Gerald "Ray" Wilder

Gerald “Ray” Wilder, age 87, of Grants Pass, died Monday, July 18, 2016 at his home.

Ray was born June 21, 1929 in Roseburg, Oregon, son of Cliff & Virginia Wilder. He lived on the family homestead in Sunny Valley before moving to Grants Pass. He attended Jerome Prairie and Roosevelt Schools and graduated from Grants Pass High School in 1947. He then served in the United States Marine Corps. Ray started working as a tree surgeon and worked for Stevens Tree Surgery and later retired from Trees Inc in 1991, specializing in powerline tree service. Ray married and had four children before later divorcing.

Ray was a member of IBEW for over 68 years and the Elks Lodge where he enjoyed playing cards, especially pinochle. He was a rock hound and was a past member of the Rogue Gem and Geology Club. For many years he enjoyed bowling.

Survivors include two sons, Gerald “Gerry” Wilder of Reno, Nevada and Kerry Wilder of Grants Pass, Oregon; a daughter, Sydney Wilder of Grants Pass, Oregon; eight grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Melodie Wilder in 1954.

Private interment will be at Hawthorne Memorial Gardens. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.