Brian K. Raby, 58 of Chenoa died at 4:40 pm, Friday, June 30, 2023 at his residence in Chenoa.
Cremation has been accorded with a visitation from 11am to 1pm, Saturday, July 8, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Chenoa, Chenoa, IL. Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Chenoa is in charge of arrangements.
A memorial service will be held at 1pm, Saturday, July 8, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Chenoa, Chenoa, IL; with Pastor Jefferson Williams officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions or photos you may have of Brian may be directed to the family of Brian or First Baptist Church of Chenoa.
Brian was born February 25, 1965 in Bloomington, the son of Robert P. and Ada L. (Burke) Raby. He married Angel Kelley on October 26, 1996 in College Mound, TX. His wife, Angel survives in Chenoa.
Other survivors include his children, R. Cole Raby and Meagan Rene’ Raby both of Chenoa; one brother, Chuck (Christy) Raby of Chenoa; nephews, Darren (Alexis) Raby of Danvers, Doug (Carolyn) Hinshaw of Gibson City; nieces, Julie Copeland of Benton, KY, Kellie Jo (Jeff) Harrell of Calvert City, KY; Barbie (Norm) Ellison of Hudson, IL, along with many other great-nieces and great-nephews.
His parents, one sister, Shirley English and two brothers, Robert and Ron Wills preceded him in death.
Brian graduated from Chenoa High School in 1983. Attained water displacement in math and Class C license in water distribution from Texas A&M, worked as a machinist, a welder, a sign painter, a brick layer, a truck driver, a wood sign artist; he was a roofer by trade and worked for 17 years at Union Roofing, then employed by VSI and Caterpillar before retiring.
Brian was gifted in many capacities, he was an accomplished athlete in football, baseball, and track in high school; he was an amazing singer, song writer and guitar player; he was an artist with his drawing as well as with wood and metal; he enjoyed racing go-carts, riding horses, shooting guns, fishing, hunting, throwing a frisbee or a good punch if the occasion called for it; he loved cruising the city streets and country roads; his love for animals and especially his dogs was as big as his heart.
Brian told it like it was and was bold in both his speech and his actions, but he never knew a stranger and was ready to help friend or neighbor any time there was a need. He so enjoyed a good joke along with his beer, but the love for his family was his greatest joy and passion. His sincere heart was larger than life.
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