John Raymond Moats Jr. died at South Lyon Medical Center in Yerington, Nevada on March 5 ^th , 2020.

Ray was born on March 23, 1933 in Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois. He was known as Bud growing up. He was the second child and oldest son of Jennie Opal Hamilton and John Raymond Moats Sr.

Ray grew up in Springfield, Illinois, and he joined the United States Army in 1952. He served in Korea during the Korean War in a M.A.S.H. unit.

He moved to Las Vegas in the early 60's, and worked at the Riviera Hotel as a room service waiter. He later went to work at the Sands Hotel and was a bellman until his retirement in 1995.

Ray loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter. He enjoyed fresh water and deep-sea fishing. He grew up with boats, and continued that love of boats on Lake Mead. He was a true dog man.

Ray married Phyllis Bontrager Lambert in 1991. They resided in Henderson and later off the grid for twelve years in the Spring Mountain Range of the Sierra Nevada's. They left the mountains thirteen years ago and moved to Lyon, Nevada in 2007.

Ray loved reading, and had a wonderful sense of humor. His favorite authors were Robert Frost, Edgar Allen Poe, Edward Abbey, Tony Hillerman, and Nicholas Sparks.

Music was another of Ray's passions. His fondest memories in school were of being a member of the choir. His favorite instrument was the French Horn. He loved opera, country music, and all of the oldies that he grew up with.

Ray was preceded in death by an infant daughter Angela Marie Moats, by his parents, and by his younger brother Harold (Mo) Moats.

Ray is survived by his wife Phyllis Bontrager Lambert Moats, sisters Judy Rebeck of Illinois, and Sue Brown of Arkansas.

Ray's surviving children from previous marriages are: son Shane Moats, son Brady Moats, daughter Cathy Moats, son John Raymond Moats III Lauduski, son Richard Allen Moats Lauduski, and daughter Jody Moats Lauduski Perry. Ray leaves behind grandson Braydon Moats, as well as nine other grandchildren, and several great grandchildren.

Ray is also survived by stepdaughters Kristin (Lambert) Klug, Sherri (Lambert) McConnell, and stepsons Lane Lambert, Larry Lambert, and Danny Lambert.

Family and friends are invited to sign his online guest book at www.FRFH.net .

Arrangements and cremation were under the direction of Freitas Rupracht Funeral Home, 25 Hwy 208 Yerington, Nevada 89447  (775) 463-2911