (Terri); Larry (Tammy) and Margaret Christensen Dial; 11 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren; and sister Elaine Greenwood Stevenson.

Family and friends are invited to the viewing to be held Friday, July 30, between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm at the Anderson and Sons Funeral home, 49 East 100 North in American Fork, Utah. The funeral will be held Saturday at 11:00 am with a viewing from 9:30 am to 10:45 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Hillcrest Stake Center, 165 North 350 West, American Fork, Utah.