Bernardo Ray Ilion-Clopton

Our beloved Bernardo Ray Ilion was born December 12, 1953 in Poplar Bluff, Missouri to Bernardo Ray Ilion I and Joyce T. Clopton.

He was proceeded in death by his first wife, Lillie Ann Clopton and his second wife, Ruth Catherine Ilion.

In 1957 Ray and family moved to Bakersfield California. He attended Potomac Elementary, Lincoln Jr. High, Bakersfield High School, and Bakersfield College in Bakersfield, California. After his studying at Bakersfield College Ray began teaching at Fremont Elementary in Bakersfield, California. Ray also taught English at Tehachapi State Prison in Tehachapi, California.

Ray loved laughter so much, if you took a moment and thought of one of his stories he's told you it would bring a smile to your face. Ray took time to encourage others through education, and you can believe there was a joke at the end of the encouragement to bring a smile. Ray will always be remembered for his great sense of humor, his love for family, his fellow man and most of all Jesus Christ.

Ray's love for Christ, his understanding and his trusting of God's word lead Ray to re-dedicate his life in 2007.

He leaves to cherish his memory; his loving mother Joyce T. Smith of Bakersfield, California, his dearest Aunt Norene Sloan of Poplar Bluff, Missouri; three sons: Bernardo Ray Jr. of Poplar Bluff, Missouri and Dwight Harrison, Mychal Jamal Ilion of Bakersfield, California; two daughters: Akilah Sabah Clopton of Bakersfield, California and Anita M. La Belle of Fort Worth, Texas; 14 grandchildren: Ja'Quez R. Jackson 16, Antonio L. Whitehorn 14, Nolen Ray Hood 10, Iyana Sere' Ross Hood 9, Chaise Maria Ross Hood 5, of LilBourn, Missouri, Khalil Rashaad La Belle 20, of Sacramento, California; Kaden J. La Belle 14, Kyra C. La Belle 11, Kasia N. La Belle 10, Kobe L. La Belle 8, Kamora L. La Belle 7 and Kalee A. La Belle 3, of Fort Worth, Texas; Daisa LaShaun Harrison and Dwight Lee Harrison III 5 of Bakersfield, California; a best friend Ray considered a brother, Dwight Amey of Las Vegas, Nevada; a brother: Danny P. Clopton of Bakersfield, California; two sisters: Gisele D. Headspeth of Bakersfield California and Janice K. Sutton of Las Vegas, Nevada; three nieces: Katisha V. Brown and Erin S. Jones of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Monique B. Headspeth of Bakersfield, California and a host of other relatives and friends.

The visitation will be from begin at 12:00 p.m. Wednesday with the funeral service following at 1:00 p.m. at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. Dr. Ronnie Webb will officiate. Burial will be in the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.