Raymond Ray Brimm

Raymond (Ray) Brimm of Downey, CA passed away peacefully on the evening of Saturday March 11, 2023. He passed away in his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was 88. Ray was born on February 19, 1935 in Anna, Illinois to parents Ed and Christina Brimm. On October 18, 1954 he married Lula Belle Wright. They had one child, his pride and joy, Debra Irene Brimm on May 23, 1957.

Ray was born and raised on the Walton Farm in Anna, Illinois. In his youth he was a farm worker and after marriage he worked at the Bunny Bread factory and the Anna Rock Quarries. In 1965, he and Lula made the bold move to Southern California to pursue the California Dream. His career spanned several industries in manufacturing. He was a steel fitter. He worked on Navy Frigates in the shipyards of San Pedro, CA followed by passenger planes at Boeing and McDonnell Douglas in Long Beach, CA. Together, with his wife Lula (a real estate agent), they purchased several home properties. Ray used his skills to renovate and maintain the properties while Lula managed the business side of land lordship. He and Lula both retired early due to Lula's failing health. Ray spent ten years dutifully caring for Lula until she passed in 2000. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time with his family and visiting Pechanga Casino with his dear friends Janet Johnson and Leota Voshell.

In his spare time, Ray loved to woodwork and garden. He grew the most luscious tomatoes and helped Lula raise orchids. He built all kinds of things, like gates, ladders, dog houses and gazebos. He even built a pair of stilts for his granddaughters. He was an animal lover and had many pets over the years. He enjoyed helping his daughter (a single mom) raise his granddaughters and maintain her home.

He is survived by his daughter Debra (Debbie) Gregory, and two Granddaughters Tonya Stonesifer and Julia Santiago, and his son-in-law Chris Santiago. Ray had three great grandchildren, Jeremy, Odin and Ostara. He had four sisters, Alice May (predeceased), Betty Grace McCormick, and twins Carolyn Sue "Sue" McKinney and Marilyn Lou "Lou" Curdie. He was preceded in death by his wife Lula who passed away on September 24, 2000 and a sister, Alice May

Funeral services for Ray Brimm will be held at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. Interment will follow in the Jonesboro Cemetery. Family and friends may gather at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at the funeral home.

Ray was a loving, loyal and dutiful man who leaves a legacy of pride and grace. He was very loved by many, and adored by his daughter and granddaughters.