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Celebrating the life of JOHN DONNEL RAY
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Obituary for JOHN DONNEL RAY
On July 18th, 1980, John Donnell Ray, a beautiful bouncing baby boy, entered the world. He was the son of John and Terrie Ray. At the age of 11, he accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized at the Church of Philadelphia in Washington, DC. As a little boy, Donnell was a bit mischievous. While at their grandmother’s home, he would take a daily bite of his cousins, Jason and Nicole. He spearheaded the hand delivery of a very dead, slithery reptile to his Aunt Lola’s doorstep... knocked on her door and got a good laugh at her reaction. Donnell loved to run through all the clothing racks in the Ames Department store. The clothes would flip and fly like a wind tunnel. His mother would be furious while his older sister Shelley would enjoy the show. Donnell loved life and strived to live it to the fullest. A very daring and fearless young man, he enjoyed riding dirt bikes, ATV’s and anything that had wheels. He wasn’t afraid of trying new things. At one point Donnell was the family barber and a professional landscaper. He installed cable, commercial windows and doors and had his very own car detailing business. He was a true entrepreneur. Donnell was the life of the party, the one who knew just what to do to make it complete. The original Mr. Sunshine, his motto was to live life and have fun while you’re here. That’s what he did and that’s how we will cherish his memory. Donnell was the beloved father of Jamiah and Jacob Ray; loving son of John and Terrie Ray; loving brother of Kimberly Gibson, Michelle (Adrian) Stevenson, and Chantel (Pierre) Knight; beloved grandson of John Ray, Sr. and Rufus Alexander; devoted uncle of Alanna, Jayden, and Brielle. He was preceded in death by grandmothers Deloris Ray and Billie Alexander. He also leaves to cherish his memory many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
