Raymond Lovelace, the sixth child born to the late Henry(Sr.) and Lillie Bell Thomas Lovelace, was born on May 27, 1951 in West Point, GA. On Tuesday, August 10, 2021, Raymond answered his call from the Lord and departed this life.

Raymond was a product of Harrison High, Class of 1969. He participated in track and basketball. He then enrolled in the United States Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam Era until 1973. Upon his retirement, he was ranked as a Sergeant (E5). Later, he joined the Army National Guard 167th Infantry and was honorably discharged on May 27, 2011. His total service time was 24 years. While serving in Germany, he was named the All-European Boxing Champ.

In September 2002, he joined the Shawmut Masonic Lodge No. 165 in Lanett, AL. He organized the fundraisers and served until failing health.

Raymond was employed by McMillan Park in Pine Mountain, GA, as a lifeguard; West Point Pepperell, Valley, AL; Signal Apparel, LaGrange, GA; Ted Merritt Construction, Lanett, AL; and did carpentry work for himself in his spare time. He also had an opportunity to play for the Cleveland Browns, as well as semi-pro softball for the Cleveland Competitors.

Raymond never met a stranger. He loved to talk, socialize, and was the life of the party. He had a passion for grilling and all sports. In his younger years, he was an awesome athlete. He played basketball for Harrison High Yellow Jackets and was better known as “19” as he was very fast and powerful.

He accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Keeney Memorial United Methodist Church under the leadership of Rev. Grimm. He served as a Steward and was on the Trustee Board. He also grilled for church fundraisers and helped wherever he could.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Shirley Kingu Lovelace and Constance Lovelace Smith.

He will forever be in the hearts of his friends and loved ones. He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving and devoted wife of 38 years, Barbara Lovelace, Lanett, AL; to this union was one daughter, Reomaya (Timothy) Lovelace, Lanett, AL; two sons, Jacobie (Jasmine) Barnes, Valley, AL and Charles Lovelace, Atlanta, GA; five daughters, Stacey Reed, West Point, GA; Dedra Avery, Valley, AL; Venessa Miller, Williamsburg, VA; Minister Debora (Anthony) McCarden, West Point, GA and Miranda Darden, Newnan, GA; one honorary son, Reggie Darden, Oxnard, CA; one special cousin, Larry Slaughter, Cleveland, OH; eighteen grandchildren and ten great grandchildren; siblings, Janie Ransom and George (Regina) Lovelace, Lanett, AL; Yvonne Mwikuta, Jennifer Winston, and John Lovelace, West Point, GA, Penny Ward of West Virginia, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends.

A Private Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. EST in the Keeney Memorial United Methodist Church, with the Pastor Brenda Pritchett Rhodes, Eulogist, Bishop Bertha Hodge, Minister Robert McCutcheon and Rev. Ralph Thompson, Jr., Assisting.

Interment Will following in the Pinehill Cemetery.

Public Viewing will held on Monday, August 16, 2021 from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. at the M. W. Lee Mortuary.

Due to COVID-19 concerns everyone in attendance at the Funeral Service must wear a mask and social distancing is encouraged.

Service will be live-streamed on the Keeney Memorial United Methodist Church Facebook Page. (see clickable link below)

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to M.W. Lee Mortuary of West Point, GA.