In Toledo, Ohio, Raymond Jay Casey Jr. was born on January 10 , 1952.  He was the treasured son of Raymond J. Casey Sr. and Bernadine Alice [Harris] Casey.  Growing up in the Decatur area, he graduated from Bellmont High School in 1970.   Ray continued his education at Manchester College where he pursued his life dream of becoming a teacher.  In 1974 he graduated with a Bachelor's degree in secondary education.  He continued his education and later graduated from Ball State University with a master's degree in education.

A 35-year teaching veteran, Mr. Casey initiated his teaching career at Rochester High School from 1974 - 1976. His next assignment was at Connersville High School from 1976 - 1985.  In the fall of 1985 Ray continued his career at Carmel High School.  He concluded his career at his alma mater Bellmont High School back in Decatur, IN from 1992 - 2009.  During his teaching career, Mr. Casey also taught college level courses at IU East at Richmond, IUPUI at Indianapolis,  IPFW Ft. Wayne and Ivy Tech.

During his years of service to education,  with great skill and teaching methods, Mr. Casey maximized the potential of each student.  His areas of expertise were speech and theater.  Whether it was delivering a keynote speech during state competition or a powerful line during a theatrical presentation,  his students presented with poise and great aplomb.  With his successes as a speech coach, Mr. Casey was bestowed the coveted Diamond Key Award from the National Forensic League.  He was an Indiana Thespian Director and he annually planned summer field trips to New York City's Theater District.  Coach Casey also enjoyed mentoring tennis and football teams over the years.

Near Milford, at the Camp Alexander Mack Chapel, Raymond married the love of his life, Miss Margaret Lynne "Peggy" Frettinger on July 12 , 1981.  They shared nearly four decades of life's adventures.

Peggy and Ray enjoyed traveling, especially to Seattle.  They were also history buffs and made a visit to Gettysburg. A man who embraced all types of sports, he followed the Indianapolis Colts and the Boston Celtics.  Keeping up with technology, he loved to stream documentaries after retiring.  With appreciation for the simplicity of life, Ray relaxed on the back deck observing his backyard bird friends feeding in their natural habitat.  "Mr. Santa Claus" was proud to adorn his Santa suit attending many parties and homes of friends to delight everyone with his presence, spreading cheer during the holidays.

Ray's favorite role in life was titled "Grampy!"  Proud to oversee three generations, Grampy was delighted with the visits from his precious granddaughters. The holidays and special family celebrations were some of his happiest times.

Left to cherish Ray's memory are his wife Peggy, at home; his children: Paul Ashford Casey of Long Beach, MS, Dawn Marie Eschenbach  (Cary)  Redmond, WA,  Capt. Joel R. Casey  (Tara)  Brownsburg, and Dustin J. Casey, Bradenton, FL; his granddaughters: Lainey Casey,  Isla Margaret Casey, Audie Kayanne Casey; nieces Cheryl Palm Lenington (John),  Lisa Levingston, Charlene McCready White, and a nephew Shawn McCready; his mother-in-law, Thelma Frettinger of Rochester; a sister-in-law, Patricia Eads Rochester; and a brother-in-law, Daniel Frettinger (Imma), Valley View, Texas

A celebration of the life of Mr. Raymond Jay Casey Jr.  will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, February  27 , 2021 at the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th Street, Rochester.  Pastor Rodney A. Eiler will officiate.  Friends may visit with his family from 11:00 AM until the time of the service. COVID state guidelines will be observed regarding masking and social distancing. Burial will follow in Rochester's IOOF Cemetery. Memorials in lieu of flowers may be made for a 529 educational scholarship fund for Ray's HEART...his grandchildren.