Mr. Ras Marselis, Jr. passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 1, 2023, at home in Saginaw, Michigan. Age 43 years. Ras was born July 17, 1979, in Saginaw, Michigan, to Ras Marselis, Sr. and Willa Mae Branch-Marselis.
Ras graduated from Saginaw High, C/O 1998. He was a proud Trojan and Kudos Alumnus. He received a degree in Fine Arts and Arts and Design from Delta College in 2013. Ras grew up as a member of Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Throughout the years he was employed by Covenant HealthCare and Wolverine Services.
Ras was an original and founding member of Outta Control Car Club established in 1996. As a member of this club, Ras found the love of giving back to the community.
Ras expressed his artistic ability through drawing, music, and the art of lowriding. He was well known and loved throughout the community for his big heart and his smooth dance moves.
Ras leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Candace Marselis; one son, Darquaris McCullah (Lakeshia Garret); two daughters, Re’gine and Destanee Wright; grandchildren, Anylia, Darquaris Jr., E’Vontae, Bailoni, Kyland, and Kamyla; one sister, Katrina Smith; three brothers, Will Branch, Rick Smith, and Donte Riche; three nephews, Scotty, Tevin (Makayla), and Kevin Branch; six great-nephews; four great-nieces; in-laws, Duane and Joyce Wilson, and Daniel Marzec, Sr.; a father figure and special friend, Jeff Tyler; godmothers, Carol Shivers, Freddie Mae Marshall, Debra Austin, and Pat Johnson Williams; godfather, Oscar Young; godsons, Gabriel Burton, and Jaqvaon Weston; a host of godbrothers and godsisters; childhood friends, Andre Thomas, Edric Dudly, Luanda (Tank) Canty; special friends, Rock Baston Manuel Mireles, Fred Alexander, Nefonzie “D Bird” Saunders, Rico Reyes, and Torrey Jenkins.
Ras was preceded in death by his mother Willa Mae Marselis; grandparents, Pastor Willie Branch, Reuban Sr., and Vera Marselis; uncles Tyrone Davis, Leroy Branch, Lonnie Scott, and Reubin Marselis, Jr.; goddaughter, Mi’Angel Riche; and special friends, Edgar ‘Gee’ Jones, and Grenand “G-Bawl” Johnson.
The family wishes to express special thanks to the Green Family, Andre Smith, and the whole Outta Control Car Club, Jose Flora Noriega, and Pharrington Maxey.
A special shoutout to all the bar spittas, microphone rappas, beat makers, and a cover of artists and producers who reached out.
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