Raymond Williams Sr.

Ray was a humble man with a grand heart who left an indelible mark on all who knew him. He passed away on August 5, 2026, at Christ Hospital in Chicago, Illinois.

A son of Chicago through and through, Ray was born in Chicago on November 1, 1948. He was the 3rd born of four children in his family. Over the years, he took to the highway as a long-haul trucker, growing to know the roads and the people of countless places across the country. Ray loved the open road—but he loved people even more. Giving by nature, loyal, and capable of more bravery than most could muster when it truly counted, he carried a ready smile and a boisterous laughter that instantly brightened any room.

It never mattered how old you were, what color you were, or where you came from; Ray had an ingratiating openness and a kind humor that simply pulled you in. He turned strangers into friends along every mile of his journey.

For much of his life, when he wasn’t on the road or taking care of others, he spent his free time upgrading and customizing vans with other members of his van club. He was also an avid bowler, competing alongside his sister on a team and enjoying both the camaraderie and friendly competition of the game and its tournaments.

He is survived by his four loving children, Janine, Ray Jr., Christiane, and Dionne; his sister, Darlene; his cousin, Phillip; and many other close friends and family who already miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his father Robert Caverl, his mother Zylean Williams, his brother Richard and sister Irene.

His warmth, booming joy, and generous spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

He’ll be loved always..

Ray’s family will be carefully planning a celebration of life in the coming months. All friends and family will be welcome and details will be shared once plans are finalized. Meanwhile, please feel free to share any thoughts or memories here in his guest book.