Raymond F. Taylor, Jr.

Deacon Raymond (Ray, Ray-J) Foster Taylor, Jr., devoted husband to Charlene Spencer-Taylor, departed this life peacefully in his home in the early morning of January 9, 2025. Raymond was the eldest born November 11, 1955, in Richmond, VA, to the late Girllean H. Taylor and the late Raymond F. Taylor, Sr.

In 1974, Raymond graduated from Armstrong High School, as a star football player and he participated on the wrestling team. He also completed an automotive mechanic's course at Richmond Technical Center, which laid the foundation for his long-term career goals. Raymond began his professional career at Winn Bus Lines, where he worked as both a driver and a mechanic for several years. His departure from Winn Bus Lines marked the start of his journey as a full-time entrepreneur in the auto repair industry. In his early 20s, Raymond also discovered a love for drag racing, which fueled his passion for fixing cars.

Raymond grew up in Historic Church Hill as part of the Creighton Court Community, where he also established the foundation and home for his auto mechanic business. He became a leader in the community, teaching others about the inner workings of automobiles and the essentials of good bodywork and flawless paint jobs. Raymond only wanted to work with the best high-end professional tools, so nothing less than "Snap-On Tools" was acceptable to him. One of Ray's mottos was "Reach back and help another brother up". As his health began to decline, he had to make a hard decision to retire. Although he officially retired and closed the doors to his well-known business, Ray's EZ Body & Auto Repair Service, nothing could keep him away from working on cars. Even as his health declined, he always found a way to get under the hood of an automobile. Cars were repaired, lives were changed, laughter was heard, memories were made and history remains on Nine Mile Road where Ray's EZ Body & Auto Repair Services last stood.

Raymond fervently loved God and was a loyal servant at Mount Zion Baptist Church for 30-plus years. He was a faithful, zealous, and steadfast member, participating in several ministries and committees of the church. Raymond was always dressed in his Sunday's Best with fashionable suits with shoes to match, and maybe even a hat too. His attire wouldn't be complete without an Invicta watch to bring it all together. Ray was determined to continue serving and attending the house of the Lord until he could physically no longer attend.

In his younger years, Raymond found solace on his fishing boat, spending hours on the water from dusk to dawn. He also enjoyed trips to Carter's Mountain to pick apples and visiting the sick, shut-in, and elderly in nursing homes. He had a love for traveling and restoring old cars, and in his later years, Raymond would be quick to say that he could build anything and soon became known as "Bob The Builder".

Deacon Raymond leaves to cherish his memories, his Loving & Devoted wife, Charlene Spencer-Taylor, one son, Don Lamont Taylor (daughter-in-love, Tomeka Smith-Taylor), one daughter, Raina Taylor Washington (son-in-love, Dante Washington), one bonus daughter, Desiree Spencer, two granddaughters, LaKeisha Braxton and Tenae Washington, three grandsons, Kavon Washington, Carter Washington and Amari Washington, one great-grandson, Kaden Braxton-South, one great-granddaughter, Lerick Braxton-South, one aunt, Mary Kendrick, two brothers, Anthony Taylor, Sr and Alphonso Taylor, one sister, Annette Taylor, one sister-in-love, Laverne Spencer-Dawson (brother-in-love, Tony), mother-in-love, Marjorie Spencer (Harol) and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; two devoted, Eugene Rustin and Will Harris, Jr.

Raymond lived a full and adventurous life and will be greatly missed.

A viewing will be held from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5008 Nine Mile Rd., where a funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 18, 2025. 

The family is receiving services of comfort from Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5008 Nine Mile Rd., Richmond, VA.