Mr. Curtis E. Ray Sr.

***A FUNERAL SERVICE IN LOVING MEMORY FOR MR. CURTIS E. RAY, SR. WILL BE HELD FRIDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 22, 2023, AT OUR FUNERAL HOME. ****NOTE: PLEASE SEE FUNERAL SERVICE TIMES LISTED BELOW**** ****MASKS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST. WE WILL PROVIDE HAND SANITIZER WHEN ENTERING OUR BUILDING. ***If you have any questions, please contact us at: (269) 342-1000 ****NOTE: The DVD Memorial Tribute will be available soon _________________________________ THE OBITUARY Curtis E. Ray Sr. made his transition from this life to be with the Lord on December 12, 2023. Curtis Ray was born in St. Louis Missouri on February 2, 1959. In the early 70's, Curtis moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan where he worked for the City of Kalamazoo for 10 years. He also was employed for 5 years at Borgess Hospital and was employed in various capacities throughout his life. While in Kalamazoo, he met and later married Dianna LeFlore of Kalamazoo and to this union four children were born. During his younger years, Curtis was in band called TKO where he was the lead singer. Curtis had a passion for music. The Whispers was his favorite band. He was known for emulating playing the drums, with his hands as the drumsticks and the patting of his thighs as the drums, in combination of his foot as the drum pedal. Oh, and let's not forget about the famous pointer finger that would go up and down because he was trying to teach you how to hit that note. Curtis was highly skilled in karate where he obtained his black belt. He was also skilled in boxing where his hands were registered with the City of Kalamazoo. Curtis was heavily involved in church, where he called Mt. Zion Baptist Church his church home, Curtis enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. If you really knew "Curt", as his family and would call him, you definitely knew Curtis Ray Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Markeyda LeFlore-Ray of Kalamazoo; Sharmieka Jackson of Columbia, Missouri; Nyiesha LeFlore-Ray, Shawn LeFlore-Ray, Natasha Givhan, Curtis Ray Jr., Andre Walker and Davontae Etheridge Ray all of Kalamazoo, Michigan; his only surviving brother, Angelo Ray of Kalamazoo; 17 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, uncles, extended family, and friends that loved him dearly. He is preceded in death by his mother, Roberta Ray; younger brother, Tyrone Ray; grandparents, Lou Willie Mae Ray and Jesse Ray Sr.; a special aunt, Ora Lee and uncle Jessie Ray, along with his beloved Verna Taylor.

Mr. Curtis E. Ray Sr.

February 2, 1959 - December 12, 2023