Johnny Ray Castleberry

All who knew Johnny Ray Castleberry would agree that there was never a dull moment when he was around. He had a contagious laughter that brought a room to life coupled with a fun-loving spirit, too. A devoted family man, John was the sort of person who would do whatever he could to make the lives of his loved ones better, and he was intentional in the moments he shared with them both in life’s special events as well as in the everyday things. John was equally devoted to enriching the lives of others as well, and in the process he significantly impacted the lives of numerous people in a positive way. He will never be forgotten.

The year 1941 is often remembered as the year that life as we knew it was forever changed with the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The following day President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared war, which sent countless young servicemen and women overseas to fight for the preservation of the freedoms we still enjoy today. During the few years that followed, rationing became a way of life while manufacturing was focused on supporting the war effort for those who remained stateside. It was just after this historic day that a young couple from Bowling Green, Kentucky, was pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy on December 23, 1941. Johnny Ray was one of three children born to his parents, William Floyd and Crystal Lena (Bell) Castleberry, and he was raised in the family home alongside his siblings, Larry and Sue.

In many ways John experienced an upbringing that was a reflection of his generation. His father worked as a specialty mechanic while his mother was an LPN. While still growing up John and his family moved to Coldwater, Michigan. He attended local schools wherever he was and also played Little League baseball. Art, specifically drawing, was something he enjoyed as he really liked drawing cartoons. As he got a bit older Johnny Ray took to dancing and even appeared on a local teen dance show.

After graduating from high school, John was excited to see all that life had in store. He served as a military policeman in the United States Air Force, guarding nuclear silos in Kansas.

New and exciting changes were in store for Johnny Ray when he met the young girl with whom he would share much of his life’s journey. Her name was Mary Louise LaFave, and they were introduced by John’s sister, Sue, while in college as she and Mary were friends. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Johnny Ray and Mary became husband and wife on July 19, 1963, at Mary’s grandfather’s home in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Together they were blessed to welcome three children into their hearts and home including John E., William S., and Andrew J. As a father Johnny Ray was funny and kind, and out of everything he did being completely devoted to his children was first and foremost. Second only to his children was the devotion he felt to his nieces and nephews as well.

As someone who worked hard, Johnny Ray established the first Employee Assistance Program (EAP) in Michigan in the early 70s. This program later became OHCA. John continued in a leadership role with OHCA as it grew, eventually becoming the largest EAP in Michigan. He later joined Help Net EAP, which grew from a local to a statewide program.

Although he certainly knew how to work hard, Johnny Ray also knew how to have fun. Along with his circle of friends, he established the tradition of an annual Fourth of July event for the kids including games, camping, and fireworks. John continued to enjoy drawing, and he also got into woodworking. When it came to movies he loved westerns, and he was a Detroit Lions fan through thick and thin.

With a life that spanned times of great change in the world around him, John Castleberry created a timeless legacy of memories collected during priceless moments shared with his loved ones. He was never one to worry about building wealth, rather, his focus was on making the world around him a better place. Johnny Ray was fun-loving with a vibrant spirit that drew others near. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Johnny R. Castleberry, of Vicksburg, died on Thursday, July 24, 2014. John's family includes his wife, Mary; three sons: John (Tracy) Castleberry; William Castleberry; Andrew (Tim) Castleberry-McCumber; five grandsons: Trent, Mitch, Clark, Joseph, and James. The family will receive friends on Monday from 1-3 p.m., Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main, Vicksburg (269-649-1697). Please visit Johnny Ray Castleberry’s webpage at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign his guestbook, share a memory and /or photo. Those who wish may make a memorial contribution to Generous Hands.