Sometimes it is hard to understand…. why certain things must be. But there is a reason for it all….Beyond our power to see. The Cover of Life's Book has closed for Raymond Ford when he passed away unexpectedly, at The New Jewish Home on Thursday, July 23rd, 2020 at 61 years of age. On February 4, 1959, Heaven opened its windows and out bounced another bouncing baby boy. Raymond Ford was born to the late Catherine Louise Ford and Raymond Williams in Manhattan (Harlem), New York at Mount Sinai Hospital. As a child, Raymond was very loving, energetic, playful, funny and extremely talented. He was a gentle giant that had a heart of gold. He had a beautiful voice and always wanted to become a professional singer. We come here today to celebrate Raymond's life. As a child and adolescent, he attended P.S. 113 Elementary School and Wadleigh Junior High School (IS 88). Raymond decided to forego going to High School and concentrate on becoming an aspiring singer. While auditioning for several talent shows, he took a job as a mail carrier at the Office of the Mayor where he retired from. Raymond was the entertainer of the family. He loved to sing and dance at family gatherings. He sang at several of the family funerals. He loved going to the movies, concerts and plays. Two of his favorite actresses were Pam Grier (Foxy Brown) and Tamar Dobson (Cleopatra Jones). His favorite singers were Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. He loved fashion and displayed it by his stylish wardrobe. Raymond did not have a numerous amount of friends but he was loved dearly by those he had. He was extremely closely connected to his immediate family. He leaves to cherish his memories: his brothers, Gary, Tony, and Andre; sisters, Roxanne and Renee; nephews, Hassan, Gary, Tyreek, Malik and Stephen; great nephews, Marquise and Bryce; great nieces, Lamaria and Solange; Sister-in-laws, Latoya and Lelice, aunt, Shirley; first cousins, Glynn, Morris, Kathy (Necie), Pamela and Kim; and a host of cousins and friends.