Deacon Raymond Kearney

Life’s Reflections Deacon Raymond Kearney represents good qualities of a loving husband, provider for the family, a father that lead by example, showed outstanding judgement and understanding. He was a humble man, a godly man, a friend that you could trust. It is his life’s journey and experiences that shaped him, the bad and the good. That is what made him a man. He is the son of Deacon Clarence and Deaconess Pattie Scott, the oldest of six children. He is the grandson of the late Deacon B.B. Kearney and Deaconess Mary A. Kearney. He started his early education in the Richmond City Public Schools and was a Boy Scout at Pilgrim Baptist where he learned character development and citizenship training. He graduated from John Marshall High School 1973 and was part of the Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) military youth program, which he joined. He attended J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College and was enrolled in Business Management program. He joined Pilgrim Baptist Church at the early age of nine. Raymond rejoined Pilgrim 1997 after a lengthy absence and served in the following capacity: Men’s Usher Board, Male Chorus and Chairman of the Father’s Day Committee several times. On June 10, 2007, Raymond became a Deacon in the church which he was very honored to become. Raymond’s health began to lessen March of 2013, while working at Phillip Morris USA. He was a dedicated worker for 37 years (known to many of his coworkers as Big Smooth). He retired from Phillip Morris USA, February 1, 2014. His failing health kept him from starting a new career and traveling the world which he so desired. On April 1, 2016, he went home to be with his heavenly Father after a 3 year battle of cancer. He was prepared and ready! He leaves to cherish his memory a loving and devoted wife, Florine Kearney; two daughters, Robin and Reneé Garrett; son, Anton R. Kearney; one grandson, Xzavion R. Watkins; mother and step-father, Patty K. and Clarence Scott; two sisters, Gwen Gray (Mark) and Andrea Jeremiah; four brothers, Jamerson Wood, Marcellious Scott, Gregory Scott (Dana) and Vincent Kearney whom he considered his brother; aunt, Deacon Mattie K. Ward was like a second mother to him; his long-times best friend for over 38 years; former wife, Wanda Adkins Kearney the mother of Anton Kearney; a host of other relatives and loving friends.

Tributes

Deacon Raymond Kearney

May 24, 1955 - April 1, 2016