Life’s Reflections
“To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
Raymond Lowell “RayRay” Johnson II was the second child born to Raymond Lowell Johnson Sr. and Marylene Burke Johnson on May 9, 1978, in Memphis, TN.
Ray Ray confessed his belief in Jesus Christ at an early age. He joined Providence AME Church in Memphis, TN. He was active in Sunday School and the Young People’s Department. He attended many Sunday School Conventions and Youth Congresses. He was a member of the youth choir. Ray Ray’s education began at Knight Road Elementary and continued at Oakshire Elementary School, and John P. Freeman School. He graduated from Fairley High School where he played football, a sport that quickly became his ultimate passion. Football was more than just a game to him, it was where he forged lifelong bonds and learned the values of dedication, teamwork and resilience. He attended the University of Memphis and Tennessee College of Applied Technology. Ray Ray worked at Nike and at the University of Memphis. He loved working with his hands and was an entrepreneur in HVAC. Ray Ray departed this life on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from an automobile accident. Ray Ray leaves to cherish his memories: his parents Raymond Lowell Johnson Sr. and Marylene Burke Johnson. one son, Desmond Rayshun Johnson, two brothers, LaCedric Renard Johnson Sr., Rodney Lowell Alexander Sr, one sister-in-law, Julie Griffith Johnson, three nephews, LaCedric Renard Johnson II, Landon Ranen Johnson, Rodney Lowell Alexander Jr., one niece, Lauryn Christine Johnson, all of Memphis TN, four aunts, Reola Fant Burke, Cleveland, MS, Mauddean Johnson Smith ,Memphis, TN, Beverly Johnson Logan ,Collierville, TN, Joyce Elaine Johnson, Fort Meade, MD, two Uncles, Washington Johnson II, Fort Meade, MD, Sylvester Logan, Collierville, TN, he also leaves a host of loving cousins and friends.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.
Psalm 23
Order of Service Friday, October 2, 2026 12:00 Noon
New Hope Baptist Church
2356 Elvis Presley Blvd. • Memphis, Tennessee 38106 Rev. Dr. Steevon R. Hunter, Senior Pastor Rev. Percy M. Hunter, Officiating Christ United Baptist Church, Senior Pastor Musical Prelude Processional...........................................................................The Family of Mr. Raymond L. Johnson II Prayer of Comfort..................................................................................................Reverend Patsy Brown Galilee AME Church
Scripture Readings: The Old Testament: Psalm 23.............................................................Reverend Percy M. Hunter The New Testament: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18...................................Reverend Percy M. Hunter Senior Pastor, Christ United Baptist Church
Musical Selection............................................................................................................................Choir
Expressions of Love
(Respectfully, Three Minutes Please)
Elder James Scruggs - Family Mr. Undra Thomas - Family Mrs. Kayla Briscoe - Family (Atlanta, Ga) Acknowledgements.....................................................................................................Dr. Selena A. Burke Dallas, TX
Musical Selection............................................................................................................................Choir Words of Comfort...........................................................................................Dr. Washington Johnson II
Director, Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries North American DV of SDA, Fort Meade, MD
Musical Selection........................................................................................Mrs. Deborah Gleese Barnes Eulogy............................................................................................Reverend Dr. Steevon Randall Hunter Senior Pastor, New Hope Baptist Church Senior Pastor, Georgia Avenue Baptist Church
Recessional
Our Beloved Son
Our lives were blessed by the presence of our precious son, RayRay. We never imagined we would have to say goodbye to him so soon, and there are no words to express the pain in our hearts. RayRay was a beautiful soul who had a generous spirit, a compassionate heart, and a way of making the people around him feel loved. Being his parents was one of the greatest blessings of our lives. Our son was always there for us in the most loving and meaningful ways, never expecting anything in return. Mother: Ray Ray was always there to care for me. He took me to the grocery store and to my doctor’s appointments, making sure I had everything I needed. He never made me feel like a burden; helping me was an expression of his love. After our Sunday dinners together, he enjoyed taking us for rides, giving us a little more time to be together. He would always tell me how much he enjoyed my cooking, and those words made me feel so loved, valued, and appreciated. I will treasure those moments for the rest of my life. They were precious gifts from my son, and blessings from God. Father: Ray Ray was always ready to help, no matter what needed to be done. He never hesitated to come over and fix the air conditioner, even once at midnight. He helped me in the yard, worked alongside me out in the country, and was always willing to help me work on my cars and trucks. He was dependable, hardworking, and faithful. Knowing he was there gave me comfort and strength, and I am deeply grateful for every moment we shared. Our son will forever be our pride, our joy, and a piece of our hearts that can never be replaced. We will carry his love with us every day until we meet again in God’s heavenly kingdom. Love, Mom and Dad
Tribute To My Dad Dad, my prayer is that you are at peace now. May God’s mercy cover you, and may His presence comfort everyone who mourns your passing. I will not allow the pain of yesterday to steal the peace God has for me today. Rest in peace Dad, I place you in God’s hands, and I place my heart there too. Until we meet again, may God’s grace, mercy and peace be with us. Love, Desmond Tribute To My Brother, We grew up side by side – sharing a room, playing outside until the streetlights came on, and spending countless hours playing video games. Back then, we never knew how precious those ordinary days were. As we grew older, you remained the person I could always depend on. Whenever I needed you, you were there without hesitation. You never made me feel like I was asking for too much. You gave your time so freely. This is how you showed your love. That same love reached my children. You loved them as if they were your own. You were never just their uncle – you were their protector, their friend, and a beautiful part of their childhood. There are so many things I wish I could tell you. I wish I could have one more conversation, hear one more laugh, share one more memory, tell you how much I loved you. I love you, Ray Ray. Your absence has left a space in my life that no one can ever fill. Until we meet again my little brother Love, Cedric RayRay, you were so much more than a brother-in-law to me. You were a brother in every way that truly mattered. You respected me, cared about me, and had a heart of gold. Your kindness, your thoughtfulness, and your quiet presence meant more to me than I can ever fully express. You will always be loved, always be missed, and never be forgotten. I am grateful that God allowed you to be a part of my life. Thank you for loving me like a sister. Until we meet again. Love, Julie Tribute To Our Uncle Ray Ray, I will always remember my sophomore year of college, when I injured my knee playing basketball and had to use crutches. You drove me around campus, walked me to class, waited for me, and brought me home. At that time, I saw it as you helping me. Now, I understand it as an unforgettable act of love. That was who you were. You showed up, made sure I was okay, and never let me feel alone. Until we meet again Uncle Ray Ray Love, CJ One of my favorite memories is how you always loved my baking. Whenever I made cookies or my banana pudding, you would always tell me how delicious my desserts were. You had a way of making me feel proud of what I made. I will miss your encouraging words and smile. Most of all, I will miss knowing you were there to enjoy the little things with me. Until we meet again Uncle Ray Ray Love, Lauryn One of my favorite memories of you is going to Grandmama and Granddaddy’s house after school when I was younger. You would come over and play with me, always making me laugh. You would throw me on the sofa, chase me around the house and for those moments, nothing else mattered. I was just a kid having fun with my uncle. I wish I could go back to those days, even for just a few minutes – to hear your laugh, feel that joy, and be that little kid again. Until we meet again Uncle Ray Ray Love, Landon
~ Acknowledgements ~
We thank God for RayRay’s life. The family of Raymond Lowell Johnson II wishes to express thanks for the many acts of kindness shown to us during this difficult season of loss. Your fervent prayers, encouraging phone calls and text messages, comforting visits, gifts, and thoughts will always be cherished. These expressions of God’s love will sustain us. May God richly bless and keep each of you. A special thank you and our deepest gratitude to Rev. Dr. Steevon Hunter and the members of New Hope Baptist Church for allowing us to use your church for the funeral service of our loved one, Raymond Lowell Johnson II. ~The Family
~ Honorary Pallbearers ~
LaCedric Renard Johnson Sr. LaCedric Renard Johnson II Landon Ranen Johnson
Rodney Lowell Alexander Sr. Terrence Norman Burke Lucus Johnson II
~ Active Pallbearers ~
Truman Hull Jr. Christopher Pritchard Chaunson Cooperwood James Scruggs Jr.
~ Interment ~
Memorial Park Southwoods 5485 Hacks Cross Road Memphis, Tennessee 38125
Bryan Branch Alfonzo Peoples III Sylvester Ford Jr. Lavalas Cummings
~ Repast ~
New Hope Baptist Church Fellowship Hall 2356 Elvis Presley Blvd. Memphis, Tennessee 38106
Distinctive Services by
3320 Millbranch Rd. Memphis, Tennessee 38116 901-452-7331 www.harrisonsfuneralhomeinc.com “There’s No Comparison To HARRISON” HARRISON” ~Since 1923~
Tarik A. Yancy 901.336.9706