Raymond E. Dates

Sorrow befell us, glory revived us and grace sustains us.On May 13, 2004, Raymond Eugene Dates joined our Lord and Savior and his wife, Edna Irene Dates. He fought his way through a stroke and several heart attacks, but when called he answered and left to join them. He passed as courageously and quietly as he lived.Raymond was born August 7, 1915 to Thomas and Malinda Dates, of Reedsville, Virginia. In his senior year at Julius Rosenwald High School, his family suffered the untimely passing of his father. He finished school, but during that year, he worked before and after school to provide financial assistance for his mother and younger siblings. After graduation a call came at a neighbor’s house that a job was available in Baltimore, MD. It was a Friday and he would need to be there on Monday morning to apply for the job. He solicited a ride and was waiting on the stoop of the employer Monday morning. He got the job!!During World War II, he served four years in the U.S. Army. He was sent to Germany by boat, achieved the rank of Sergeant and was honorably discharged. After the military, he worked in the Baltimore shipyards, but decided he wanted to do something else. Therefore, he attended night school and became a skilled carpenter. He then joined the Federal Government, working for the General Services Administration. After 33 years of service, he retired. He also worked on the side, doing home improvement jobs throughout the city. In addition, he combined a work with his love for baseball and roasted peanuts-he sold peanuts during the home games at Memorial Stadium.Raymond met Irene Howard, from Mollusk, VA; she was a friend of his sister, Mildred. They later joined in marriage, which continued for over forty years before God called her home on December 5, 1995. From their union three children were born. The family shared many times together going to Oriole baseball games, visiting the zoo, taking Sunday drives, attending neighborhood block parties and spending summer vacations in their hometowns.Since they were believers in Jesus Christ, they became members of the New Shiloh Baptist Church and were members in good standing until both their deaths. The family shared many times together going to Oriole baseball games, visiting the zoo, taking Sunday drives, attending neighborhood block parties and spending summer vacations in their hometowns.Since they were believers in Jesus Christ, they became members of the New Shiloh Baptist Church and were members in good standing until both their deaths. They were more actively members of the Shiloh Benefit Club of MD (a fundraising organization for his home church in Reedsville, VA). Many years were spent serving the organization and participating in their events and trips. Raymond received a service award from the organization for his faithful service.He leaves to mourn: his daughters, Ray Paige and Carolyn Blackwell; son, Steven Dates; grandchildren, Kelley Blackwell, Stefon and Davon Dates; siblings, Sylvester Dates and Shirley Basker; in-laws, William Blackwell, Dineshea Dates and Jean dates; his buddy/cousin, Lillie Robinson; nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors and friends. We were blessed by his committed spirit and thank him for a job well done.

Tributes

Raymond E. Dates

August 7, 1915 - May 13, 2004