Obituary of Willie Ray Stirrup-Shepherd

Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ is receiving Eternal praise from another servant “Willie Ray Stirrup-Sheppard.” He accepted the Lord’s invitation in 2003, confessing with his mouth, Lord Jesus and believing in his heart that God raised Jesus from the dead. Ray was born August 15, 1950, to the late Alpheus Stirrup and the late Mamie Sheppard, at Harlem Hospital in NY. He completed High School in Manhattan NY. Sometime thereafter, Ray was drafted into the United States Navy on May 18, 1970, stationed on the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV-42) the second of three Midway Aircraft Carriers. Ray received an honorable discharge in 1972. Ray was an inter-state trucker, employed by Diversified Logistics, from 1973-2015, he was dedicated for forty-two years. Ray had a zeal for driving big rigs, yet, his true passion and love was for his family, sometimes, it was hard to tell if he loved us or if he loved his dogs more, LOL!!! He also enjoyed trains and race cars. Ray was united in marriage to Vernice Valdes (his first wife): Antoinette husband (Darryl), little Lorenzo, little Vernice and Courtland. Ray married a second time to Geraldine. Geraldine had three sons Charles wife (Wendy), Dennis, Alex, and had two daughters, Crystal, and Nyree. Ray’s longtime companion Eve Bailey was a support to Ray in his final days. Leaving behind cousin Carlton Gill, Aunt Geraldine, Carl Dixon, and his sister Roberta (Joan) Sealy. Predeceased by his brother Billy Dixon. Ray has a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins that will have to carry on in this life without their beloved Willie Ray Stirrup- Sheppard, also greatly proclaimed as Dad. We will miss you and will forever love you!!!