Raymond Scott Johnson, beloved husband, father, and friend, went home to be with the Lord on August 10, 2024, in Akron, Ohio.
Born on February 26, 1961, in Akron, Raymond was the cherished son of Ellerie and Willie Johnson. He was the youngest of five siblings: Lavern, Loren, Jacqueline, and Willie Tyrone.
Raymond, affectionately known as Ray, attended Akron Public Schools and graduated from St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in 1979, where he excelled in basketball during the 1977-1978 season. His passion for learning led him to pursue an associate’s degree in electronics from United Electronics Institute, graduating in June 1981. Ray’s professional journey began at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. Ray played basketball for the company team and earned several Goodyear Tire Championship trophies between 1987 and 1993.
Ray continued his career at Aircraft Braking Systems and later attended Cleveland State University in 1993 to study physical therapy for two years. However, it was in the field of electrical work that Ray truly found his calling. From 1995 to 2000, he completed an apprenticeship with IBEW Local Union 306, earning the classification of Journeyman Inside Wireman with distinction due to his high-grade point average. Ray remained a proud member of IBEW Local 306, continuously updating his electrical education and gaining valuable experience that took him across the country until his retirement in 2019.
In 1988, Ray met the love of his life, Patricia Averiette, at The House of the Lord through their involvement in the choir ministry. Their deep connection led to their union in 1993, and together they built a life filled with love, faith, and shared experiences. Ray was a devoted member of The House of the Lord for over 36 years, where he volunteered in various ministries, including, usher board, the choir and security. His dedication extended beyond worship, as he took great pride in being one of the electricians assigned to the construction of the church’s great Worship Center, particularly installing the lights over the choir stand—a project he approached with integrity and a strong moral character.
Ray had a love for gourmet food and a passion for fine dining and traveling, which he enjoyed sharing with his wife, Pat, both across the United States and abroad. His favorite musical artist was Michael Card, and he found great joy in listening to “The Book and the Basin and the Towel.” Ray deeply loved his two daughters, Jacqueline Harvey and Lisa Averiette, and was a generous and caring father to them. He also took great pride in his role as a grandfather to Cori Harvey and Zion Smith.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Willie C. Johnson and Ellerie Weems Johnson; his sisters, Lavern Johnson and Jacqueline Lamar Johnson (Armstead); and his mother-in-law, Frezell Irvin.
Ray leaves behind a legacy of love and faith, survived by his devoted wife, Patricia L. Johnson; his daughter, Jacqueline Harvey; his stepdaughter, Lisa F. Averiette (Kevin Smith); his brothers, Loren C. (Betty) Johnson and Willie T. Johnson; his nieces, Jasiamen (Will) Hampton and Tonya D. (Alonzo) Johnson Brazile; his nephews, Loren Vincent Harbin-Armstead, Bryan C. (Magdalena) Johnson and Sean C. Johnson; his grandchildren, Cori Harvey and Zion Smith; and his brother-in-law, Willie (Loretta) Irvin; sister-in-law, Loretta Irvin and nephew, Daniel (Renita) Irvin and a host of relatives and friends.
Raymond S. Johnson was a man of unwavering faith, steadfast dedication, and boundless love. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and church community.
Friends may call on Thursday, August 22, 2024, from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon at The House of the Lord, 1650 Diagonal Rd. Akron, Oh 44320. Funeral service will immediately follow and will be live streamed at sommervillefuneralservice.com
Interment Glendale Cemetery.