Colon Ray Sr.

COLON RAY, SR., the ninth child of the late Friendly Daphney Ray and Mary Kate Davis Ray, was born on December 6, 1929 in Shannon, North Carolina. Colon was raised in North Carolina and educated in the public school system. Colon moved to Baltimore, Maryland in 1948 and for two years he held employment at the Regal Laundry. On September 19, 1950 he became employed at the National Gypsum Company. Colon remained at the company and retired after forty-two years of service. Also in 1950 he met Alfreda Courts and a year later in 1951 they married. From this union three children were born: Roberta, Eriskin and Patricia. Colon and Alfreda were later divorced, but remained great parents for their three children. Colon joined New Christian Memorial Church in 1976 under the leadership of Pastor Walter Brunson, Jr. He served on the Usher Board and drove the church bus for twenty years until he became ill. Colon had a deep faith and always believed in the Will of God. He trusted GOD with all his heart and soul. Colon loved his church family and Pastor Brunson. He also was very loving to his family, especially his children and grandchildren. He loved to travel and had a passion for photography. He enjoyed taking pictures and always had a camera in hand ready to take that perfect shot. He leaves to cherish in fond memory: his children, Roberta, Eriskin and Patricia; his grandchildren, Colon III, Shamira, Shayla, Malaikah, Rinaldo and Maya; his great-grandchildren, Khalil Ben, Christian, Kayla, Kameron, Kimaya and Khalil Jacobs; his three sisters, Willa Darby, Lenora Oliver Garner (Clarence) and Mary Issac; one brother, Lewis Ray all of Baltimore, Maryland. Colon’s daughter-in-law, Francine Ray loved her father-in-law with all her heart and soul. She showed her love by taking care of him during his stay in the hospital and rehab. She also helped with running errands, taking care of medical business and making important phone calls for him. Colon also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, a host of friends who loved him dearly, including his goddaughter, Sandra Dennis who affectionately called him “Pops.” To Ruby Nellis – you were my favorite cousin and I loved you very much. Sisters-in-law, Luevenia Spencer and Lowresser Walker, I loved you very much. To Aunt Mary and Uncle Lewis – Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. You know all you’ve done. To all who showed kindness to my father, especially Mr. Sonny and church family, cousins and friends – Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. If I’ve forgotten anyone by name, blame it on my mind, not my heart – Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. “May God Get The Glory For All He’s Done.”

Tributes

Colon Ray Sr.

December 6, 1929 - September 11, 2012