G. Ray Crider, 78, of Louisville, died March 22, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents, James Cecil and Mary Gladys Crider, and his brother John T. Crider. He is survived by loving wife of 56 years, Marilyn Kay Crider. He is also survived by his daughters, Andrea Derouen (Jeff), Dana Delepierre (Rick), and his sons, Tim (Sandy) and David Crider as well as 10 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Mary Alice Stewart (Wayne).
Ray was a graduate of Flaget High School in 1957. He began work as a machinist and a member of IAMAW #681 at Brown Williamson Tobacco Company in 1958, serving in several offices including President. In 1972 Ray was selected to serve as the Political/Legislative Director of the Kentucky State AFL-CIO. In 1992 he was employed by the Kentucky Laborers District Council as the Administrator of the LECET Trust Fund. In 1998 Ray was employed by the Political Department of the National AFL-CIO where he worked in political campaigns. He retired from the National AFL-CIO in December 2001.
Ray devoted his working life to the Labor Movement. He was the Labor recipient of the 1999 Kentucky Labor/Management Award, the LJCDP Volunteer of the Year Award in 2009, and the Metro Democratic Club Service Award in 2017.
Ray was honorably discharged in 1965 from the Kentucky National Guard.
Ray also served several terms as President of the Louisville/Jefferson County Revenue Commission, was a member of the Louisville Labor/Management Committee, a past member of the Louisville Urban League, the Jefferson County Democratic Executive Committee, the Metro United Way, the Special Skills Olympics Committee, the Louisville Gardens Board of Directors, the Labor Representative on the State Unemployment Insurance Appeals Commission, the Pastoral Council of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, and the Southwest Community Festival Board.
Ray adored his wife, Marilyn. He was a well-loved fixture in his community. From helping on a local campaign, attending a union function, or leading his neighborhood group, Ray was quick-witted, quick to laugh, and quick to make dear friends.
Just this past Tuesday, Ray received his 31st year chip from Alcoholics Anonymous. Not only did he help himself, he helped many others. Ray’s first love was his family. The highlight of his life was watching U of L ballgames, traveling with and just being together with his grandkids. We all will miss him terribly.
Visitation will be Saturday, March 24 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Sunday, March 25th from noon until 8 p.m. at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Highway.
His funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, March 26 at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, 5505 New Cut Road with burial to follow at Calvary Cemetery.
Memorial gifts may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital, The Franciscan Shelter House, and the Flaget Alumni Association Charity Fund of Louisville.