Derrick Ray

October 11, 1961 - December 21, 2021

Derrick Keith Ray, of Davidson, was born October 11th 1961 to his proud loving parents: the late Jewell and Catherine Ray. He received his grade school education in the Essex county school system and secondary education at Cranford High School in union county NJ. Derrick was the tenth of twelve siblings a handsome and mild mannered child small in stature but with a big personality. As a little boy he was very energetic and quick on his feet. If ever he got into mischief as little children often do: it was hard for his mother to catch and discipline him because his swift little feet would outrun her. She would just laugh and give up We Should have guessed that Derrick would have later become a champion swimmer winning 1st place and several gold metals. As a young teenager Derrick was very much into fitness: he lifted weights, ate healthy foods and drank raw eggs. Derrick grew up to be a tall and very handsome young man with deep dimples and a vivacious smile, full of personality and humor. Still he kept it real. Whether you would accept it or not: he never hesitated to speak his mind or bite his tongue to say what he beloved was the true. He later met and married the love of his life his beautiful wife Harriet Ray. From that union came six beautiful children. He became self employed as a demolition subcontractor in order to provide for his family. Derrick was very talented, he loved gospel music: played the guitar and keyboard. Later in his life he accepted Christ as his personal Savior and became a born again Christian: He joined the church and shortly thereafter was ordained as a minister of the gospel. Derrick became one of the lead ministers of prayer. In his latter days was under the pastoral leadership of Heaven Sent Ministries. Although later in his life becoming blind: He did not let this hinder or handicap him: never complaining about his condition but held on to his faith, fought the good fight and endured to the end. He loved to encourage himself and others by reading and discussing the word of God. He became one of the most astute bible students: being able to quote the scriptures and lead you to where you could find them Derrick loved his family and everyone, meeting no strangers. Before falling ill, he loved to reach out and serve the homeless by providing meals for the hungry. A beautiful spirit and soul: Derricks life touched so many and was loved by so many. We will miss him dearly; his love, his laughter and the sparkle in his smile will forever remain in our hearts. He leaves behind to cherish loving memories: Harriet Ray, Two sons and four daughters: Derrick Keith Ray Jr, Tannisha Corine Ray, Sheena Cora Dixson (Anthony) Cathy Harriet Ray, Lattasha Claudia Ray, and Maurice Humphreys Ray. Two brothers and seven sisters: Yolonda Blackwell (Rodney) Deborah Ray, Sheila Ross(Buddy)Elder Valorie Jeffries(Ruben) Catherine Brown(John) Jewell Ray(Sarah) Prophetess Sonja Sinclair(Quintin) Ivan Ray(Lynn) Terri Piques Rickey) Nine grandchildren, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.