Raymond “Ray” Patrick Edwin passed away peacefully on Aug. 19, 2021 due to complications from heart surgery. He was born in Rockford on Aug. 6, 1947. Ray graduated from Harlem High School in 1966 where he was an excellent athlete. He retired as the first million dollar sales representative for V.I.P. He was also very proud of his career with Loves Park Police Department. He met his soulmate, Julie Hagemann, in 1975 and they were inseparable for 46 years.
Ray was a phenomenal woodworker and used this talent along with his photoshop talent to create custom gifts that brought great joy to his family and friends. Ray loved to travel with his wife, Julie, to the Caribbean for over 25 years. Jamaica became his home away from home and that is where he is best known as “Rambo,” the legend.
Ray will be remembered as a kind, loving gentlemen who gave great hugs. He always had a joke or funny story to tell to captivate an audience. He stayed positive in times of doubt, taught us to love unconditionally and to be free as a bird because he always said, “we were given feet not roots for a reason.”
Survivors include his wife, Julie. Son, James Edwin. Daughter, Michelle Morris (Ken Spoden). Granddaughters, Alyssa Morris (Devan Ferguson) and Bryanna Morris. Great-grandchildren, Ryder Ray and Journi Sue. Father and Mother-in-law, Tobe and Donna Hagemann. Sisters-in-law, Christy (Jim) Bachman and Shari (Randy) Martin and nieces and nephews. His beloved fur companions, Shelby and Cooper. He is predeceased by his parents Maurice “Bud” and Helen Edwin.
His “go for it” attitude will live on in our hearts forever. There will be a celebration of life for family and friends at a later date. Condolences can be given online or sent to Sundberg Funeral Home in Rockford.
