Mr. Raymond Wesley Williams

REFLECTIONS On April 23, 1936, the late Dorsey and Hattie Williams introduced to the world their second son, Raymond Wesley Williams in Greenville, NC. This bouncing bundle of joy was so precious and sweet that he was called “Cookie” literally from day one. Raymond fulfilled his elementary education at Fleming Street School. Raymond enjoyed playing football and baseball, especially in high school. He proudly graduated from C.M. Eppes High School in 1954 and matriculated at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) on a full baseball scholarship. Not only that, he received an invitation to play for the Washington Senators after college. While attending ECSU, Raymond was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. Subsequently, he earned a Master’s Degree in Education from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, NC. Raymond was dedicated. He taught 7th Grade at South Greenville, 8th Grade Earth Science at C.M. Eppes High School, and 9th Grade Science and Math at E.B. Aycock. When the schools were integrated, Raymond was one of five people chosen to integrate E.B. Aycock. It was during this time that a colleague noticed that he was so much more than a teacher. Raymond was a good listener and could meet the students where they were to counsel them, resulting with him going back to school to get Master’s Degree in Guidance Counseling from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. He was a devoted professional until he retired in 1989. Following his retirement, Raymond opened Ray’s Wash Tub, Ray’s Ice Cream Parlor and invested in real estate properties in Greenville, NC. December 16, 1973, Raymond married the late Mavis Ann Gardner Williams. He loved God and at a very early age, he joined Philippi Disciples of Christ Church in Greenville, NC. Raymond truly extended himself to others through his church, professional affiliations, community organizations and his fraternity. After joining Sycamore Hill Missionary Baptist Church, people knew him as a faithful member of the church serving on the Board of Trustees and singing in the J.A. Nimmo Senior and Chancel Choirs. Raymond was a referee in the community and officiated high school basketball for 25 years including games in which Phil Ford, Dominique Wilkins, and Michael Jordan played. Raymond helped to start the Boys Club in Greenville, N.C. by recruiting boys from South Greenville and organizing a football team to give the youth in the community recreational opportunities after school. Raymond wanted to be remembered as one who did the best he could, helped people, and enjoyed his life. In an interview with his granddaughter during the summer of 2021, Raymond proclaimed, “Let the deed that I’ve done speak for itself.” His memories will be eternally treasured and his legacy will live on through his daughters, Cynthia R. Williams (Danny), Letitia Nicole “Nikki” Williams Miller (Anthony); two granddaughters, Gabrielle Nicole “Gabby” Miller, Moriah Joelle Miller; and one great-grandson Caiden Louis Miller. Numerous other loving family members and friends will share his legacy and cherish the fond memories that they made with “Cookie.”

Tributes

Mr. Raymond Wesley Williams

April 23, 1936 - January 20, 2022