Raymond Ball, age 89, of Marcy, NY, passed away on Thursday, April 25, 2013. His loving family was by his side. Ray was born in Utica, NY on October 30, 1923, the son of Raymond and Frances (Alan) Ball Sr. He was raised and educated locally, graduating from Utica Free Academy. While in the service, he also attended some college classes at The College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, VA. He served stateside in the US Army during WWII as a bomb disposal specialist at Aberdeen Proving Ground. This was very dangerous duty, as it often involved disarming or exploding live bombs. After the war, Ray went to work in the Warranty Department at Chicago Pneumatic in Utica. It was there he met Marion Myers, who worked in the Drafting Department. They were married on November 3, 1951. Ray continued to work at Chicago Pneumatic until his retirement in 1982. Ray also ran a Gravely Tractor Sales and repaid shop from his home in Marcy. For many years, Ray, Marion and their three sons enjoyed a camp they owned on Pleasant Lake, near Brantingham, NY. Once he retired, Ray and Marion enjoyed many bus trips to various parts of the country. Ray also became Historian for the Town of Marcy, and he continued to hold this position until he died. Ray authored numerous books about Marcy town history, as well as the history of the Ball family. Ray was also an amateur photographer, and he and Marion were members of the Utica Art Association for many years. He was a member and former usher of St. Peter's Church, N. Utica and American Legion Post # 229, N. Utica. Ray had many talents and interests, but his greatest joy in life was his family. He shared a blessed union with his wife Marion for 61 years. They were truly "joined at the hip." When you saw one of them, you usually saw the other as well. Ray was very proud of his three sons, and he took great pride in all of their accomplishments in life. He had two granddaughters who were the apple of his eye, and he treasured the times they shared together. Ray also had a special relationship with his late daughter-in-law Debbie. They became very close over the years and had developed a special bond. Ray is survived by his wife Marion; his son Tom and his wife Terry of Marcy; his son John, also of Marcy, and his soul mate Geri Gauthier, of Whitesboro; his son William of Yorkville; his granddaughters and their husbands, Melanie and Ron Phillips of Philadelphia, NY and Sara and Trevor Fairbairn of New York Mills; and by many other nephews and nieces and their families. Ray is predeceased by his parents Raymond Sr. and Frances of Utica; his brother John of Pearl River, NY; his brother James and his wife Emily of Utica; his brother Donald of Syracuse; and by his daughter-in-law Debbie of Yorkville. The family would like to thank all of Ray's loyal Gravely Tractor customers, Ray took great pride in serving your needs and he truly enjoyed the many friendships that developed because of the business. Thank you all. The family would also like to thank all of Ray's caregivers who helped him on his journey. Your kindness, care and compassion were greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten. Thank you all. Ray was a wonderful, husband, father and provider, and he will be greatly missed. Mr. Ball's funeral will be held on Monday, April 29, 2013 at 9:15 from the Heintz Funeral Home, 408 Herkimer Rd. N. Utica and at 10:00 from St. Peter's Catholic Church, 422 Coventry Ave. North Utica, NY. Interment will follow in Carr Cemetery, Route 291, Marcy, NY. Calling hours at the funeral home are Sunday from 4 to 7. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the charity of your choice.