Sammie Raymond Jr.

Sammie Raymond Junior, age 65, of Newnan, GA was the firstborn child of Adell Raymond and Sammie Raymond Sr. His early years were spent in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, where he grew up in an apartment building shared with his maternal grandparents, who helped raise him. His grandmother, Desi, held a special place in her heart for young Sammie, who was nicknamed "June Bug" as a derivative of Junior (later shortened to "June") – to help distinguish him from his father. As the eldest sibling, he played an integral role in raising and mentoring his younger brothers and sister alongside their parents and grandparents. He left this earthly world behind on November 7, 2024.

A proud graduate of Doolittle Elementary School and Wendell Phillips High School, Junior achieved citywide recognition as Chicago's most improved student in his particular educational program; an accomplishment that earned him feature coverage in the Chicago Sun Times newspaper.

Following graduation, Junior began what would become an over two-decade career as a well-respected and loyal employee of the Zenith Corporation, where he worked as a television set assembly line worker until the company's closure in 1999.

As a young man he met the love of his life, Camille, through a cousin's introduction. Their courtship led to marriage and a move to the Hyde Park area, where they shared fifteen years together before an amicable parting.

After Zenith, Junior embarked on a second career as a bellman at The Public Hotel (later renamed the Ambassador Hotel), where he served for over a decade before retiring and relocating to Georgia to be closer to family.

Junior was an enthusiastic sports aficionado and had an incredible ability to recall thousands of sports statistics with impeccable accuracy. He was a devoted fan of the Chicago Bears and Bulls. He loved all manner of sports from Basketball to Hockey but was especially fond of football, with a particular admiration for legends Jim Brown and Walter Payton.

Junior never met a stranger and was known for charismatic proclivity to strike up a conversation with just about anyone. His generosity knew no bounds, and his loyalty to friends and family was unwavering.

Junior's dedication to his mother was particularly touching. As her “designated grocery shopper” -he never failed to include a surprise gift for her beyond the shopping list – a small but meaningful gesture that exemplified their special bond.

He leaves behind a loving family, including his cherished siblings, among them his brother Bernard, his longtime sports-watching companion and roommate for many years. Junior's generous spirit will be missed by all who knew him.

Junior leaves behind to mourn his death and to celebrate his memory his devoted mother, Adell Raymond of Newnan, Georgia; his four brothers, Bernard and Bradley Raymond of Newnan, GA and Timothy Raymond and Charles Walker of Chicago, IL; his ex-wife Camille; his aunts, Maryella Cooley (Willie) of Charlotte, NC, Irma Hardy and Dorothy Raymond of Chicago, IL; family friend, Sarah Montgomery; and many other relatives and good friends.

Sam Junior now rests in the company of his most beloved sister, Michelle; his sister, Charlotte; and his father, Sammie Raymond Sr.; as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

The visitation and informal memorial for close family and friends will be at Carmichael-Hemperley Funeral Home & Crematory, 135 Senoia Road, Peachtree City, GA 30269 from 11:30m-1:00pm, on Sunday, November 17, 2024.