Groveland Twp. – Ray Everett has enjoyed an adventurous life, filled with the joy of giving.
From playing Santa Claus, to LaRay the Clown, to helping others as a firefighter’Everett has provided kindness and laughter to others.
Now he needs some help.
Everett was diagnosed with an untreatable leukemia, a form of bone marrow cancer, too late for a bone marrow transplant.
‘I knew it the minute I saw my doctor’s face, that his diagnosis was going to be cancer. Doctors have told me that I am on the downhill slope of this disease and now it’s just a matter of time,? said Everett.
Last year, Everett, 67, said he lost about 100 pounds and traveled more than 1,000 miles going to doctors, labs and getting transfusions.
‘God has a reason for my illness, I just don’t know what it is. I have been able to talk to all kinds of hospital staff about my illness and about my faith in God,? he said.
Everett said he receives bi-weekly blood transfusions and knows that it’s keeping him alive.
Married for 27 years, Everett and his wife, Kathy, have insurance; however, it’s the out-of-pocket gas expenses and the mounting medical bills that aren’t covered by their insurance carrier they say that are causing financial hardship.
‘I have to work right now to pay for all the bills. If there was just some way I could stay home to take care of Ray, it would mean so much to me,? said Kathy.
Kathy said Ray has always been a kid at heart and has played Santa Claus for 25 years.
‘I cried when I realized I didn’t have the stamina to do it anymore. When I played Santa at underprivileged homes for children, the present I gave them was usually the only one they received, so they made sure to put it under the tree so they would have something to open in the morning, Once, all a little girl wanted for Christmas was a Bible, so I went out and bought her one,? said Everett.
Also known as ‘LaRay the Clown,? Everett taught at a clown school and enjoyed performing magic at parades, parties and fairs.
It is Everett’s chili that is his claim to fame at Oak Haven Farms in Holly. Everett has spent the last four years cooking in the kitchen. Owner Nick Nichols decided to give Ray the nickname Uncle Ray. Most of the kids started calling him Uncle Ray, so Nick said he decided to name the kitchen Uncle Ray’s Grill.
Nick’s wife, Pam, said she is so glad Ray works at the farm.
‘Ray is the neatest man I have ever known in my life. Nobody has any idea about all of the things he has done for so many people, ? said Nick.
‘He is a secret hero.?
One of 12 children, Everett grew up in Albion, Mich.. He has 13 grandchildren and one great-grandson. In the Air Force reserve for four years as a food service sergeant, Everett also had a job putting out fires at the scene of a crash if a jet went down. It was those experiences that Everett said helped him to make the decision to be a firefighter, which he did for most of his life.
Everett’s final wishes aren’t quite as dramatic as his life has been. He said he wishes he could spend more time with all of his grandchildren and his other big wish is to drive around in a go-kart again.
It is his faith in God that Everett said sustains him and he said he isn’t afraid of death.
‘Only through the grace of God have I been able to deal with this illness. I know there are angels in heaven, but I know I have them here with me,? he said. ‘I get up every day and thank God I have another day. Then I enjoy it without worrying about tomorrow.?