Raymond Reneau (Lansing)

Born September 26, 1933, to Ethel Hamilton and Roland Reneau in West Belize, Ray was raised by his grandparents Sarah and Edward Reneau. At an early age, Ray began working with his hands and perfecting his craft of constructing homes and cabinets in Belize. He furthered those skills when he migrated to the United States in the early 1960s, becoming U.S. citizen in 1977.

Ray was a self-educated man who learned many skills over his life including automotive repair and construction. From his passion and acquired skills of automobile engines, he began Ray’s Auto Service in Paducah, Kentucky. He was also co-owner in Ted Lake Standard Oil Auto Repair and Milito Auto Repair out of Skokie, Illinois. Ray moved to Lansing in the early 1970s and began working for the Board of Water and Light where he retired in 1990. After retirement, Ray started Workout Cleaning Service, where he secured contracts with local credit unions and businesses in downtown Lansing.

Ray began his walk with Christ early in age. Ray enjoyed attending church and showed great enthusiasm during praise and worship. He took tremendous joy socializing with fellow church member, attending church function, traveling to gatherings, and attending picnics at Friendship House of Prayer Baptist Church lead by the late Pastor David Ford.

Ray was a world traveler visiting locations such as Honduras, Nicaragua, many South America countries, Canada, Ohio, California, Alabama, New York, and his beloved Chicago.

Ray loved and was proud his children Elissa, Sardia, Raymond Jr., stepchildren Corey and Quonda, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was also a foster parent. Ray would tell anyone who would listen about how proud he was of his family and how much he loved his wife, Josephine. Ray especially enjoyed the holidays, as he was able to enjoy family, food, and laughter.

Whether Ray knew you for 20 years or 20 minutes, he always treated others like family. He always had a joke, smile, and happy thoughts for whomever he met. Ray’s favorite saying was “don’t worry, be happy” and he chose to live life full of happiness, without worry or regret. He would tell stories to anyone whether it be over a cup of coffee or dinner, and always finished with his signature laugh and smile.

God called Ray home May 26, 2021.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Josephine; children, daughters Elissa (Sam) Reneau of Ohio, Sardia Reneau of Birmingham England; Son Raymond Reneau Jr. (Idolly) of Rancho Delores, Belize, Stepchildren Courtney, Corey (Lindsey) and Quonda; grandchildren of the United States, Malgum Whiteside III, Bre’anna Whiteside, Dore’yon Whiteside, and Samuel Ward Jr., Cayla Lynch, Jasmine Lynch, Courtney Lynch Jr., Trey Baker, Tevell Mcclain, La’Resha Dumas, Delmar Dumas, T’shara Lynch, Tuesday, Angela-Gail Tevell, and Chloe Wheaton; grandchildren of Belize: Shareen (Terry) Reneau, Raymond Evans Jr., Roxannie Reneau, Rachael Reneau, Rickmond Reneau, Reenan Reneau, Reneisha Reneau; grandchildren of England: Jason Smith; 10 great grandchildren of Belize; 1 of great grandchild England; 42 great grandchildren of the United States; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents Ethel and Roland; grandparents Sarah and Edward; and Aunt Nella Reneau