Raymond Curtis Newsome Sr.

Raymond was born on January 29th, 1968 to Raymond Clyde Atkins SR and Cherria M. Newsome in Houston, TX. After attending Ross Shaw Sterling Senior high school, he received his certification in A/C and duct repair and landed his first job, but after several years of hard work and transitioning through various job opportunities, he was met with a heart transplant in 2007.

He quickly rebounded back to health after his heart transplant and in 2009, Raymond met Chantell Delovee Graham while going to one of his routine medical checkups. He immediately asked for her phone number which she politely rejected. But he never gave up, and after 2 years, he finally persevered and obtained her phone number, resulting in their legal marriage just 3 months later on Christmas Day of the year, 2011. He also became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. And on December 28th, 2012, Raymond and Chantell were sealed in the Houston Texas LDS Temple as husband and wife for all time and eternity, never to be parted.

Raymond was a force of nature, determined to provide for his family and give them the life he felt they deserved. His family meant more to him than anything else in the world, something he often mentioned. He did anything and everything to provide for his family and was seen as quite an entrepreneur. Raymond may have had some struggles but lived life to the fullest. He would do anything for his friends and loved fiercely. He made everyone who knew him laugh, cry, and clap at all the stories he shared. He loved fishing and nature in general. His dream was to live out in the country.

Raymond was a passionate cook and chef who could be found making barbecue and baking cookies and cakes. Anyone who knew Raymond knew that he was the most loving father and spouse a family could ask for. His wife affectionately called him a big teddy bear even though at times, he would turn into a grizzly bear if anyone crossed him. He is survived by his birth mother, Cherria M. Rattler, his father Freddie L. Rattler, his sister Marium Akilah Rattler, his brothers, Noah Y. Rattler and Jonah M. Rattler with his wife Shanika S. Rattler, and nephews, Jalon M. Rattler and Josiah M. Rattler. He is predeceased by his birth father, Raymond Clyde Atkins SR, and survived by his sister Joan Lescile Atkins and his brother Raymond Clyde Atkins JR. He is also survived by his brother Raymond Lambert. His legacy will live on through his daughter, Ivreia Domonique Newsome, and his son, Raymond Curtis Newsome, JR. As well as his 5 grandchildren: Jahmeel Amir Newsome (7 yrs old), Kehlani Kurnae Newsome (5 yrs old), Raheem Syncere and Rakeem Zahir Newsome (twins: 1 yr old), and Keyanna Janiece Newsome (2 mths old). Raymond will also be remembered and honored by his stepsons, Faheem Divine Williams and Malik Allen Williams as well as many “informally” adopted children. His love will continue through his uncles with their wives: Matthew and Patricia Raney, Patrick and Jacquelyn Raney, Reginald Raney, and Marie Simon, as well as his aunts: Rita Raney, June Raney, and Pamela Raney.

Our family is grateful to know that Raymond is finally at peace and is no longer suffering any pain.

Raymond is a silent advocate for the homeless and those in need. The family requests that any monetary thoughts and gifts are donated to the Coalition for the Homeless in memory/honor of Raymond’s life (www.homelesshouston.org). There will be a public viewing on Friday, August 25th, 2023 from 4 pm to 8 pm at Garden Oaks Funeral Home 13430 Bellaire Blvd Houston, TX 77083. There will also be a second viewing on Saturday, August 26th, 2023 from 12 noon to 1 pm preceding the funeral service which will be held from 1 pm to 3 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 1101 Bering Dr. Houston, TX 77057.

Family acknowledgments:

-Raymond Clyde Adkins JR (brother): Thank you for allowing me to love on my brother and for the time that we spent together. I wish we had more time.

-Marium Akilah Rattler (sister): Being the only girl of three brothers, with totally different personalities was pretty special. Raymond was the leader of the pack, and he was as sweet as he was strong. He fought a very hard fight for a long time and the only thing that gives me peace is knowing that he struggles no more. From me to you, I love you and my life is forever different. Job well done brother, job well done.