Raymond Edward Fisher, 91 of Fairfield, passed away at 7:58 AM, Friday, April 4, 2025, at his home.  Born on February 12, 1934, in Coles County, IL to Merrill Vincent and Mary Lou (Cordes) Fisher ,he was said to be the first baby boy born at Old Lake Mattoon, also known as Paradise Lake.  He married Beverly Joan Scattergood on June 10, 1961, at the Springfield Illinois First United Methodist Church.

Ray was a graduate of Eastern Illinois University and is in the EIU Athletic Hall of Fame. After graduation he served in the United States Marine Corps out of San Diego, CA, and played Marine Corps Football.  In 1959 he signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a free agent to play offensive tackle, and in 1960 became a member of the Dallas Cowboys new franchise team.  In 1962 Ray joined the Illinois Department of Natural Resources where he was a district fisheries biologist.  In 1993 he retired and spent his time developing a grape vineyard and hunting and fishing.  He was also active in the Fairfield Tennis Club, served on the FCHS School Board, and the Wayne County Ambulance Board.

Ray is survived by his wife Beverly of Fairfield, son Vincent Fisher of Rochester, IL, daughter Elizabeth (David) Brahler of Springfield, IL and 5 grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a half-brother, and grandson Gerard Brahler.

Funeral services for Ray Fisher will be held at 1 PM, Tuesday, April 8th at the Johnson and Vaughn Funeral Home, with military rites provided by Anthony Wayne Post #176 American Legion and the Wayne County Post #4535 VFW.  A visitation will be held from 11 AM until the time of service at the funeral home.  Following the service, he will be cremated and his ashes buried in Wolf Creek Cemetery near Springfield, IL at a later date. Memorials in his honor may be made to FCHS Athletics and will be accepted at the funeral home.