Ray Brill

(From Knell Mortuary)

Ray Wid Brill, age 85, of Carthage, Missouri, joined our mom in heaven on Monday evening, May 11, 2020 at Freeman West Hospital, Joplin.

He was born June 2, 1934, in Scotland, Missouri, the oldest of Raymond Hartley Brill and Mercedes (Sawyer) Brill.

On March 27, 1954, he was united in marriage to Katherine Elizabeth Cupp at the Cupp home. Together they raised two daughters, Carrie and Lana.

Ray was the service manager for Continental Baking for many years, retiring at the age of 62. He was a gifted mechanic who could build or repair anything. He enjoyed a challenge and completely rebuilt a tractor in his shop at Fidelity, where he and Katherine lived until moving to Carthage later in life. He loved the farm and continued to visit his workshop after moving to town.

After retirement, he and Katherine delivered meals on wheels to the Diamond community, where they were active in the Diamond Christian Church. He had a kind heart and was always ready to help those less fortunate. He lived by Hebrews 13:2 “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” His greatest joy was his family and spending time together.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 59 years, a special aunt Ellen Mae Sawyer, son-in-law Richard Campbell, and one great-grandchild.

Survivors include two daughters, Carrie Campbell, and Lana Griffiths and husband Bill; grandchildren, Kiley Kyte and her husband Craig, Patrick Campbell and his wife Hillary, Matthew Griffiths, and Katie Griffiths; great-grandchildren, Camden Campbell, Campbell Kyte, Hattie Campbell, Reid Kyte, and Samuel Campbell. Additional survivors include brothers Cecil and Oscar Brill, along with numerous family and friends.

Ray’s life will be celebrated with a graveside service held 3 pm, Monday, May 18, 2020 at Park Cemetery, Carthage. For those who cannot make the service, the register book will be available to sign at Knell Mortuary from Wednesday, May 13, 2020 to Friday, May 15, 2020, 8 am to 5 pm, and Monday, May 18 from 8 am to 12 pm. The family suggests memorials be made to the Diamond Christian Church Van Fund or to the Asian Women and Children Fund in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.

“Dad spent his whole life getting us ready for life.”