Raymond Julius Nelson

Raymond Julius Nelson also known as "Big Raymond" was born December 7, 1951 in Spokane Washington, to the late Hattie E. Nelson and William D. Nelson. Raymond's father served in the U.S. Military, so traveling around the world was something he did often, landing he and his family in Pleasantville, New Jersey in 1965. Both his mother and father were singers, so by no surprise Raymond's passion was singing also. Growing up Raymond would sing alongside his brothers and sisters, eventually moving on to singing in a group with friends. The group performed at The Wonder Gardens in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Raymond attended Pleasantville High School where he later graduated. He worked with his father at the U.S. Postal Service delivering mail, also Kensington Furniture store. Raymond then became a loan officer at Beneficial Finance before leaving New Jersey. In 1984 Raymond moved to Richmond, Virginia. Here he met the love of his life, Constance Nelson, settled down and married. They united in holy matrimony on February 14, 1997. Raymond worked at Helig-Meyers, then called The Hub, as one of the sales managers. Thereafter he worked as a car salesman at Drivetime after which he retired in 2004. Raymond enjoyed watching Kung Fu Movies, cooking singing, and laughing at people who failed for his famous joke, "your shoes are untied". Raymond's beautiful life will forever be cherished by his devoted wife, Constance Laverne Nelson; three devoted children, Danielle Lyn White, Raymond Julius Nelson II (Ayana) and Benjamin Jamaal Stone (I'Esha); two devoted granddaughters, Cheyenne Lee White and Jenira Simone Odessa Stone. He is survived by two devoted sisters, Valerie Gates (Franklin) and April Nelson Stephens (Tony); brother-in-law, Andre Anderson (Cindy); two devoted aunts, Sandra Nelson and Hazel Nelson and one uncle, Melvin "Leon" Nelson. He is preceded in death by his mother, Hattie E. Nelson; his father, William D. Nelson; two sisters, Brenda Nelson and Melody Wright; three brothers, Cortez, William and Wayne Nelson. Raymond will also forever be remembered by a devoted friend, Nathaniel McFall and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Tributes

Raymond Julius Nelson

December 7, 1951 - February 18, 2020