Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
About
Raymond Williams Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Raymond Williams
Eric Pease
July 29, 2023
I saw Raymond Williams play guitar at the University of New Mexico. I loved his original pieces, particularly the Broville Suite. I immediately bought his CD Desert. Here I am still looking for sheet music of his pieces in 2023. I came across this obituary for him from 2011. I am very sorry to know he is gone. If anyone has his music, I would love to get copies so it can be shared. -Eric Pease [email protected]
Bob Harvey
June 2, 2012
Sheree and Family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I knew Ray when I was a boy and he was a teenager. Ray was dating my sister but used to spend hours playing ping pong with me! No surprise that he found a second career as a teacher -- he was teaching me even when he was just a teenager. I learned of his passing because I think of his friendship and guitar playing from time to time and Googled him. I hope you can take some comfort in the fact that his memory lives on in people like me that you did not even know existed.
March 23, 2012
Dear Sheree, I knew Ray at the King's College in Briarcliff Manor, NY where I took guitar lessons from him my freshman year. He was the best teacher! What I learned from him in just one short year, I have used these many years in elementary classroom teaching, weddings, and church services. I will always remember him as a person with a great sense of humor and a wonderful teacher. My deepest sympathy to you and your family. - Debbie (Braun) Collichio
October 16, 2011
Dear Sheree, I was stunned to hear of Rays passing. My deepest sympathies for you and yours. Jacqueline Richards
Samantha Behm - Music Walter Long Es
October 14, 2011
Ray was a wonderful man. I met him in orff level 1 and was delighted about his new career change to be a music teacher. What heart this man had to seek what he loved to do after already having a career elsewhere. His jokes and antics are missed deeply
Debbie Thurman Alesko
October 11, 2011
Sherry Ray was WONDERFUL, my heart goes out to you. What a beautiful christian service with such an important message for everyone. You will see him again in eternity, so glad to hear he gave his heart to the lord. Please reach out to me for friendship and strength as the church I go to is awesome. You can stay on my houseboat anytime if it helps you heal [email protected]
Jo Beck
October 10, 2011
Ray, your service was Beautiful! The most kind words were said about you. We worked together for only a short period but i knew you were "one of the good ones" A heart as big as the ocean. You will be missed Ray. My deepest sympathy to Sheree, Melanie, Billy and the kids.
Tim Wiegand
October 10, 2011
So sorry for your loss, Ray was a bright rising star in the Orff world, he was an amazing teacher!
Diane Schramel
October 9, 2011
Ray - you were my bestest buddy and pal - and my heart is forever broken because you are gone. I will never forget the countless conversations and collaberations about anything and everything from new business opportunites to spiritual explorations to your great love for Sheree and your new found love of teaching. You made the impossibly dry subjects of mortgages and real estate interesting and humorous. I loved our partnership together and looked forward to each new day with spirited enthusiasm - because you challenged and lifted me up. You were always so generous with your time - helping and guiding an incredible number of folks who wanted to be just like you. Always slipping someone "a couple bucks" - mentoring, encouraging, and sharing your funny stories - without any expectation of something in return. You touched so many lives with your gifts and talents, that as I think back, I cannot imagine how you had the time to accomplish all of the things you did. I only know that my life is forever changed - and I am blessed and grateful for your friendship and love. The world has lost a outstanding and gifted Man - but I know in my heart you are free of your physical being and are sharing yourself (as you always have) in the afterworld. I will see you again someday in the "light." Ciao Ray. Love ya man.
October 9, 2011
I met Ray when he moved in across the street from me on Cleavland. His mom Virginia was in a wheelchair and the house had a sunken living room,so not too much longer there was a cement truck in his driveway filling in that living room,so Mom could look out that window.He made things happen. I'll miss you Ray,but I'm sure there's some serious jamming going on in Heaven. Steve Holme (Las Vegas)
Glen and Melanie Mallette
October 9, 2011
Ray,
Your service was beautiful. I'm sure you would have been touched by all the kind words and loving memories shared by family and friends. Our biggest regret is that we did not get to know you better during your too short time on this earth. You have touched so many lives and will continue to live in our hearts.
Diane Schroeder
October 8, 2011
I will never forget the last conversation I had with Mr. Williams. He was laughing and "dancing" with a student in the hallway as they were lining up to leave. I smiled as I walked by and he looked at me and said, "to think I get paid to have fun!". I am happy that the last time I saw him he had a huge smile on his face.
Kay Belangia
October 8, 2011
Ray did so much to promote the guitar in Las Vegas. His expertise was so valuable in starting the Guitar Society of Las Vegas. I am so thankful for all the wisdom, laughter and opportunities that he gave me while I was in Las Vegas. I will miss him so much, but know the music he gave to us all will touch us for years to come.
Kay Belangia (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
Ashley Stewart
October 8, 2011
Ray was not only my colleague, he was my friend. He was so passionate and excited to be teaching music. He always had a way of making you smile and feel grateful for all the good things in life. Thanks for the memories, Ray. You are loved, and missed, beyond meaure.
Kayla Chomes
October 7, 2011
One of my many great times with you, Mr. Williams was when we played the drums and uukuleles at Steve Cozine.you were the best music teacher i ever knew and i will always remember you.
Dee Ann Krempel
October 7, 2011
Mr. Williams was such an important part of our students' daily life. They loved going to Music class! I can only imagine that he is still leading his Drumline of happy students! He will be missed!
Ivan Wiegand
October 6, 2011
Ray left an indelible mark on my life I am immensely grateful for. I learned more from that man in the brief span of time I was lucky enough to have than from any other single person I have ever met. I will never forget his kindness and generosity. His wisdom will remain with me for the rest of my life. He is gone too soon but the world is a better place because of him. I'll miss you, mang.
Emmanuel Mojica
October 6, 2011
In the short time that I knew him, I learned so much, especially his willingness to learn and teach. I am sorry for your loss, and we will all miss him.
holly chamberlain
October 6, 2011
i love reading the comments posted by the friends and family who knew ray best... i wasn't in his inner circle, but i adored him nonetheless. to me, he was hilarious!!! a riot!!! a total comedian!!! he made me laugh every time we visited. his timing was perfect & his delivery impeccable! i couldn't keep up with him- i just had to sit back and laugh my head off every time he opened his mouth. i'm so sad he is gone. there is no replacement- he'll always be one of a kind!
Bill, Mary, Kate & Tyler Swick
October 6, 2011
We miss you already Ray!!!
Adam Hallam
October 6, 2011
The man was an inspiration to everyone. When I grow up, I wanna be just like Mr. Williams. Miss you like family New Jersey!
Carrie Hilton
October 5, 2011
You could not help but LOVE Ray!!! I am very thankful for the fun we had during Level 2 Orff Training this past summer. We are all blessed to have known such an amazing, talented man! What sadness that the time was so short. LOVE ALWAYS,
Tanya Cobler
October 5, 2011
Ray, you were always smiling! That is one thing I will take with me for the remainder of my journey here! No matter where I saw you or what you were doing you were always smiling!It was contagious!! I really enjoyed you and Sheree over the past 8 years that I have known you both~ what a great team you two made!Your kindness and your smiles will never be forgotten. I feel so very blessed to have gotten to be a part of your path traveled! God please comfort Sheree and their family....there is one more angel in heaven 10.1.11
michael perry
October 5, 2011
Ray was a hugh inspiration to me while entering the mortgage business you could always go in his office and ask him any question you had about putting a deal together and after an hour long explination and a few ins and out of the business you wernt quite sure if youre question was answered exactly but i always walked away with a little something extra just walking in his office. Ray always told me Mike stick to the plan i liked that one liner so back theni made my license plate on my car STK2PLN now ever time i look at my license plates on my car it will be in memory of Ray you will truely be missed my friend
October 5, 2011
Ray was my "newbie" to mentor. I found him to be anxious to do a good job, and ever grateful for my visits and assistance. He was the kind of enthusiastic "new teacher" every mentor hopes for and enjoys working with. And he will be missed. Peggy Thompson
Sue Mueller
October 5, 2011
Ray touched everyone he met and was an inspiration for why we teach music to children. I will miss him so much. Thank you Ray for entering our lives and the lives of the children you taught. You had found your calling and have made a huge contribution to music education.
October 5, 2011
what a wonderful man Ray was. I personally credit him with helping me pass many of the tests we have here in Nevada. He generously loaned me his study materials and coached me on how and what to study. He was a giving individual and he will be sorely missed. I saw him at our last Orff chapter meeting, and was helping people, sharing and just being Ray. I will miss him.
Teresa Frazier Wilhelm ES
Marilyn Benoit
October 5, 2011
A Caring Man
Our hearts go out to Sheree; we cannot imagine her pain. Ray was so charismatic that it was not always obvious how caring he was as well. He just wrote an article revealing his love for his students and his devotion to teaching them. What a tragic loss for all.
We miss him already.
Marilyn & Richard Benoit
John Hildebrandt
October 5, 2011
awesome guy + total class act = Ray
gone way too soon
October 5, 2011
Very sad indeed; I first met Ray when I joined the Guitar Society in the late 90's. A great musician and a kind and decent man, I'm proud to call him a friend.
Manny G. Gomez
Past President
Guitar Society of Las Vegas
Carrie Pash
October 5, 2011
Mr. Williams was loved by every student he taught. He made each of them feel special, appreciated and talented. Many tears were shed for him. I will miss his eagerness to excite the students about music, his positive attitude, and his cheerful greetings.
C. Pash, 3rd Grade
Steve Cozine Elementary
Kerry Dobranski
October 5, 2011
I met Ray this summer taking an Orff class at UNLV. He was so much fun to work with and he made all of us smile everyday. He expressed to me how happy he was to be teaching music. I hope his family can find some comfort at this time of sadness. He will be missed greatly.
Melanie Crosby
October 4, 2011
Ray will Always live in My Heart. He has been my cousin, my friend, my confidant, my adviser, the list could continue for all time. But most of all He was always the person that believed in me. My sons, Billy and Clay, were lucky enough to have Ray in their lives also. The things that He taught them will always be cherished. The memories of Ray will live in our heart and thoughts forever. I love you Ray. I will Always be Your Kid Sister!!!!!!!!!!!!1
October 4, 2011
Ray was such a delight to have in our music circle......always a joyful smile! He had such a love of teaching - he will be terribly missed. So sorry for your loss.
Rhonda Greeson (Henderson
Kate Miller
October 4, 2011
Ray will be greatly missed. He was only part of our Orff family for a couple years but his positive attitude and unique ideas will last forever. He was a true friend and I will miss talking with him. He always made me feel like my ideas and suggestions for teaching were gold.
Thank you Ray, for being part of our Orff family. We will be remembering you at Orff events for years to come. May you rest in peace.
Melissa Vravis
October 4, 2011
Ray had such a zest for life, love and music. He was truly a blessing to this world, and an amazing friend. I will miss you Ray, and I will think of you often. I will be here for Sheree, Melanie, Billy, Clay and Billy for anything they will ever need. I was blessed to know you and call you a friend.
Mary & Bill Swick
October 4, 2011
We loved Ray and will miss him dearly.
Cathy Ameling
October 4, 2011
Ray had a heart of gold, a passion for learning, a talent of musicianship and a special gift of making everyone he met feel special. He will be missed.
October 4, 2011
"Ray had such enthusiasm for teaching as well as learning new things. I will miss his smile and kindness he displayed so often. My thoughts and prayers are with you." Amy Brown (Las Vegas
October 4, 2011
Ray and I were hired around the same time and we went through orientation together. We also spent some time at Orff last Summer and I was proud to share names with him. People at Orff loved him and He gave a very funny introduction to the recorder performance of Level II, I shall not forget him. I am shocked and saddened at the loss of such an enthusiastic colleague.
Ray Roberts- Wasden ES music specialist
Kim Cheney
October 4, 2011
You touched my daughters heart at Cozine as her nusic teacher...You will be missed!!
Ginger Stevens
October 4, 2011
Ray and I were music buddies. He and I talked, laughed and shared. He had only love for all. He even wrote our school song that we are singing on Thursday as a school wide performance. He was always encouraging me and told me that I was a master teacher. I loved everything about Ray! I will think of him every time I sing his song, Ginger Stevens Music Specialist Rundle Elementary
Alicia Glaser
October 4, 2011
The world has lost a treasure in Ray Williams. He was such a blessing and a joy to be around. You could feel his love for life and his work beaming from him. My heart is breaking for your loss. I am deeply sorry and pray for you and your family.
Connie Graziano, Music Specialist Bailey Elem.
October 4, 2011
May you put your faith and trust in God through difficult time. Know that God is right beside you and He will carry you no matter what.
DEBBIE JEFFERSON
October 4, 2011
I AM MOST SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. RAY AND I ONLY CHATTED A FEW TIMES BUT THOSE TIMES WERE PLEASANT AND MEMORABLE. MAY GOD BLESS YOU , WILLIAMS FAMILY. MY PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU . DEBBIE JEFFERSON, PETERSEN PDS,LAS VEGAS, NV.
Marty and Linn Boyd
October 4, 2011
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Scott Urban
October 4, 2011
I mentored Ray during his short time at Cozine Elementary School. I will miss our conversations over the telephone.
Scott Urban
Eva Wolfe Elementary School
Julie Campos
October 4, 2011
Ray was a true-blue kind of person. He will be greatly missed. I am deeply sorry for all us and will miss his smile and friendly manner.
Raylene Zabala
October 4, 2011
Mr. Williams was a talented man and wonderful to our kids. He is dearly missed and forever in my heart. He had a heart of gold.
October 4, 2011
So sorry for your loss.
Jennifer Bynum
Music Specialist
Booker ES
Andrea Van Eaton
October 4, 2011
I will never forget Ray. What a bright beacon of love and hope he lived in every life's interaction. He was always helping and never asking in return, a servant of others whenever he could, a lover of life's joys, and an excellent musician. He certainly changed my life for the better.
Edward Crosby
October 4, 2011
Sheree, I am truly broken hearted over your loss. I can only imagine your pain but will pray that our Heavenly Father helps you through this sad time - and gives you some understanding. I know how much Ray loved and cared for you.
Ray, I will never forget the good times we had and I will always carry with me the lessons I learned from you. You were like a brother and no words can express how dearly you will be missed. You were a blessing to everyone who knew you and I take comfort to know that you join your Mom & Dad, and my Father (uncle Bill) who loved you like a son. Thanks for the love and generosity you shared with me.
Love,
Eddie Crosby
Showing 1 - 52 of 52 results
Make a Donation
in Raymond Williams's name
Memorial Events
for Raymond Williams
How to support Raymond's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Raymond Williams's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
