Ray Rennels

Ray Rennels died peacefully on February 28, 2021, at the age of 82, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, with his loving partner, Sherrill, and daughter, Debra, by his side. Ray was born in 1939, in Detroit and grew up in Royal Oak, Michigan. As a toddler Ray would wave to his grandfather Robert Park every afternoon as grandpa boarded the streetcar in front of their house for his afternoon shift at Ford Motor Company. Ray was surrounded by his loving parents, Ray and Dorothy Rennels, his mother's parents, Robert and Mary Park, his Aunt Peg, and lots of doting relatives who all wanted to know the very first grandchild in this close knit family. All of his 3 uncles on his mother's side, Jack, Bob and Ty served in WWII. From this early loving atmosphere, Ray became a gracious family oriented person who used his keen sense of humor and natural charm to become a person that was fun to be around and someone whose friendship you treasured. Ray went through the Royal Oak school system from kindergarten at Washington Elementary School, Clara Barton Jr. High, and finally his graduation from Royal Oak High School in 1957. Ray maintained several lifelong friends from his school days as well as from those he met from being a member of The First Baptist Church of Royal Oak. After graduation, Ray began a life long successful career in banking beginning with the National Bank of Royal Oak. He was involved in banking in Ludington, Grand Rapids and Miami, Florida. Ray was a loving and caring man. He always enjoyed engaging in conversation with whoever he met along the way, being more interested in their stories than his own. Ray had battled several health problems throughout his life, but was a fighter and never gave up. Ray was proud to act as a second father and assisted in raising Alyssa and Aaron Fein, Sherrill's niece and nephew, from an early age. Ray loved his daughter, Debra, son, Jeff, Sherrill, Alyssa and Aaron very much. Ray was an avid golfer and had a passion for classic cars including his Chevy Corvette and Mustang Mach I. Ray also enjoyed his various antique excursions with Sherrill locating treasures at every turn. Ray loved his family and spending time with them. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Dorothy Rennels. Ray is survived by his partner, companion and caregiver of 23 years, Sherrill Helms; brother, John Rennels, with whom he had a special bond; daughter, Debra (Rory) Lanning; and son, Jeff Rennels; grandchildren, Ben (Michaela) Lanning and Joe Lanning; one great grandson, Kaden Michael Lanning, who was born on the day of his passing; and nieces and nephews, Chris (Theresa) Rennels, Abby (Mike Flickinger) Rennels, Vanessa (Dan) Miller, and Brandon Rennels. The family wishes to thank the incredible team of doctors, surgeons and hospice caregivers with Spectrum Health that worked tirelessly over the years to ensure that Ray had the best treatment and support. Many thanks to the staff at St. Ann's, Beacon Hill, and Marywood Health Center for their grace and compassionate care. Per Ray's wishes, cremation has taken place and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Ray's memory to: American Lung Association, www.lungusa.org; St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, Montana, www.stlabre.org/granthope; Harbor Humane Society, www.harborhumane.org Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ray Rennels, please visit our flower store.