Willie Raymond Everson aka (Ray) of Battle Creek went home to be with the LORD, on Friday October 23, 2015. Ray was born February 5, 1935 in Abbeville, Georgia to Mr. And Mrs. Houston and Estella Everson.
He attended elementary and graduated 10th grade in Abbeville Georgia. He moved to Cincinnati Ohio in 1960, then to Battle Creek around 1963. He became the owner of “Rays" cafe in Battle Creek, and was the owner/operator of his Janitorial/Floor restorations and cleaning service. Around 1963 he became an employee of the VA Medical Center of Battle Creek where he began working in the Custodial/Housekeeping Department and later became a shift supervisor. Years later he was promoted to General Foreman in the VA Textile Care & Processing Facility. He retired from the VAMC in 1993.
He had an amazing Love and passion for his family. He is survived by two sisters Mrs. Bernice Perry from Virginia, Shirley Grimes from Georgia and Sister-in-Law Mrs. Darlene Fitzpatrick of Battle Creek. Two daughters: Lisa Williams, Rolinda Caper-Everson. Two sons: (Bill, Ray Jr) Willie Raymond Everson Jr and (Tony) Anthony (Rosita) Everson and Three Daughter-in laws: Donyetta, Ellie Mae and Cynthia. Grandchildren: Demetrius, David, Antonio, Juanisha, Mark, Dion, Dairra, Tarvis, Tholome, Solomon, Dawn and James. Four-Step children: Chester, Stacey, Tony and Aretha, a host of nieces and nephews, and God-son Ricky Graham.
He was preceded in death by his parents Houston R. Everson Sr. and Estella Everson-Fitzpatrick, two brothers, Houston R. Everson Jr. And Johnny Fitzpatrick, brother in law, Linwood E. Perry, a son , Michael Everson, and Wife Eula Mae Everson.
Ray absolutely was gifted and loved...music. Since the age of 8 years old he began teaching himself to play guitar. While in his teens, he had an amazing opportunity to join the group "The Spinners". He began playing the guitar and singing. As an adult be became a member of following gospel groups the "Heirs of Harmony", "Michigan Nightingales" "The Mighty Clouds of Joy". For well over 40 years, he remained a faithful member of the Gospel Group "The Five Keys". He was an outstanding, active and faithful long time member of The Holy Light Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a member of the Male Chorus, the Board of Trustees and the Program Committee. He was also an amazing mentor to young and senior musicians.
Ray enjoyed hunting, gardening and cooking. Ray was a specialist in his gun collections and enjoyed traveling to play a number of functions and events. He was always caring about making his home a safe haven, to many in need. Yes....Ray, was truly a loving servant and giver for the LORD!!!

He will be truly loved and deeply missed by all~

As Ray would say' " It ain't Nothing But The...Truth"

"Yepperrrrr!!!!"