Raymond Deonte McElroy's Obituary
Raymond Deonte McElroy was born on October 12, 1989, in Redwood City, California, to Martha Makeda Murray and Raymond Lee McElroy. Raymond loved his mother deeply and brought an undeniable light and endless laughter to her life and to our entire family. Makeda ensured that Ray’s childhood was filled with faith, family, and joyful experiences. As her only child, she made sure he enjoyed outings, concerts, amusement parks, and both domestic and international travel – often inviting a friend or cousin to come along.
Raymond’s earliest years were spent between East Palo Alto and Oakland, California, until he and his mother moved to Los Angeles in 2000 when he was ten years old, where he attended West Angeles Academy. He graduated from St. Joan of Arc Elementary School and South Torrance High School in 2003 and 2007, respectively. Ray went on to study Audio Engineering and Post Production at Musicians Institute in Hollywood, where he graduated in 2011.
Over the next 15 years, Raymond worked as a Production Assistant and Live Sound Engineer for Revolt TV and local churches including West Angeles COGIC, New Antioch COGIC, McCoy Memorial Baptist Church, and Emmanuel COGIC. He also worked with recording artists such as October London, and Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir.
Raymond was authentic, hilarious, and loyal to a fault. He lit up every room he entered and was fiercely protective of those he loved. Comfortable in any setting, Ray was always his true self – whether surrounded by the youngest cousin or his 90-year-old great-great aunt. What people loved most about him was his gregarious spirit, listening ear, and a genuine desire to help others.
Ray was passionate about video games, and music – both listening and creating. He especially loved the keyboard and drums, carrying his drumsticks everywhere as a child. When he didn’t have them, he turned any surface within reach into a drum, a practice that eventually led to his MIDI and drum machines as he got older. He also loved sports and was an avid Raiders and Lakers fan. Ray believed Kobe Bryant was the greatest player to ever grace the court and would passionately debate anyone who disagreed.
Raymond attended City of Refuge Tabernacle COGIC in Oakland during his early years. As a child, Raymond would often quote, “An open door that no man can shut,” from Revelation 3:8 – one of his favorite scriptures and a reflection of the faith that guided his life. After moving to Los Angeles, he and his mother became members of West Angeles COGIC, where they worshiped from the time he was ten years old. In recent years, Ray worked and worshiped at Emmanuel COGIC under the mentorship and leadership of Bishop Uleses C. Henderson, Jr., whom he truly admired.
As a child, Raymond modeled and acted and was represented by FORD Models and Abrams Talent Agency. He appeared in global print campaigns, including an international campaign for Gap Kids, and in national television commercials for Nike, Ford Motor Company, RadioShack (alongside NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal), and Subway (with NFL star Reggie Bush).
In 2018, Raymond met his fiancée, Alexis Nolan. On October 23, 2022, he became a father to Aaliyah Simone, who instantly became his whole world. Raymond loved his “Lili” deeply and was a proud, protective, and devoted Girl Dad. Though their time together on this earth was far too brief, their bond is everlasting.
Raymond is survived by his precious daughter, Aaliyah Simone; his parents, Martha Makeda Murray and Raymond Lee McElroy; his fiancée, Alexis Nolan; grandparents Martha Hanks and Rev. Louis Dixon, Pastor George Mason and Sharon Murray, and Verona McElroy; siblings Raeme McElroy and Daray Joseph McElroy; aunts and uncles Tangie Murray, Jonathan and Latoya Hanks, Jamara and DeAndrae Alexander, NaQuisha Hensley, Celestine Hensley, and an Uncle Damond Haynes, with whom Ray shared countless debates about East Coast vs. West Coast; his beloved younger first cousins – whom he wanted to call him “Uncle Ray” – Jonathan Tyler Hanks, Sydney Hanks, Jamar Alexander, Daelen Alexander, Jayon Alexander, Ailey Haynes, Shelby Hanks, and Marley Haynes; Cousin-Sister Racquel Payton; “Brother” Aereonne Rosebud; Godsisters Jonai Fullard, Visha Outlaw, Raynisha Williams; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, dear friends, and loved ones.
He is also survived by his future in-laws, who warmly embraced Ray and loved him dearly: Greg and Keisha Holmes, Amari Holmes-McCullough, Karen Holmes, Willie Bell and Terry Nolan, Anthony and April Johnson.
Raymond’s passing leaves a void in our family that only God’s love can fill. His light will live on through all who loved him.
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