Mr. Ray Anthony Bailey

Ray Anthony Bailey of Tampa, Florida, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024, 2:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Memorial Chapel, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606 with Minister Authur Neal, Officiating.  Interment will follow in Rest Haven Memorial Park Cemetery, 4615 E. Hanna Ave, Tampa, FL 33610.

Ray A. Bailey was born on March 11, 1958, in Tampa, Florida to Minnie Smith. He was the oldest son of 3 children. He was educated in the Hillsborough County Public School System. He graduated from Hillsborough High School, Class of 1976 and was a member of the HHS Basketball Team. Ray earned a Technical Skills Training Program Certificate and attended some college courses.  Ray was baptized by the late Rev. Goins of Peace Missionary Baptist Church.

Ray was preceded in death by: his grandparents, Jessie and Annie Pearl Bailey; step-parent, Willie Smith, Jr.; and cousin, Michael D. Lee.

In his early years, Ray married and from that union had two daughters, Jessica and Erica Bailey; grandchildren, Jayla Bailey, Ricky Scott, Jada Bailey, Jaden Bailey, Dontavius Henderson, Jr.  Ray is also survived by his beloved friend, Janice Taylor; sister, Twyla D. Hall; brother, Tony D. Smith, Sr. (Debra); niece, Kenya Hall; nephews, Kenneth Hall (Active Duty), Tony D, Smith, Jr., and Adonis Smith; great-niece, Marley Hall; great-nephews, Gabriel Hall and Kason Hall; 2 aunts, Fannie (Albert) Lee, Sr. and Marvene (Homer) Patrick, Jr.;  2 uncles, Jessie Bailey, Jr., and Carlton (Barbara) Bailey; their children, Yolanda R. Lee, Albert (Pamela) Lee, Jr., Sonja McAllister, Arlita Lee, LaShon (Michael) Wilkins, LaVon Williams, Dione (Arthur) Neal, Tanya (David) Tyson, Homer (Annie) Patrick III, Arsie Hairston, Alicia Jackson, Tanja Bryant, Kevin Bailey, and Shawn Bailey; and a host of cousins of family and close friends.

Our family has been left with another void that cannot be filled. We are deeply saddened but we know that Ray knew he was loved. Yes, he will be greatly missed but we can find comfort in knowing that he knew God, as his own personal Savior.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 19, 2024, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606.

Arrangements entrusted to RAY WILLIAMS FUNERAL HOME, Rhodes & Northern, Owners.

http://www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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