Ray would decide to make Beloit his home. He attended many schools before graduating from Beloit Catholic High School in 1984. He then went on to college, earning his degree from MAT in Madison.

Bowling was a family affair for the Grignon family. His father Ray bowled in the Beloit area his entire life. Ray’s family started him bowling at the young age of 4 at Viking Lanes in South Beloit where he would bowl until he was 18. He bowled in numerous leagues, with both family and friends. He enjoyed bowling as much as possible, including as many tournaments as he could.

When Ray turned 18, he turned his attention to the adult leagues. He moved over to Pulaski’s Lounge and bowled in the Bendix Besley league. It is here he spent many years bowling with Ken Gearhart. It was Ken who took Ray to nationals for the first time…and from there, he was hooked.

Ray started bowling more frequently, and he was getting better as well. He joined leagues with his brother Jim and his dad Ray Sr. They spent many years bowling at Cougar Lanes in Clinton, WI. He took great pride in his family, and in trying to help them out. Ray was essential in taking his little cousin Jen Vonesh under his wing.

Ray then joined good friend Dave Pollentier in leagues all over Beloit. It was here Ray found his comfort zone. He would bowl in local, city and state tournaments. He also participated in several pro-am events. Ray then started attending Nationals with Polly, and would then continue to do so for the next 25 years.

Besides bowling on some pretty good teams over the years that set both city and state records, Ray had some pretty good personal accomplishments as well. Ray had 21-300 games 6-299 games, and 2-298 games over his career. He had countless 700 series over the years to go along with his 10-800 series, with his highest being 825. Ray also received Beloit Bowler of the Year.

Ray served as secretary and treasurer on several leagues throughout his career. He was a dedicated association board member…playing an integral part of the lane inspection process for many years. He was also very tech and computer savvy. He helped out at many of the local tournaments, both setting up and running the bracket programs. Ray just loved bowling…and helping.

Ray worked at McDonalds in Beloit throughout high school and college years. Once graduating college, he spent the next 22 years working in the Research and Development Department at Kerry Ingredients in Beloit.

On August 8, 2018 Ray passed away unexpectedly. Ray is remembered dearly by his family and friends. Now, the Beloit bowling community will remember him as well.