Ray Anthony Chesney

Mr. Ray Anthony Chesney, age 63 of Sanford, NC entered into eternal rest on Friday, October 20, 2023, at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill, NC.

Ray Anthony “Yogi” Chesney was born in Queens, NY, on October 4, 1960, to the late Carolyn Chesney Snipes and Raymond Richmond. He married his soulmate and the love of his life, Barbara Wilson Chesney on December 11, 1994, in Marlboro, SC.

He truly adored his wife and family and was the epitome of a provider and protector. Ray loved working with computers and electronics. After he obtained his GED from Central Carolina Community College, he embarked upon a career in the poultry manufacturing industry working first as a Supervisor and then a computer analyst. His love for this industry resulted in Ray working for Mid-State, Perdue and Pilgrim’s Pride. Outside of his interest in computers, Ray also had a love for the youth.

He spent countless hours with his grandchildren, as well as his godson whom he and his wife were raising as their own. Ray worked with Project Challenge and the local Youth Restitution Program where he facilitated youths meeting their required community service hours. He helped the youth to also redirect their energy to positive work habits and connections.

After dedicating his life to the Lord, Ray became a faithful and dedicated member of Love, Faith, Fellowship and Deliverance Center where he served unselfishly until his health began to decline. Ray, held positions in the ministry as Deacon, Pastor’s Aide President, Trustee, Media Ministry Specialist and Executive Committee Member. Deacon Ray was a true servant leader. Despite his leadership positions in the ministry, he would actively volunteer to assist and work until every task done.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Carolyn Chesney Snipes and Raymond Richmond; stepfather, Wade Lindsey, who raised him as his own; and two nephews, Stanley Wilson Jr. and Jerome (J3) Johnson III.

He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife of twenty-eight years, Barbara Chesney; daughter, Shalonda Clemons (Russell) of Sanford, NC; sons, Taj Wilson (Courtney) of Fuquay-Varina, NC, and Ashley Wilson of Sanford, NC; a godson of the home that he was raising as his own, Will Buie; two brothers, Patrick Lindsay (Sheila) and Ronald Earl Richmond (Sarah); one sister, Sophia Alston (Rengate); one brother-in-law, Stanley Wilson; five sisters-in-law, Patricia Hawes (Charlie), Phyllis Brooks, Velma Simon, Delphia Flack, and Gloria Dowdy; one uncle, Lacy George Chesney (Jacqueline); four aunts, Geraldine Jones, Viola Barrett, Sarah Cotton (Nathaniel), Annie Lindsay, and Brenda Womble; five grandchildren, Jamaul Wilson, Alena Clemons, Ava Wilson, Amiya Wilson, and Ella Rose Wilson; one bonus daughter, Laquita Wilson; and one bonus grandson, Sevion Clay; longtime friend, Kim Beal; special coworkers Shanella McLean, Carrie Martinez, Cherry Cearnal, Faye Faulk, Ashley Hamilton, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

ATTENTION: Everyone who enters the funeral home and or attends services- MUST WEAR A MASK

Family and friends will be received until Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at 646 North Plank Rd., Sanford, NC, 27330. Immediate family members only will be accepted on Thursday, October 26, 2023, and Friday, October 27, 2023.

Thank you for helping us protect the families and communities we serve.

Professional services entrusted to Knotts Funeral Home-Sanford, NC