Ray Dean Saylor

     Ray Dean Saylor, age 80, of Ashley, MI, passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026, surrounded by his family.
     A Graveside Service will be held at Riverside Cemetery, Elsie, MI, on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 2:30 P.M. with Elder Conrad Hayes officiating.
     Ray was born in Ovid, MI, on April 22, 1945, the son of Orin Carl Saylor and Mary Helen (Lucas) Saylor. Ray went on to work as a welder at Motor Wheel Corp. before opening a small engine repair shop with his wife in Ashley called Saylor's Small Engine. On July 3, 1965, Ray married the love of his life, Shirley Johnson, at Free Methodist Church in Perrinton, MI. They spent 60 wonderful years together before his passing. One of Ray's proudest achievements was winning the World Championship in Snowmobile Drag Racing in 1980.
     Ray enjoyed tinkering with an array of things, and could fix or build anything. He loved to be outside, whether it was fishing, camping, or riding ATVs with his family. When Ray wasn't enjoying the great outdoors, you could find him rooting for the Detroit Lions in the fall, or watching NASCAR. Most of all, Ray loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
     He is survived by his wife, Shirley; his children: Shelly (Jeff) Skriba, Sherry (Tim) Hollis, and Greg (Trisha) Saylor; his grandchildren: Zachary (Lindsey) Hollis, Mitchell Skriba, Cameron (Katlyn) Saylor, and Brenden Saylor; his great-grandchildren: Bentley Hollis, Hartley Hollis, Kynlee Saylor, and Garrison Saylor; his brother Stanley (Linda) Saylor; his sister-in-law Betty Saylor; and many nieces and nephews. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter Allison Hollis, and his five sisters: Barbara, Marie, Isabella, Edith, and Billie Jean and four brothers: Richard, Glen, Duane, and Clifford; and brother-in-law Don Johnson.
     Online condolences may be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, Michigan.