Gerald “Ray” Cummins, 76, also known to many as “Cowboy”, peacefully passed away on Saturday morning June 20, 2020. While his family misses him dearly, he has been reunited with the love of his life and best friend, Nicole.
He was born on February 22, 1944 in Plymouth, Indiana to Bernard and Sylvia (Branham) Cummins. He graduated from Plymouth High School with the class of 1962.
Ray fell in love with a girl in grade school, Miss Nicole Sue Rankin, and would continue the chase until she decided to give him a try in high school. Little did she know, he was her match made in heaven, and the two would wed on January 4, 1964.
A brick mason, Ray was a hardworking man, but very skilled at his trade. He enjoyed carving wooden spoons and knives, and making wooden toys for children.
He loved his family and shared many special trips and memories with them. He adored his grandchildren and making them laugh.
Ray is survived by his daughter, Patricia L. Cummins of South Bend and her children, Jonathon (Karole) Ramirez and Tiffany Ramirez; son, Michael D. (Tammia) Cummins of Mishawaka and his children: Amber, Natasha and Katrina Cummins, Nick and Alicia Singleton and Josh Kolodziez; great-grandchildren: Izaiah, Genavieve, Ellyona, Chloe, Claire, Cody, Randy, Remington, Linkin, Gabi, Jesse, Aliana, Mariah, McKenna, Madalyn, Nova and one due in December; siblings: Joyce Winters, Wanda Heleine and Steve Cummins; brother-in-law, Glenn Anders and sister-in-law, Karen Roush; as well as, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nicole in 1999; his parents; and his siblings: Jim, Jack, Jeannie Graham and Linda Anders.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 at 1 p.m. at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth. Friends are welcome to visit with the family one hour prior in the funeral home.
Neysa McFarland says
Rays Family,
I, like many, have known Ray for many years. Such a good guy. I am sorry for your loss..
Karen Dyer says
Patty, so sorry for your loss. Always enjoyed your father’s humor. He will definitely be missed by many.
Ellise Owen says
Patty and Mike, y’all know how much I cared about your father, he was one of a kind and a real sweetheart. I’m going to sure miss him. Prayers for you and your family members
Phil and Beth Jihnson says
We are so sorry to hear about your dad, our thoughts and prayers for you and Tania and for the whole families
CHRISTINE says
I am so sorry for your loss, what a wonderful gentleman and person, prayers for your family Mike
Julie Miller says
So sorry for you loss
Ron Bollman says
It was with much sadness reading about Ray. He was a wonderful classmate and a pleasure to know for many years. I always enjoyed meeting up with Ray at our Class of ’62 reunions. It is true how dearly he held Nikki to his heart, as did she to him. It is good to know, and understand what a glorious Light is now holding them in His loving arms now and forever. May that light of Jesus shine on each of you and provide comfort at this time and always.
Ron and Nancy Bollman
Sharon Grimm says
Wish I could be there with you. Ray was a very special.man! You’re all in my prayers.
Dan says
Ray was a good guy, always willing to help someone.
David Imus says
I’d like to extend our deepest condolences to your family upon hearing of Ray’s passing.
I’ve lived next door to Ray for the past 5 years and he’s always been a pleasure to call neighbor. The first day I met Ray he told me all about himself and how much he missed his dear wife. I do find it comforting to know he’s with her again but we will miss Ray terribly.
Donna Taber Whitmer says
Sending thoughts and prayers to the family. Ray was a nice guy and I still hold memories of he and Niki walking down the halls of PHS together. RIP Ray!
william marzotto says
So sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. He was a wonderful man, a friend and a fantastic neighbor.