Raymond Brown (Lansing)

Mr. Raymond Brown transitioned from this life on Thursday, February 8, 2024, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, at the age of 80 years old. On Wednesday, February 2, 1944, in the city of Memphis, Tennessee, a handsome baby boy was born, "Ray" to the late James Chism and Fannie Mae Brown. He was the fourth of five children.

Raymond graduated from George Washington Carver High School in Memphis, Tennessee, where he sang in the Glee Club and played on the varsity basketball team. He sang with the Spiritual Harmonizers of Memphis, Tennessee traveling throughout the South spreading the gospel through music. Raymond loved the Lord and re-dedicated his life to Jesus Christ, March 1992 at Pentecostal Outreach Church of God in Christ under the leadership of the late Elder Larry Trice, Sr. He adored music, particularly the quartet as he affectionately called it hip slapping music.

Early in life Raymond followed his older sibling and moved to San Diego, California. There he was employed at The University Club. Later he found his passion in driving trucks locally and nationally cross country. Raymond's quote “There is nothing you can touch in a day that was not transported by a truck". He worked for Trumark, Incorporated and D. Canale & Company for many years. Raymond always had a listening ear which would be an essential skill when he was employed at Walmart. He had a genuine love for people, always willing to help without judgement.

In Ray's words, he found his "good thing" Peggy Bafford Brown. They were married on October 1, 1977.

He leaves to cherish his memory and legacy his loving and devoted wife, Peggy Brown, affectionately called “Ba- Ba”; three sons, Terrence (Patricia) Bafford of Perth Australia, Sedric (Cheryl) Bafford of Okemos, Michigan; and James Bafford of Lansing, Michigan; two daughters, Andrianne Bafford of Lansing, Michigan and Melissa Brown of Memphis, Tennessee; three grandchildren: Savannah Bafford, Bryce Bafford and Isaiah Bafford; two sisters in law, Gracie Bentley-Totty of Swartz Creek, Michigan and Barbara (Tommie) Phillips of Memphis, Tennessee; two brothers in law, Jerry (Charlene) Bafford of Memphis, Tennessee and Walter (Gayle) Bafford of Dallas, Texas; special nephew, Stanley (Esther) Parker of Memphis, Tennessee; special niece, Sharon Hall of San Diego, California; godsons, Jordan Pearl, Darius Burton, and Destin Jones; goddaughter, Ryaira Hester; many other nephews, nieces, other relatives, and many friends who cherish his memories.

Raymond was proceeded in death by his son, Tyrain Bafford; parents: James Chism and Fannie Mae Brown; siblings, Aaron Parker, Hazeltine Lawson, Emma Jean Pinkston, and Shirley Ann Johnson.