This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: MichaelCronk28 Surnames: BECKER, HARRELL, LACY, RUNYAN, SHIPLEY, SHIPLY, STRINGER Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.michigan.counties.kent/8688/mb.ashx Message Board Post: RAY E. BECKER DIES ON TRIP PROMINENT LOCAL BUSINESS MAN SUCCUMBS TUESDAY AT VALDOSTA, GA. RAY E. BECKER, 41, head of the BECKER AUTO CO., died Tuesday morning in Valdosta, Ga., where he had gone on a motor trip with his family. He was stricken with apoplexy in that city Saturday and his death had been feared momentarily since that time. Born and educated at Fenton, Mr. Becker attended the University of Michigan before entering the employ of the Ford Motor Co. in Detroit for a short time. He came to Grand Rapids in 1908 and organized the company which bears his name. He first handled Ford motorcars and in 1918 he took over the Cadillac agency. He also was connected with other business endeavors, one of the outstanding ventures being erection of MEDICAL ARTS BUILDING, Sheldon-av. and Weston-st. Although young in years, his business ability was recognized in the city when he was elected president of the Association of Commerce, serving three terms from Feb. 6, 1923, to Feb. 2, 1926. He was the second man in the history of the association to hold his office three consecutive years, Charles B. Kelsey being the first. Laurence W. Smith is now completing his third term as the third president over this period of years. Mr. Becker, who resided at 404 Fountain-st., N.E., was a member of the Masonic order, the Peninsular and the Rotary clubs. The body will be returned to this city. Mr. Becker leaves the widow, MRS. BERTHA S. BECKER; two sons, JOHN, 15, and LAWSON, 17, and his mother, MRS. EMMA A. BECKER OF FENTON, all of whom were with him at the time of his death, and a brother, WARD S. BECKER of Connecticut. THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS, Grand Rapids, Mich., Tues., 31 Dec. 1929, Pg. 1, Col. 4 ************************************** YOUNG BUSINESS LEADER DIES RAY E. BECKER, 41, G.R. AUTO DEALER, EXPIRES IN SOUTH LOSES BRIEF FIGHT AGAINST SUDDEN ILLNESS WHILE EN ROUTE TO FLORIDA RAY E. BECKER, 41, owner of the BECKER AUTO CO. and the MEDICAL ARTS BUILDING, died yesterday in Valdosta, Ga., as the result of a stroke of apoplexy which occurred in the southern city last Saturday while Mr. Becker, accompanied by Mrs. Becker, his mother, and his youngest son, John, were en route to Florida. His body will be returned to Grand Rapids tomorrow and will arrive at 1:45 p.m. It will be removed from the train to the Metcalf mortuary where funeral arrangements will be made. The Passenger Car Dealers association, of which Mr. Becker was a prominent member and a past president, expressed its deep regrets at Mr. Becker's untimely death in a statement made public yesterday through the president, A.L. Donaldson. OFFERS SYMPATHY The associations' resolution follows: "In the death of Ray E. Becker the Grand Rapids Passenger Car Dealers association senses a profound loss. Mr. Becker was a charter member of this organization, an individual to whom other members looked with respect for his moral integrity, regard for his civic spirit and confidence in his counsel. His death is a personal loss for those members of this association who over a long term of years had learned to value his friendship. "The Passenger Car Dealers association offers its sincere sympathy to the members of Mr. Becker's family who have suffered severe sorrow and to the community which has been deprived of an able, honest and conscientious citizen." Grand Rapids Passenger Car Dealers Assn. A.L. Donaldson, president M.D. Elgin, secretary A. OF C. PRESIDENT Mr. Becker was born and educated in Fenton, attending the University of Michigan after completing his high school course there. After leaving school Mr. Becker was in the employ of the Ford Motor company for a short time before coming to Grand Rapids where he established the Becker Auto company in 1909, handling Ford cars. In 1918 he acquired the agency for the Cadillac line which he held at the time of his death. He was elected president of the Association of Commerce in 1923 and held that post three years consecutively. He was a member of Valley City lodge, No. 86, F.&A.M., and the Peninsular and Rotary clubs. In Grand Rapids Mr. Becker resided at 404 Fountain st., NE. He also maintained a summer home at Newaygo lakes. He leaves the widow, MRS. EMMA A BECKER; two sons, JOHN, 15, and LAWSON, 17; his mother, MRS. BERTHA S. BECKER of Fenton, and a brother, WARD S. BECKER of Connecticut. NOTE: The Herald has reversed his wife for his mother, and his mother for his wife. Ray's mother is EMMA A. BECKER, and his wife is BERTHA V. BECKER. THE GRAND RAPIDS HERALD, Grand Rapids, Mich., Wed., 1 Jan. 1930, Pg. 1, Col. 2 & Pg. 9, Cols. 6-7 ******************************* RAY EVERETT BECKER was born 20 Feb. 1887, in Fenton, Genesee Co., MI. He was the son of LAWSON E. BECKER (1856-1919) and EMMA AGNES STRINGER (1862-1960). Ray's parents were married, 7 Sept. 1882, in Redford, Wayne Co., MI. Ray E. Becker married BERTHA V. SHIPLEY or SHIPLY, 15 Sept. 1904. Bertha was the daughter of HENRY SHIPLEY or SHIPLY (1839-1916) and FRANCES LACY (1855-1929). Bertha's parents were married, 25 Aug. 1883, in Hartland, Livingston Co., MI. Ray and Bertha had two sons: Lawson and John Becker. Ray E. Becker died 31 Dec. 1929, in Valdosta, Lowndes Co., GA. Bertha was remarried on 22 Jan. 1931, to LIEUT. HOWELL HARRELL (1895-1962). Bertha died 7 Nov. 1976. Ray and Bertha are buried at Graceland Memorial Park, in the Mausoleum. NOTE: This is a synopsis of all the information I have been able to glean from both of the obits. and all the records listed below. ******************************* RAY E. BECKER'S FAMILY IGI INDIVIDUAL RECORD Lawson E. Becker married Emma A. Stringer, 7 Sept. 1882, Redford, Wayne Co., Michigan Source Information: Batch No. M017293 GENFORUM - STRINGER FAMILY GENEALOGY FORUM, 1 Jan. 2004 REFERENCE: Genealogy of the Stringer-Sinclair Families, compiled by E.S. Stringer, 1897, Calumet, Mich. (after this was published, Irene May Stringer corrected some dates and added names and dates) FAMILY RECORD STRINGER SINCLAIR BORN. DIED. Joseph Stringer, February 18, 1824. Dec 10, 1903 Margaret Sinclair, April 10, 1826. Jan 19, 1913 Married October 28, 1851. CHILDREN BORN. DIED. Charles Alfred July 27, 1852. Nov. 27, 1909 Mary Anne September 5, 1853. March 27, 1914 Susanna November 4, 1856. May 27, 1938 William Joseph March 30 1859. Oct 22 1935 EMMA AGNES July 3, 1862. July 14, 1960 Edwin Sinclair April 1, 1867. June 2, 1936 MARRIAGES Charles A. to Elizabeth G. Nichols, June 1, 1875 d. 11-26-1891 Jane Burn Nichols, Feb. 15, 1893 9-4-1928 William J. to Susan A. Harris September 7, 1882. EMMA A. to LAWSON E. BECKER September 7, 1882 12-21-19 Edwin S. to Jessie C. Gillies, June 9, 1891 Anna to D. Virgil Jackway, June 17, 1891 2-13-19 FAMILY RECORD BECKER-STRINGER BORN. DIED. Lawrence E. Becker February 4, 1856. Dec. 21 1919 Emma A. Stringer July 3, 1862. July 14, 1960 Married September 7, 1882. CHILDREN BORN. DIED. Ray E. February 20, 1887 Dec. 30, 1929 Ward S. Aug. 31, 1892. MARRIAGES Ray E. to Bertha Shipley Sept 15, 1904 Ward S. to Eleanor Porter Sept 6, 1915 Bertha (Shipley) Becker m. Jan 22, 1931 to Lieut. Howell Hamill [Correction: Lieut. Howell Harrell] 1900 U.S. CENSUS, FENTON VILLAGE, FENTON TWP., GENESEE CO., MI, 11 June 1900 Becker, Lawson (Head), 44, b. Feb. 1856, MI (Father b. NY/Mother b. Canada E.), Post Master Becker, Emma A. (Wife), 38, b. July 1861, MI (Father b. Ire./Mother b. Scotland), Mother of 2 Children - Both Living BECKER, RAY E. (Son), 13, b. Feb. 1887, MI (Parents b. MI), At School Becker, Ward S. (Son), 7, b. Aug. 1892, MI (Parents b. MI), At School Live on First St. NOTE: Was not able to determine the burial locations of LAWTON E. & EMMA AGNES (STRINGER) BECKER. 1910 U.S. CENSUS, GRAND RAPIDS (Ward 2), KENT CO., MI, 18 Apr. 1910 Downey, F.W. (Head), 43(?), b. MI (Parents b. MI), Married 18 Yrs., Soliciting - Magazine Downey, Mary (Wife), 47, b. MI (Father b. Ire./Mother b. US), Married 18 Yrs., Mother of 4 Children - 2 Living Downey, Raymond E. (Son), 9, b. MI (Parents b. MI) Downey, Edward D. (Son), 2, b. MI (Parents b. MI) Becker, Bertha (Boarder), 23, b. MI (Parents b. MI), Married 6 Yrs., First Marriage, Mother of 0 Children BECKER, RAY (Boarder), 23, b. MI (Parents b. MI), Married 6 Yrs., First Marriage, Agent - Automobile Live at 43 Barclay S.E. NOTE: This census record was VERY difficult to read. To see a BIOGRAPHICAL CARICATURE of RAY E. BECKER (c.1914), go to: http://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/t/text/pageviewer-idx?c=micounty&cc=micounty&idno=3123296.0001.001&q1=Becker Auto&frm=frameset&view=pdf&seq=55 WORLD WAR I DRAFT REGISTRATION CARDS, 1917-1918 Name: RAY EVERETT BECKER Home Address: 320 Benjamin av. SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan Date of Birth: February 20th 1887 Where Born: Fenton, Michigan, USA Occupation: Automobile distributor By Whom Employed: Self Where Employed: Grand Rapids, Michigan Dependents: Wife & 3 Children Marital Status: Married Race: Caucasian Previous Military Service: None Stature: Tall Build: Stout Color of Eyes: Light Blue Color of Hair: Light Brown Bald?: Partial Disabilities: Hernia 1920 U.S. CENSUS, GRAND RAPIDS (Ward 2), KENT CO., MI, 12 Jan. 1920 BECKER, RAY (Head), 33, b. MI (Parents b. MI), Salesman - Auto Becker, Berta (Wife), 32, b. MI (Parents b. MI) Becker, Lason (Daughter), 8, b. MI (Parents b. MI) Becker, John (Son), 5, b. MI (Parents b. MI) Shipley, Fannie (Mother-in-Law), 59, Widowed, b. MI (Parents b. US) Live at 320 Benjamin. NOTE: Lason should be Lawson, and a son, not a daughter. U.S. PASSPORT APPLICATION FOR RAY E. BECKER, January 1921 I, RAY E. BECKER, a Native and Loyal Citizen of the United States, hereby apply to the Department of State, at Washington, for a passport. ACCOMPANIED BY MY WIFE, BERTHA V. BECKER. I solemnly swear I was born at FENTON, in the State of MICHIGAN, on or about the 20TH day of FEBRUARY, 1887, that my father, LAWSON E. BECKER, was born in NANKIN, MICHIGAN and is now deceased. 1930 U.S. CENSUS, GRAND RAPIDS (Ward 2), KENT CO., MI, 12 Apr. 1930 Becker, Bertha V. (Head), 40, Widow, b. MI (Parents b. MI), No Occupation Becker, Lawson E. (Son), 18, Single, b. MI (Parents b. MI), No Occupation Becker, John S. (Son), 15, Single, b. MI (Parents b. MI) Live at 404 Fountain. 1930 U.S. CENSUS, GRAND RAPIDS (Ward 2), KENT CO., MI, 21 Apr. 1930 Harrell, Howell (Head), 35, Single, b. OK (Parents b. MS), Officer - U.S. Navy, Vet. Of WW Lives at 57 Auburn. WESTERN MICHIGAN NEWSPAPERS, 1910-JANUARY 2010 Harrell, Howell, Sun., 5 Aug. 1962, GR Press Obit. Harrell, Bertha, Mon., 8 Nov. 1976, GR Press Obit. SOCIAL SECURITY DEATH INDEX Name: BERTHA HARRELL Birth: 26 Sept. 1886 Death: Nov. 1976 Last Residence: 49506 (Grand Rapids, Kent Co., MI) Last Benefit: None Specified SSN: 375-46-8567 Issued: Michigan GRACELAND MAUSOLEUM in Graceland Memorial Park, 4341 Cascade Rd. S.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49546 Becker, Ray Everett, b. 1887 - d.1930 (1933 DAR Transcription) http://kent.migenweb.net/cemeteries/grandrapids/graceland/graceland.html NOTE: According to both THE GRAND RAPIDS HERALD & THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS, Ray E. Becker d. 31 December 1929 I called Graceland Memorial Park on 18 January 2010 and got the following information from their records (This is not necessarily as it appears on the crypts) Becker, Ray E., d. 31 December 1929 Harrell, Bertha V., d. 7 November 1976 Burial: NW Corridor of the Mausoleum, Room C U.S. VETERANS GRAVESITES, ca. 1775-2006 Name: HOWELL HARRELL Service Info.: DOL USA Birth Date: 16 Feb. 1895 Death Date: 3 Aug. 1962 Interment Date: 9 Aug. 1962 Cemetery: Arlington National Cemetery Cemetery Address: C/O Director Arlington, VA 22211 Buried at: Section 2 Site 3674-1 ******************************* BERTHA V. SHIPLEY or SHIPLY'S FAMILY IGI INDIVIDUAL RECORD HENRY SHIPLEY, b. England. Married FRANKIE RUNYAN, 25 Aug. 1883, in Hartland, Livingston Co., MI Source Information: Batch No.: M018145 NOTE: This appears to be a later marriage for both of them. In the 1870 U.S. Census for Fenton, Genesee Co., MI, Philip and Frances Runyan appear living with, James H. & Lydia Lacy. Frances is 17 yrs. old. In the 1860 U.S. Census for Fenton, Genesee Co., MI, Frances appears as the 7 yr. old daughter of James & Lydia Lacy. 1900 U.S. CENSUS, FENTON VILLAGE, FENTON TWP., GENESEE CO., MI, 14 June 1900 Shipley, Henry (Head), 68, b. Mar. 1832, England (Parents b. England), Married 18 Yrs., Butcher Shipley, Francis (Wife), 47, b. May 1853, MI (Parents b. NY), Married 18 Yrs., Mother of 5 Children - 3 Living SHIPLEY, BERTHA V. (Daughter), 13, b. Sept. 1886, MI (Father b. ENG./Mother b. MI), At School Shipley, Francis M. (Daughter), 8, b. July 1891, MI (Father b. ENG./Mother b. MI), At School Live on Ellen St. OAKWOOD CEMETERY, FENTON, GENESEE CO., MI Henry Shiply Family Marker http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/genesee/photos/tombstones/oakwoodfenton/shiplyfa48180gph.jpg Henry Shiply 1839-1916, Located in Section E http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/genesee/photos/tombstones/oakwoodfenton/shiply48182gph.jpg Frances Shiply 1855-1929, Located in Section E http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/genesee/photos/tombstones/oakwoodfenton/shiply48181gph.jpg Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.