Byron IL -  Ray M. Helfrick, 76, of Byron died Saturday, May 17, 2014 at Serenity Hospice & Home in Oregon, IL. He was an Army sergeant major, retiring after 30 years of service. Ray was born April 10, 1938, in Dixon, IL son of Ray Elwin and Dorothy (Schulte) Helfrich.  He married Hwa Sun Lee on March 17, 1979, in Clarksville, Tenn.  Survivors include his wife of Byron, three daughter, Melissa (Patrick) McKenna of Pleasnton. Calafornia, Sandra Griffey of Tennessee, and Brenda (Wyane) Watson of South Carolina, two brother, Dick (Mary) Helfrich of Dixon and Marvin (Susan) Helfrich of Oregon; three sisters Donna Marie Hall of Fort Byron, Wanda Lee (Don) Apple of Sterling, and Margery Louise (John) Simmons of East Peoria, four grandsons; and two great-grandsons.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and one son, Ray Elwin Jr. Cremation rites will be accorded.