Willie Ray Demerson SR.

Willie Ray Demerson, Sr., was born on April 2, 1929, in Plum, Texas to Ollie and Middie (McCullen) Demerson.
Elder Demerson had a love of language, education and entrepreneurship. He enrolled in university at a time when obtaining an education for African Americans was more challenging, nearly five years before the U.S. Supreme Court outlawed racial segregation in public schools.
Shortly after beginning his studies at Prairie View A&M University, an HBCU and the second oldest public institution of higher education in Texas, Elder Demerson was drafted into military service in 1950 where he served honorably in the United States Army during the Korean war.
Elder Demerson was an evangelist who loved sharing the word of God and who preached to many congregations throughout Texas.
Elder Demerson was a compassionate and loving father to many children and ensured that each felt his presence throughout their lives. The second youngest of nine children, Elder Demerson was full of life and never met a stranger.
Elder Demerson led a successful career as an independent contractor and worked on commercial and residential properties throughout Dallas, Houston, Austin and Northeast Texas.
Elder Demerson is preceded by his parents, Ollie and Middie Demerson; Mary Demerson-Brooks; Susan Akin; his son-in-law, James Earl Johnson, Jr.; and his siblings, Virgie Lea Stewart, Charlie Demerson, Mittie Bea Frazier, Evangeline Demerson, Edward Demerson, Andrew Lee Demerson and Freddie Mae Phearse.
Elder Demerson is survived by his sister, Maimie McFarland; Julia Demerson; his children, Curtis (Latonya) Demerson; Willie Demerson; Angela Doddy; Jeffrey (Holly) Akin; Carol (John) Johnson-Wilder; Shannon Akin; Stormi Demerson; Katrina (David) Begley; William Demerson; a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; a multitude of nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends.