Ray Charles Wilson

We are gathered here today to celebrate the life and legacy of Ray Charles Wilson. We shall not begin this next step of this journey with the words, “Dearly beloved….” No, that salutation is the reminder of an ending, but this day will be a reflection of beginnings. As it is written in Psalm 139:13-18 13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. 15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book That is where we shall begin. You are all here today because in some shape, form, or fashion; your life has been touched by the life of Ray Charles Wilson who was born with Purpose on December 5, 1951. The beauty of that day is that, just like the scripture above, all of Ray’s days on this earth were ordained by God and written in God’s book. God chose for him a loving mother, Doris Davis, and a bonus family of L.P.(Nick) and Hattie Nickolson. Heartfelt links, both solid and strong, were also made with a big brother, Bobby, who preceded him in his journey on this earth. Ray leaves behind a precious niece and cousins to cherish the memories of the solid bond that has kept them joined in love. Love is also what led Ray to become a father, one of his greatest accomplishments etched and protected deeply in his heart. And oh, how he loved his sons! Each in a very special way. The footsteps of his three boys made lifelong imprints that shaped who he would become. It was the walk of his children on his journey that brought him the most smiles. The birth of 10 beautiful granddaughters and two great grandchildren is what generationally made it all matter even more. Ray was a hard worker. He cared about family and country. He served with honor as a Vietnam Veteran in the United States Army and for over 40 years as a civil service employee at the White Sands Missile Range. He did his part. He carried the line. He towed the load. He not only served in the United States Army but also in the Army of the Lord. His dedication to his church, Poplar Hill Baptist Church, was always a priority in his life. He walked out his journey, a roadmap handwritten by God. Along that journey came cherished friends. You. All of you. The words of this story; Ray’s story - may prick your heart, especially when you are charged with carrying your personal memory of the piece of his life that he left with you. Your moment is a gift, his personal gift from him to you. Handle your journey with Ray with care. That is just what Ray Charles Wilson did when he one day, looked back upon all that he had accomplished; and realized that his journey still was not complete. God’s Word says, “When we delight ourselves in Him, He will give us the desires of our hearts.” Ray asked, and took Angela Smith to be his wife. He pledged his time and his love to walk out the remainder of his journey with her, and together with God, they did. They walked out every road eyes wide shut, with no expectations; only putting their full trust in God for wherever the Lord would lead them. Together for 12 years; married for eight, and in biblical connotation, 12 is the number of perfection and 8 is symbolic of new beginnings. Ray also received a completion of his new beginning in the addition of two daughters. Doting dads love daughters in a very special way. Through the light of their eyes that pierced his heart, this new circle, along with Angela, became complete, and inside every single card to his beloved wife was this closing note: “My life is much better than I could have ever imagined.” What an amazing journey this has been! Angela wrote these words for Ray’s December birthday celebration: “We don't know why we were chosen to travel this journey, but we do know that God is in control. Our faith has grown so strong, and we trust that whatever the outcome, our assignments by God are being done. I ask you not to be sad but just keep us lifted in prayer. Think of all the times that he has touched your life and made that one thing better, or the time you needed another opinion or advice, and you called upon him. We all will have a season. I just hope that I am living my season and impacting people the way Ray has.” Only God knew that in December 2021 Ray would both celebrate a birthday, and make, perhaps, the greatest milestone yet, his journey back home. To our cool, great soldier who lived his life always putting others before himself, we bid you Godspeed, dear husband, father, friend and brother. You will forever in our hearts remain cherished, valued, and loved. Today, we bid you farewell, until we meet again

Tributes

Ray Charles Wilson

December 5, 1951 - December 29, 2021