Raymond M. Powell's Obituary
Reflections of His Life Raymond Morton Powell was the youngest child born to Ray Powell and Christine Joyce Butler Powell on October 2, 1960 in Reno, Nevada. The Powell Family moved to Oakland, California when Raymond was 2 years old. Raymond completed his education in Hayward, California attending Palma Ceia Elementary School, Calaroga Junior High School and Mt. Eden High School where he graduated class of 1978.During Raymond’s elementary school years, he was affectionately given the nickname, “Buddy Red,” by his great uncle Sedrick. He had many interests and hobbies and enjoyed playing sports and hanging out with his best childhood friend Ralph Iereneo who just happened to live next door. Ralph was, as they say, his true partner in crime. You never saw one wDeAnna G. Shipman “Without seeing the other. Raymond’s parents wanted their children to be involved and have valuable extracurricular activities so they gently suggested they join the Hayward area marching band. Raymond decided he wanted to play the drums; so he along with his Sister, Regina, joined the official marching band of Hayward (at that time) the Weldonian Band under the direction of Weldon Leonardson. Raymond was a snare drummer in the competition band and won numerous placement awards.Raymond found Christ at a very early age and he, once again along with his Sister Regina, joined the Palma Ceia Baptist Church in Hayward, CA. Raymond was baptized at the age of 11 by Pastor Charles F. Bennett.On the day after his 18th birthday, Raymond enlisted in the United States Navy and was off to discover the world. Raymond was very excited to serve his country but most of all he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps. The experience, however, changed Raymond’s life forever. At the request of his mother and escorted by his first cousin, Billy Martin Tillis, Raymond relocated to Oklahoma City, OK in November of 1984. As a disabled veteran, Raymond came under the Guardian care of Mr. Robert Tackett. Mr. Tackett and his wife Rebecca (Becky) cared for Raymond for over 30 years until the time of his death. The Powell family will forever be indebted and grateful to the Tackett family for their selfless dedication to Raymond.Raymond’s life, as tortured as it was at times, was truly a gift from God and is why he is with Him now as God loved Raymond best. The Lord has brought his child home to Him sooner rather than later; this was His will and His time for peace and restoration in Raymond’s soul.Raymond was preceded in death by his father Ray Powell and leaves to cherish his memory, his mother Christine Butler Powell, sister Regina Powell Turner, his niece Chrystalynn Francell Faye Turner all of Hayward, CA; aunts Jacqueline Lawrence, of Oklahoma City, OK and Carolyn Dudley (Robert) of Modesto, CA; uncles Murray S. Butler, III (Edwyna) and Vincent (Paul) Butler (Walletta) both of Oklahoma City, OK; and a host of cousins and very dear friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Raymond?
What’s a lesson you learned from Raymond?
Share a story where Raymond's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Raymond you’ll never forget.
How did Raymond make you smile?