Jimmy Bailey Raynor, age of 67, of Riverdale, MD, passed away on May 24, 2020 due to lung cancer and complications exacerbated by the Corona (COVID 19) virus. He fought lung cancer fearlessly and always held tight to the hope and belief that he would one day leave the nursing home and resume his life and activities as he did before he became ill. His courage and conviction were unwavering.
Born January 3, 1953 to parents Roy B. Raynor and Betty L. (Stogner) Ardis in Washington, DC, Jimmy was the oldest sibling among four born to this union. Jimmy attended Bladensburg High School in Bladensburg, MD and was an active member of University Baptist Church in College Park, MD.
Jimmy is survived by one brother, one sister, two half-sisters, four additional nieces and three nephews. He was predeceased by both parents and his middle brother.
Jimmy was employed with Parts Authority in College Park, MD for several years, until his illness forced him into an early retirement. Other employment and associations included Village Value Store in Riverdale, MD as well the Fraternal Order of the Police (FOP), in Riverdale Park, MD both for whom he performed fundraising.
Never married, family and close friends used to joke saying Jimmy was married to his music. That is where his passion lied. An exceptional (self-taught) guitar player, multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter and composer, the level of skill Jimmy mastered in his lifetime was beyond extraordinary. His contribution to the local music scene throughout Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia spanned over fifty+ years and were significant and memorable. Jimmy's life-long love and commitment to music was only surpassed by the love he had for God, country, family and friends.
A die-hard Republican, Jimmy stayed informed on local, national, and global events. His breadth of knowledge was nothing short of impressive. Conversations with him were always interesting and always informative. He was an activist within his community and will truly be missed.
A private graveside service will be held on July 10th, 2020 at 11:00am at Fort Lincoln Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society instead.
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