Raymond Zimmerman

Raymond L. Zimmerman age 85, of Sumner, MI, passed away Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at Butterworth Hospital, Grand Rapids, MI.

Funeral Services will be held at Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI, on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at 11:00 A.M.  Burial will take place at Hayes Road Cemetery, Gratiot County, MI.  Visitation will be held on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. until the time of the funeral service at the funeral home.

Raymond was born in Alma, MI on September 15, 1931 the son of Charles and Bertha (Fishburn) Zimmerman.  He married Shirley Detwiler on August 30, 1950 in Crystal, MI at her uncle LeRoy and aunt Lillian's home; LeRoy officiated the marriage ceremony.

Ray grew up with 13 siblings on their family farm on Lincoln Road in Gratiot County, MI.  Ray worked as a diesel mechanic for many years, working many places including John Deere. He could always be found tinkering with lawn mowers, boats, generators, and anything that needed to be fixed.  Ray could look at something and tell you what needed to be done to fix it. Ray and his brother in law Vernon started a Volunteer Fire Department in Walnut Hill, FL. Ray enjoyed visiting with his friends, Ford Vehicles, and John Deere Tractors.  He loved his family very much.  Ray proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.

He is survived by his wife Shirley Zimmerman of Sumner, MI, children;  Connie Donaldson of Sumner, MI, Zerelda (Jane) Zimmerman of Davison, MI, Gilbert and Elizabeth Zimmerman of Hamilton, AL, Rebecca Zimmerman of Riverdale, MI, 13 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren with one on the way. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.  Ray was preceded in death by his parents, all of his siblings, 2 children; Pamela Kay Zimmerman and Karol Lee Rhodes, son in law Donnie Donaldson, and great grandson Phoenix Applegate-Donaldson.

Memorials may be made to Gratiot County Veterans Affairs Ithaca, MI.  Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, MI.