Kevin A

Ray

In Loving Memory of Kevin Antonio "Tony" Ray

Kevin Antonio "Tony" Ray was born on July 2, 1957, in Gary, Indiana, into a loving home. From the start, his lively spirit made it clear that life with Kevin would never be dull.

Kevin graduated with honors from Emerson High School in 1975, where he played football and participated in ROTC. On his 18th birthday, he announced that he had enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in 1977.

After the military, Kevin built a career that eventually led him to Buckingham Research, where he spent 19 years, finishing his time there as the office manager in New York City.

Life changed forever when Kevin met the love of his life, Johnnie in Oceanside, California. Married for 38 years, Kevin and Johnnie shared a marriage filled with joy, laughter, and countless stories.

Family was everything to Kevin. He adored his children, but when it came to his grandchildren, the rules went out the window. His love of kids and football came together in his years coaching junior league football in Teaneck, NJ, where he proudly served as head coach of the PeeWeeleague.

On Sunday, September 21, 2025, Kevin received God's gift of eternal rest. Though his presence will be deeply missed, his laughter, love, and larger-than-life spirit will live on in every story told and every memory shared.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents, Emma Y. Wade and Frank Ray; his mother-in-law, Hattie B. Clanton; and father-in-law, John M. Thompson. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Johnnie; his children Sean, Tahneisha (Jason) Forrest, Kevin (Dira), Corey, and grandchildren Jaylon, Jordon, Izaiah, Jeremiah, and Meridian; siblings Donita (Harvey) Brooks, Vicki Comer, Carla Holden, Andre Wade, Frank Ray, Phyllis Ray, Eboni Hearn, and Brooke Ray; sister-in-law, Brenda Baker; brother-in-law, Anthony Thompson; a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.