Willie B. Young

Willie’s Journey

Willie B. Young Jr., affectionately known to friends and family as Mr. Ray, was a beacon of laughter and creativity who left this earthly realm for his heavenly mansion on July 20, 2025, at the age of 67. Born on January 8, 1958, in the nurturing community of Moorhead, MS, Mr. Ray's journey led him to Columbus, OH, where he spent his final moments.

A man of faith and humor, Mr. Ray walked through life with the spirit of a true Christian, ensuring that the joy of the Lord was his strength. He was a veteran of the Army, where he not only served his country with honor but also found a brotherhood that would stand the test of time. His service was marked by the same adventurous spirit and creative flair that he brought to every aspect of his life.

Mr. Ray's hands were gifted in the arts of wood carving and drawing, creating pieces that reflected the beauty of God's creation and the depth of his own soul. He was also a wizard with mechanics, often spending hours tinkering with machines, leaving them better than he found them—much like the way he impacted the lives of those around him.

The Young family tree, rooted in love and shared history, remembers Mr. Ray with fondness. Though his father Willie B. Young, Sr and mother Florence L. Young, as well as his sister Genise Wright, preceded him, their legacy lives on through him. His siblings, Justina Eke, Nelson Young, and Raymond Young, along with his step-children and a host of nieces and nephews, will carry forward the lessons of love and laughter that Mr. Ray instilled in them.

In his lifetime, Mr. Ray was described by many as adventurous, funny, and creative—a man whose humor could light up the darkest room and whose ingenuity was a testament to his image-bearing of the Creator. He believed that life was a grand adventure, and he lived each day as if it were a page in a divine comedy, where every moment was an opportunity to share a smile or a hearty laugh.

As we bid farewell to Mr. Ray, we celebrate a life well-lived, a race well-run, and a faith well-kept. In his parting, he leaves behind a legacy of joy, a treasure trove of memories, and an example of how to face each day with a chuckle and a cheerful heart. Mr. Ray's story may have reached its final chapter on this side of eternity, but the echoes of his laughter and the fruits of his love will continue to resonate in the lives of all who were blessed to know him.

Let us find comfort in the knowledge that Mr. Ray is now carving out a place in heaven, sketching the outlines of eternity, and no doubt, keeping the angels entertained with his divine sense of humor. We rejoice in the truth that he is at peace in the arms of our Savior, and we look forward to the day when we shall all share in the eternal joy that he now knows. Until we meet again, Mr. Ray, your spirit will live on in every chuckle and every act of kindness.

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