Willie James “Smooth” Ray

Willie James Ray was born on August 12, 1956, in Washington, D.C., to the late L.J. Ray and the late Pearl Salmon Ray-Miller. He retired to his eternal home on Saturday, February 22, 2025.

He was a student of North High class of 1974 in Worcester, Massachusetts. He was a proud soldier who served in the United States Army for 12 years until his honorable discharge in 1992.

Willie Ray enjoyed working for the federal government and coaching basketball for Jr Magic in Orlando, Florida. He was a devoted member of the Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church in Eatonville, Florida, where Reverend Willie C. Barnes is Pastor.

During his life's journey, he was affectionately called

"SMOOTH" by those who knew and loved him. He was a lover of people and never met a stranger. His favorite pastimes were discussing politics with his wife and talk about sports, watching movies, cooking, coaching basketball, spending time with his sons, and having fun with his family. He loved his family dearly.

He married his lovely wife, Dollie Murrell Ray, on October 24, 2017.

He was preceded in death by his parents, L.J. Ray and Pearl Salmon Ray-Miller, and brothers Michael Ray, and Louis Ray. He leaves to mourn and continue his memories: his devoted beloved wife, Dollie Ray; his children, Jamie Ray, Devin Ray ‘DJ’, Elijah Ray, Chantel Robinson (Carlos), and Darnell Jenkins; four sisters, Deborah A.Ray-Brooks, Denise R. Ray ‘Di Di’, Brigitte Savoy ‘Be Be’, Jabella Thurston (Husband), and Paula Ray;his parents-in-law, Deacon Louis Murrell Sr. and Mother Afterline Murrell; four brothers-in-law, Louis Murrell Jr., Elder John Murrell Sr. (Gracie), Jerry Murrell (Carmen), and Frank Murrell (Ericka); two sisters-in-law, Vera-Chris Isome (Jerome) and Margret Murrell; three grandchildren Londyn Ray, D’evion Ray, De’lona Ray; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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