Raymond Earl Chamberlain, 79, of Clay County, Indiana, went to be with the Lord, while at home, surrounded by his family, on July 4, 2020. Ray had been fighting an 11 year battle with complications of a stroke.
Ray was born on September 5, 1940, the son of Earl and Frances (Thomas) Chamberlain. He graduated from Van Buren High School with the class of 1958 where he participated in many athletic activities. Ray maintained his high school track record in the 880 yard dash until the school closed. Ray married Charlotte Anne Ames on March 29, 1959. Ray worked for Peabody Coal for 27 years. He also owned and operated Chamberlain Excavating.
Ray was a member of the Carbon Baptist Church where he had served as a deacon. He was also a fifty-year member of the Van Buren Volunteer Fire Department. Emmaus Walk #16, YMCA Silver Sneakers, Angler of the year in the Central Indiana Anglers Bass Club in 1994. During the awards ceremony, Ray announced his retirement from the club and his intention to become “fishers of men”.
Ray enjoyed being active in his church, fishing, participating in family activities, and especially spending time with his grandkids, great-grandkids, and friends.
Ray is survived by his wife of 61 years Charlotte “Char” Chamberlain; 3 sons: Jeff Chamberlain and wife Teri of Brazil, Brad Chamberlain and wife Jenni of Brazil, and Mark Chamberlain and wife Kelly of Waynetown, Indiana; foster daughter Donna Reeves Mullenix and family; grandchildren: Keenan Chamberlain, Devon Chamberlain and wife Jenae, Haley Ebach and husband Ben, Heath Chamberlain and wife Christy, Hannah Lamb and husband Jordan, Eli Chamberlain and wife Destiny, Cheyenne and Betty; step-grandkids: Allissa Sheridan, Jayden Sheridan, and Kaleb Pfeifer; great-grandchildren: Connor, Finn, and Reed Chamberlain, Daxton Chamberlain, Jack and Rayner Ebach, Reagan and Adalyn Chamberlain; siblings: Ron Chamberlain and wife Vickie of Brazil and Rozanne Aker of Brazil; as well as many extended family members and friends. Steve Lamb, Braytin Athey, and Wanda Miller were a special part of Ray’s life as he worked through his health challenges. Thanks also to Kindred Hospice for their love and care for Ray.
Visitation will be at the Carbon Baptist Church, 14100 North Murphy Road Carbon, Indiana 47837, on Thursday, July 9, 2020 from 10am until 2:00pm. Services will follow, at the church, at 2:00pm with Pastors Terry Wilson II and Steve Blaydes officiating. Burial will follow at Calcutta Cemetery.
Donations may be made to Carbon Baptist Church 14100 North Murphy Road Carbon, Indiana 47837 or the YMCA Silver Sneakers Program 225 East Kruzan St. Brazil, Indiana.
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