Ray Joe Ludwig, 89, of Shelby, passed away Sunday, January 14, 2024. He was born February 22, 1934, the son of Henry and Mabel (Walker) Ludwig.

Ray was a fun-loving, dependable, and reliable strong man, with an enormous heart, who loved his family. Ray was known for his incredible generosity and willingness to sacrifice his time when others were in need. He enjoyed playing his namesake Ludwig drums, and his harmonica. Ray loved making everyone around him smile by telling jokes and singing songs, and he loved the wind in his face on the open road riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. As a retired mechanic from Shelby Public Schools, Ray could fix absolutely anything. His skilled hand was known by everyone around town. Ray also attended Shelby United Methodist Church.

Ray is survived by: his children, son, Larry and wife, Rosemarie of Swartz Creek, Michigan, daughter, Lanette Vanderlinde and husband, Bill of North Muskegon, Michigan, son, Lee and his wife, Lisa of Bridge City, Texas, daughter, Laurie Coker and her husband, Ben of Fairbanks, Alaska, daughter, Lisa Pladdet and her husband, Daniel of Grand Rapids, Michigan; grandchildren, Tiffany, Brandon, Jeremy, Nathan, Nicholas, Stephanie and Broderick, Ben,  and Abigail; 15 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Shirley Herin and her husband, Bob who also reside in Shelby, Michigan; as well as Ray’s very special friend and companion, Evelyn Vanderbeek of Hart, Michigan. 

Ray was preceded in death by: his wife, Peggy; his eldest son, Lonny and wife, Jeanette; his grandsons, Seth and Theron; his parents, Henry and Mabel; as well as his siblings, brothers, Richard and Henry (Victor); and sisters, Marge Willick, Elizabeth (Betty) Payne, and Faye Darling. 

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 20, 2024, at Shelby United Methodist Church, 68 East 3rd Street, Shelby, Michigan 49455, with his grandson, Pastor Ben Ludwig officiating. Visitation will be held Saturday from 10:00 AM until time of services at the church.

The Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is handling arrangements. 

www.harrisfhome.com