This week, Montgomery County residents will take time to give thanks..... And in 2021 that celebration of Thanksgiving extends to thanks for those who serve our armed forces, in particular a man who represented the area as well as the past celebrities we discussed during this Bicentennial year... one Army Master Sgt Williams Lee Crays, a former Litchfield resident and Hillsboro High graduate.  Hough and Sons Funeral Home will transport the remains of Army Master Sergeant Williams Crays from Lambert Airport in St. Louis back to the funeral home in Hillsboro tomorrow (Wednesday Nov 24).  Hough and Sons will be joined by  the Patriot Guard and the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement.   They anticipate leaving Lambert at 5:00 PM and will travel along interstate 55 north to IL Rte. 16 east. Those wishing to honor Sergeant Crays are encouraged to do so.   The 45-year-old Crays of Holt Florida died unexpectedly on Nov. 13  in Florida. He was a graduate of Hillsboro High School in 1994. He joined the Army National Guard in May 1995, serving 8 years he left the Guard to work for Dobrinich Construction. But he just couldn’t shake the call to serve and he rejoined the Army in 2008. He served on 5 deployments to Afghanistan. Sergeant First Class William Crays was an Army Parachute Rigger in the 7 th Special Forces group (Airborne). His duty was air drop operations NCO. He recently had re-enlisted on July 1, 2021 and following his passing he was promoted to Master Sergeant. He earned several awards and decorations in his time in the Army. 

The Flagman’s Mission Continues wants to salute the life of Master Sgt Crays by filling Montgomery County roadways with flags and they need your help.  On Friday at noon, volunteers can gather at Hough and Sons Funeral Home in the 1100 block of School Street.  They’re setting up some 2000 flags along the 13 mile funeral route.   They need volunteers and people who can bring pick up trucks or empty cargo vans Setup and take down will normally take approximately 3 hours or less with enough volunteers! They ask you to wear work gloves and walking shoes and anyone that is able to walk and carry 10lbs. can help (Prefer over the age of 10 years old ) They will provide all the flags and equipment needed for set up!) ANY questions please call or text CEO Jeff Hastings at 618-409-0323