Ray Junior Singletary

Mr. Ray Junior Singletary, age 77 of Sanford, NC transitioned to eternal rest on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, at his residence.

The Obituary

Ray Junior Singletary, “Big Ray” as he was called was called home on July 23, 2024.

He was born to Flora Mae Singletary on January 16, 1947. Flora Mae later married Abdallah Mohammed who helped raise “Big Ray” as his own. “Big Ray” was also raised by his grandparents, Carther and Estella Singletary. “Big Ray” being an only child was also raised by his aunts, this was at the request of their mother. His Aunt Mamie ultimately raised him as her own son.

“Big Ray” traveled between Sanford, North Carolina and Cleveland, Ohio until he joined the Army. He was in New York while serving in the Army when he met the love of his life, Martha Ann Gray. Upon her passing in 2005 they had been married for forty-one years. It would been sixty years on August 27, 2024. Now they are reunited.

“Big Ray” loved his family. He was a provider, advisor, peacemaker, and definitely a protector. We jokingly called him James from Good Times. His next love was fishing. He went from pond fishing to bass tournaments. He finished with Sam Jacobs for the last eighteen years, that was his buddy whom he had to talk to every other day, if not every day.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Martha Ann Gray Singletary; mother, Flora Singletary Mohammad; stepfather, Abdullah Mohammad; grandchildren, Zaveion McLean, Ashley Bullock, and Kamarie Singletary; great grandchildren, Trevon and Andrew Bullock; mother-in law, Bessie Gray; father-in-law, Allen Gray, Sr.; one brother, Willie Singletary, and one sister, Pastor Hancy Barnes.

He leaves to celebrate his homegoing: sons, Ray Singletary Jr. (Shaheeda) of Cleveland, OH, Louis Black of Cleveland, OH, Mohammad (Moe) Singletary of Sanford, NC, Larry and Tony Gray of California; daughters, Michelle Singletary of Sanford, NC, Aileen Bates of Cleveland, OH, Bessie Washington (Vick) of Raeford, NC, Brendenna Chambliss (Brian) of Pigeon Forge, TN, Terry Vaughn Barnes of Fayetteville, NC; brothers, Robert Singletary (Anna) of Sanford, NC, Larry Chalmers (Phyllis) of Sanford, NC, Lynn (Little Bit) McCormick of Sanford, NC, Dean Byers of Cleveland, OH; sisters, Beverly Jean Singletary of Sanford, NC, Diane Singletary of Cleveland, OH, Gloria Smith (Charles) of Springfield, TN; thirty grandchildren; forty-two great grandchildren; one uncle, Daniel Singletary; special people, Keith Jones, Sam Jacobs, Brian Berryman, Ruth Kyle, Patricia Marrs, Wade and Pat Stackhouse; and a host of brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives, and friends.

Donations may be made to Knotts Funeral Home.

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