William Lee Crays

William Lee Crays 45 of Holt Florida formerly of Litchfield IL passed unexpectedly on Nov. 13 2021 at North Okalossa Medical Center in Florida.

He was born April 3, 1976 to Jackie Lee and Bernice (Smith) Crays.

He married Blaire Michelle Murray on August 5, 2020 in Hopewell Virginia.

He was a graduate of Hillsboro High School in 1994. He joined the Army National Guard in May 1995, serving 8 years he left the Guard to work for Dobrinich Construction. He then rejoined the Army in 2008. He served on 5 deployments to Afghanistan and once to South Korea. Sergeant First Class William Crays was an Army Parachute Rigger in the 7th Special Forces group (Airborne).

His duty was air drop operations NCO. He recently had re-enlisted on July 1, 2021 and following his passing he was promoted to Master Sergeant. He earned several awards and decorations in his time in the Army. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He also loved to sing karaoke, ride his Harley, play guitar and enjoyed going to breweries to try different beers.

He is survived by his wife Blaire, daughter Bailey Paige Crays and two step children Lily Michelle LeMay and Layden Dan LeMay and one granddaughter Marley Paige Chance, also surviving are several Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents’ grandfather Richard Smith grandmother Helen Cravens and Great Grandfather William Cravens and Great grandmother Edna Cravens.

Memorials can be directed to Blaire Crays.

Funeral service will be Saturday Nov. 27 2021 at 11:00 AM at Hough & Sons Funeral Home in Hillsboro.

Visitation will be Saturday from 9:00 AM until service time.

Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery in Litchfield with full military rites.

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