Raymon Ray was born in South Nashville, TN on January 7, 1931. He was born to Christine Wray Hall and Ruben Howse. His maternal grandparents were George Franklin Wray and Lucinda Barnes Wray.

In 1955 he married Lela M. Oliver in Boston, MA. Raymon was educated in the Nashville Public School system and graduated from Pearl High School. He soon enlisted in the Navy Coast Guard where he served on the USCGC YAMACRAW (WARC-333) from 1948-1952. He attended the Art Institutes International Minnesota in the mid 90's where he studied art. He worked in different career fields: to include automobile salesman, postal service, journalism, and he even opened up his own housewares store.

Raymon lived a full life of hopes and dreams. He was always a forward thinker. Raymon was an avid reader and writer and dreamed of opening up his own business. His goal was to create a newspaper covering the truth. Neither time nor age stopped him from completing his goals. Even though he did not create his own newspaper company, he became a journalist for Iowa Bystanders newspaper.

In 1955 Raymon and his wife Lela converted to the Muslim faith which guided them as they raised their six children. Minister Malcolm X was one of his few and true.

Believers are but a single brotherhood, so make peace and effect reconciliation between the two (contending) brethren and take Allah as (your) shield so that you may be shown mercy 49. Al-Hujurat (Holy Koran, The Chambers)

Thursday, October 27, 2016: Viewing: 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Home Going Service: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Military Service: 12:45 PM