Willie Raynard "Ray" Kendrick

Willie Raynard Kendrick was born in Detroit, Michigan on July 7, 1965, to Alice and Willie Kendrick. He received his education through the Detroit public school system. Most of us called him by his middle name Ray, for Raynard. Willie had a great sense of humor, and he was a great storyteller and so funny!

He loved watching sports. He was especially fond of his hometown teams, the Detroit Pistons, Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings. In addition, he loved a good home-cooked meal, with soul food being his favorite! He would often ride the bus downtown to enjoy events such as the auto show, the auto show, the free Grand Prix preview, and a baseball game. Then he would end his day with a good meal at a restaurant of his choice.

Willie was a music lover too!! He loved listening, to old school R&B, Hip Hop, Rock, and Jazz. One of his favorite memories was sitting with his younger brother Robert in the 1980s, listening to Run-DMC, and LL Cool J. Also, watching his brother Mike dancing, and Robert doing athletic flips and somersaults up and down the street.

Ray was an extremely industrious, and hard-working young man! He believed in working for a living and saving every penny just like his grandpa Banks. Oftentimes, after a hard day's work, he would come home to enjoy his favorite pastime. Watching a good movie or sporting event on cable TV, while eating a delicious plate of food, and sitting in his favorite La-Z-Boy recliner.

Ray, was a gentle, loving, kind, caring, compassionate man. But, he did have a crumby side if you got on his nerves! However, simply put, he was his own man, and he made his own decisions! He genuinely loved his whole family, and friends.

As a mature man, who didn't believe in gossip. He would never tear down his fellow man, and he didn't take sides or talk badly about anyone. With a loving smile, he showed unconditional love to all! He showed true love just like his heavenly father, and Creator, Jehovah God.

Last but, not least, Ray was exceptionally talented growing up. When he was a little boy in grade school. He would make up different voices, and create puppets! He gave them names like Shaggy, Paggy, and Guth! Then he would put on a great puppet show for the family. In addition, he would make life-like animals out of Play-Doh, and draw anything from memory like he was in high school, but he was only 5 to 10 years old.

Willie leaves to cherish is memory. His mother, Alice Horn, father, Willie Kendrick, sisters Marion & Gerri, brothers Michael, Weslon, Robert(deceased), and brother-in-law Nate. Nieces, Sierra, Samatha, Latrice, and lil Christine. His nephews Charles Jr, and nephew-in-law Charles Sr. Along with a host of cousins, family, and friends.

Ray, Ray!!! Your beautiful smile, and kind heart will be missed by all!! But we will see you again soon, in paradise!!

Private services were held by family.