Affectionately known as “Sonnyboy”, Raymond was born in Michigan on September 15th, 1930. He
was a graduate of Cass Tech High School in Detroit and went on to serve his country in the U.S.
Marine Core. He continued his career in public service as a detective sergeant in the Detroit Police
Department for 25 years, and later retired as a Deputy Federal Marshall from the United States
Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans, LA after 20 years.
Raymond had a large extended family, with eight children and two stepchildren with his wife Sylvia
(Barnes). He is survived by his children, his brother, his seventeen grandchildren, and seventeen
great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father Raymond, his mother Mary, his brother
James, his son Mark and his stepdaughter Janna.
Ray’s true love was music. From the tender age of 12 until his passing he was an avid musician. He
specialized in playing the balalaika and domra instruments. He was known as a guest artist of the
balalaika orchestras throughout the U.S.A., commonly being referred to as “Rent-a-Ray”. He
performed with many notable groups including the Detroit Balalaika Orchestra for 30 years, the
Balalaika and Domra Association of America (BDAA) for 40 years, the Atlanta Balalaika Society, the
Houston Balalaika Society and the Sarasota Mandolin Ensemble of Florida. His music brought
together many lifelong friendships and opportunities. Sonnyboy was also a proud member of the
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Ray is under the care of Kays-Ponger & Uselton Funeral Homes. Please make donations payable to
the BDAA Youth Initiative Fund at http://bdaa.com/renewalbf.htm
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