Ray Paul Reeder

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Ray Paul Reeder, 15, of Luzerne, MI. Ray passed away in a tragic accidental drowning at Smith Lake in Mio, MI on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. 

Ray was born on January 6, 2009 in Royal Oak, MI. He was a very rambunctious and energetic young man, always having a "great idea". He was very inquisitive. You would always see him smiling. His mom Michele called him her "Ray of sunshine". He enjoyed fishing and working on small engines, taking them apart (and sometimes putting them back together). He was always willing and wanting to try anything and everything. He enjoyed riding dirt bikes, and had been practicing driving. He couldn't wait to get his driver's license and recently had become obsessed with the idea of getting a “Hot Rod”. 

Ray's bright spirit and Big Heart will be fondly remembered by his Mom, Michele North (Eric Lewis); sister, Aaliyah North and brother, Markie Malaj; uncles, RJ (Kristina) Reeder and Todd (Cindy) North; cousins, Nancy, Bella, Scarlett, and Jamison; grandfather, Robert Reeder; great-grandparents, Ernie & Ruth Windolph and Eileen Taormina; great-great-grandmother, Billie Larsen; birth mother, Ryan Malaj; and foster parents, Kelly and Dawn Smith. Ray is preceded in death by uncle Michael Paul North, grandfather Paul Raymond North, great-grandmother Betty Sue Reeder, and great-grandfather Ed Taormina.

Visitation will take place Saturday, August 17, 2024, 4:00 - 7:00 PM at Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home in Grayling, Michigan. Visitation will continue on Sunday, August 18, 2024, from 12:00 PM until the time of funeral service at 2:00 PM at Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home. A private graveside burial will take place in the near future.

 Condolences can be shared with Ray's family at www.sorensonlockwood.com

 Arrangements entrusted to Sorenson-Lockwood Funeral Home.