Everett Moutray's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Everett James (E.J.) Moutray, age 91 of Charleston, passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2015 while at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana. Visitation for family and friends will be held Monday evening, April 27, 2015 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at the funeral chapel with Pastor Chris Prater officiating. Burial, with military services conducted by the Honor Guard of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592, will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the First Baptist Church in Charleston or to the American Diabetes Association. Gifts may be left during the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Everett was born on October 4, 1923 in Mattoon, IL, a son of the late Frank and Ella (Landrus) Moutray. He married Eleanor Jenkins on May 20, 1945 in Mattoon and their lives were enhanced through their 62 years of marriage and friendship. She preceded him in death on November 23, 2007. He is survived by their four children, Dennis Moutray and wife Peggy of Austin, TX, Michael Moutray and wife Dawn of Varna, IL, Marcia Juriga of Decatur, IL and Carol Probst and husband Karl of Mattoon; 9 grandchildren, Brian Moutray of Austin, Staci (Coleman) Uresti of Cedar Park, TX, Tyler (Kate) Moutray and Ryan (Brittany) Moutray all of Peru, IL, Mindy LaHood and Jerod (Debra) Juriga all of Mililani, HI, Megan (Chet) Cobb of Charleston, Karrie (Tyler) Kearney of Tolono, IL and Kyle Probst of Mandaree, ND; 9 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews and their families. Everett was also preceded in death by 3 sisters, Flossie Bridges, Amanda Edwards and Mary Wallace, as well as 2 brothers, Albert and Charles Moutray. Everett honorably and courageously served his country with the United States Army during World War II. He was in the auto parts business for 50 years, first selling for Schwartz Auto Parts and then for Hutton's Auto Parts. Following his retirement from Hutton's in 1985 Everett continued to work there on a part time basis. He was a longtime faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Charleston where his voice sang God's praises in the church choir for 15 years. He was a Life Member of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592 and a Charter Member of the Charleston Moose Lodge #1388. He was also a member of the Charleston Elks B.P.O.E. #623. Everett was affectionately known as E.J. to many. He was an avid sports fan and remained forever loyal to his Chicago Cubs. He enjoyed a good card game with friends and family, and was also happy working outside in his yard. E.J. was passionate about music. He loved to sing and play guitar and especially enjoyed gospel and country music. He was a man whose greatest joys came from his family. He dearly loved his wife, his children, and his grandchildren, and as a result of his devotion, worked extremely hard to provide for their needs. He considered it to be a special day when all his family was together. As a WWII Veteran, E.J. was a hero to his country, and as a husband, father and grandfather, he was a hero to his family. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him, and his family takes comfort in knowing that he is now with Eleanor, his wife and love of his life, and with Jesus, his Lord and Savior.Click to view Everett's memorial video.
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