Ray Darnell Williams

Our loved one, Ray D. Williams, departed this life on Wednesday, August 5, 2020. A native of Nansemond County (now Suffolk), Virginia, he was born on May 9, 1958. He was the son of the late Iola A. Williams and James E. Parker. Ray was educated in the public schools of Suffolk and graduated in 1976 from Forest Glen High School. He graduated Cum Laude from Norfolk State University with a Bachelors in Social Work in 1981. Since 2000, Ray was employed by the Tidewater Youth Services Commission as a School Based Case Manager at Joseph P. King Middle School, Franklin, VA. He was passionate about the youth who participated in his program. He had a profound impact on their lives, especially the Black males who he mentored and encouraged. He always wanted the best for them – educationally, socially, and emotionally. He provided field trips and opportunities for the youth in his program to learn and to grow. He genuinely loved his job and was proud of their accomplishments. Most of all, he wanted them to be good citizens and taught them the importance of being productive members of society. In 2011, Ray was the recipient of the distinguished John Matish Award presented by the Tidewater Youth Services Commission for his exceptional work, innovative program, and commitment to youth. His legacy of dedication, commitment, and honorable service will long be remembered by the J.P. King youth who participated in his program and others in the Franklin community. He was a member of Laurel Hill United Church of Christ, Suffolk where he joined during his childhood. He was actively involved in the Men’s Day activity and the drama cast for the annual Christmas musical sponsored by the music ministry of the church. Ray was straightforward and candid in his relationship with family and friends. He was highly intelligent with much to offer and well-versed on many topics. He was honest and truthful as he expressed his opinion about certain matters. He was a wonderful father and loved his children, Carlos and Cheryl. He would often speak with pride about their accomplishments. Ray and his siblings were reared by a family that emphasized the importance of unity and love for one another. Nurtured by his mother, Iola “Sug”, maternal grandparents, Garrett and Iola Williams, his aunt, Mary E. Williams, and his uncle, James G. Williams, the African adage that “it takes a village to raise a child” was in the forefront during his formative years. He was the official travel agent for family vacations and would secure the “perfect” vacation home for the family summer excursions to Myrtle Beach, SC. He would map out the route and the schedule for rest stops and meals while traveling. He loved family cookouts and enjoyed grilling and preparing food, especially his famous ribs. Ray particularly enjoyed the family’s Sunday dinners after worship service, a tradition from childhood. This was his time to “catch up” on what was happening in the lives of family members and just to be together to reminisce and have good conversation. Family gatherings and celebrations of life’s special moments were an integral part of his life. We are grateful for the times that we had together and for the wonderful memories of Ray that will always be with us. He leaves to cherish his memory, his son, Carlos A. Williams of Suffolk; his daughter, Cheryl W. Chappell (William) of Suffolk; three sisters, Lorita W. Mayo of Suffolk, Mary A. Williams of Suffolk, and Linda W. Hill (Rev. Elliott) of Windsor; one brother, Carlton L. Williams (Sheila) of Suffolk; two nieces, Bria L. Williams and Mia S. Williams of Suffolk; one nephew, Garrett J. Williams of Suffolk; two aunts Marian W. Ferebee of Virginia Beach and Olivia A. Williams of Suffolk; one uncle, Ralph L. Williams (Ida) of Suffolk; cousins and friends. We will miss our loved one and his warm presence in our lives. We bow in humble submission to our Heavenly Father who comforts and sustains us. To God be the glory for Ray’s life and for the lives that he touched! A celebration of life will be held 11:00 a.m. Sunday, August 16, 2020 at Laurel Hill U.C.C. Rev. Sweat will deliver the message of comfort. He will be laid to rest in the church cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ray Darnell Williams, please visit our flower store.