Raymond Shelby Washington was born September 9, 1946 in Kansas City, MO to the union of Robina (Roberta) and Rubie Washington. He departed this life on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at St. Joseph Medical Center.

After his education, he worked briefly in construction before transitioning into the culinary and service industries for companies such as Victoria Estates and AT&T/Service Master to name a couple.  He worked as a cook and a Union Steward for many years.  He also did work as a painter, plumber, and carpenter.

He was one of the best cooks this side of heaven.  He loved to bake, mastering his mother's homemade rolls, cookies, cakes, and any unique recipe he chose to create. He delighted family, friends, and neighbors with his delectable treats.

Raymond was a man of many talents. Not only was he excellent in the kitchen, in his younger years, he was a musician.  He played with a local blues band, although he desired to play more uptempo tunes. His taste in music was intriguing and introduced those in his presence to a whole brand new world in the universal language. He played the guitar and the drums. Many do not know, he had a beautiful voice reminiscent of Bobby Womack.  It was a rarity and gift to hear him sing.

Raymond married Sarah Hamilton in 1966.  To this union, one child was born.  This marriage but was dissolved in 1969.  In 1970, he was remarried to Sharon Fletcher. To this union, two children were born. However, he raised three more children within this union who were blessed to know and love him as their Father through death. This union dissolved in 1980.

Raymond was adored by and adored his family immensely.  He loved laughing, joking, and enjoying himself with his loved ones, especially his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. He had a way of making each one feel as if they were his favorite.  He had nicknames and terms of endearment for everyone, just as his loved ones had names for him. "Uncle Cool", "Uncle BuhHuh", "Ray", "Brother Ray" and "Raymalan", which he was affectionately called by his Mother, just to name a few.  Anyone close to him could testify to his love for his family.  However, his love for studying the Word and his personal relationship with and faith in The Most High superseded all else.

He was preceded in death by: his father, Rubie Washington; mother, Roberta "Grip" Thomas; daughter,, Sarah "Pookie" Washington; stepson, Richard; uncles, James "Uncle Butha" Polk, Eugene "Uncle Gene" Polk; brothers, Milton Washington and James "Jimmy" Tolliver; sisters, Willa "Bee" Fur and Marie Ragsdale; grandson, Michael Fletcher; nephews, Floyd Edwards and Joseph (Josie/Doc) Hunter, and son in law, Robert Williams.

He leaves to celebrate his memory: two sons, Curtis Washington (Angela) and Terry "Terry Lee" Turner; four daughters, Tonya (Michael) Jones, Carol Fletcher-Williams, Felicia Washington, and Tina "Esteena Weena" Walker (Bruce) all of Kansas City, MO; one sister, Ruby "Rubydoo"  Stephens of Kansas City; one sister in law, Cheryl Trezvant-Tolliver; two nieces raised like sisters, Pennie "Two Cents"  Beard (Delta) and Jewell "Julie/Julielou" McClelland; beloved nieces, Rochelle "Evy" Trezvant, Tanisha Washington, Moniece "Niecey" Herndon, Jackie Washington; a host of beloved nephews, Vincent "Uncle Vin Vin" Edwards, Richard Fue (Nakia), Kelly Fue, John "Jon Jon/Topp" Hunter (Donika), Horace"Uncle Bud" Kelly (Keithan), Delta Beard, James "Lil Jimmy" Trezvant Jr, Lamar Washington, and Vernon Stephens.  Finally, he leaves a tribe of over 21 grandchildren, great grandchildren, relatives, neighbors, close acquaintances, and friends.

Thoughtful care and service provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc .