Elder Willie Raymond

Willie James Raymond was born November 9, 1934 in Covington County, Andalusia, AL to the late Lula (Haslip)  &  Johnnie Raymond.  He took his rest on Saturday August 16, 2025.
Elder Raymond had a big  blended family.  He was preceded in death by his  parents, His wife Missionary Murle Stoudemire and previous wife Ollie Ruth (Briggs), sons Willie Jr, Winston, and daughters Barbara,  Eileen Warren and Janice Austin. Four brothers, MC, Isaac, Johnny and Joe Louis. His children, Devaughn (Sandra), of Opelika AL, Stanley (Joy) of Dozier, AL and Claressa Jones (David) of Bordentown NJ, Shalawn  Owens  (Joe) of Enterprise AL, Murlene Coleman of Opp, AL, Pauline Barnes of Millbrook, AL,  Henry Charles Austin, Seattle, AL and Henry Luke (Gocke) Austin of O’Fallen, IL, Melva Jeanine Edward of Opp, AL and Yvonne (Greg) Hill of Brantley, AL.  Willie was grandfather of twenty-nine grandchildren and a host of great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and cousins.
Elder Raymond accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in August 1980.  He was a member of Opp COGIC.  He was a man of prayer and faith, Pastor, Chaplain, community leader, and a profound worshiper of Christ who engaged in worship with deep sincerity, reverence, and a heart focused on God.  He was often  lead early morning prayer and late night tarry services expressing his willingness to obey God's will, and a desire to honor Him in all aspects of life! He was on WOPP  Radio station for 30 years singing and spreading the Gospel.  He sang with the Rising Stars out of Andalusia and they recorded a record.  He travelled to various states to sing and share his FAITH! He assisted many in sick and shut-ins to offer comfort and prayer.  He never missed a moment to let you know he had a relationship with God!   
Elder Willie Raymond was one of the first in his immediate family to get  a driver’s license in 1950 before his 16th birthday!  His nick name was “ Dankie.” He worked with the Highway department  pouring tar on several roads like I-10 and parts of I-65 & I-95. During his life he worked various jobs building houses, at the cotton mill and Dorsey Trailer retiring in 1999.  He was a Union Shop Steward and a Honorary member of the Police Department in the late 1960s and early 1970s.  He encouraged many youth to follow their dreams and loved to go to Senior Center and play checkers and hang out.

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