Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. Aldo "Ray" Williams, 69, of Grand Rapids, MI formerly of Beckley, WV passed away peacefully at home Saturday, January 7, 2023.

Known affectionately by family and friends as Ray, Big Brother, and Bubba, he was born in Mullens, WV, on February 14, 1953, the son of the late Levi Williams and Virginia Jamison. He was educated in Wyoming County and later in Raleigh County. Ray chose to enlist in the United States Army from which he was honorably discharged. Ray loved to share fond childhood memories and enjoyed telling and retelling stories of the time spent in Harper, WV with his grandparents, (George and Annie Mae Freeman) known to him lovingly as “Big Mamma and Big Daddy”.

One of Ray’s proudest moments was the birth of his daughter, Dianna Dennis, whom he immediately referred to as “his Angel”. The name Angel continues to be used today by those who know and love her. Additionally, Ray found peace and the love of Jesus Christ during the time he lived in Dallas, Texas. He served faithfully at The Potter's House of Dallas working with family, alongside his brother-in- law, and sister, (Bishop T.D. and Serita Jakes). His time at the Potter’s House allowed him to renew and restore his relationship with his Savior.

Ray enjoyed traveling with his wife. Together they traveled throughout Europe and Africa, with Portugal and South Africa considered favorites. When time allowed Ray loved to bowl and fish. A Dallas Cowboy fan, he always made time to watch them play. Ray had a heart for children. He was patient and loving with children and they in turn loved him.

As with all lives, when the time comes, we face obstacles that aren’t always easy. Ray suffered from lung disease in the last years of his life. Ray, along with the support of his family, made the difficult decision to receive a double lung transplant which extended his life. He would often say every day he was willing to fight for his life, fighting for his wife, and for his family, near and far.

Ray was predeceased by his mother, Virginia Lee Jamison; father, Levi Williams; grandparents, George and Annie Mae Freeman and his eldest sibling, Levi Williams, Jr.

Ray leaves to cherish his legacy and memory his loving and devoted wife, Deborah Kay Williams, whom he lovingly and simply called “My Wife”; daughter, Dianna Dennis, sisters, Vernita Williams and Serita Jakes (Bishop T.D.), and brother, Jimmy Darrell Jamison.

Ray also leaves his three grandchildren, Arthur Ray and Haley Dennis (His Sugar Plum), Kai McMillan, and blended granddaughter, Nailah, along with fourteen additional grandchildren and six blended great-grandchildren, memories of a pawpaw who demonstrated his love to them every day.

In addition, he leaves behind nieces, Rochelle Atwater (Douglas), Levonia Morant (Kelvin), Christal Williams, Cora Jakes, Sarah Jakes-Roberts (Toure), nephews, Brian Williams, Jamar, Jermaine, and Dexter Jakes, Jr (Larissa) and nine great-nieces and nephews.

Also, left to remember Ray with cherished memories for his strength and courage along with the love for their sister, is sister-in-law, Lynda Cole (Dave) and brothers-in-law, William Powell, Raymond Powell (Bruce), and Nathaniel Powell (Effie); blended children, Bobby Stewart (Charmaine), Stephanie Word (James), Getitia Stewart, and Kristopher Stewart (Ruthie)

The life of Ray Aldo Williams will always be remembered in many ways by those who knew and loved him. His life was extended by God’s grace and the goodness of a stranger. On behalf of Ray, the family wishes for your consideration in becoming an organ donor so that others may have the same opportunity he had.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Monday, January 16, 2023 at Heart of God Ministries 1703 S. Kanawha St. Beckley. Burial, for the family, will be private.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may call one hour prior.

The family request donations of sympathy be made to The Potter’s House of Dallas, TX, or The Richard DeVos Heart & Lung Transplant Program at Corewell Health Foundation West MI 25 Michigan Street NE, Suite 4100, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley