Raymond Lee Brown, age 80, of Winston Salem, North Carolina passed away October 30, 2024, peacefully surrounded by family. Raymond was born in Grayson County, Virginia on May 4, 1944, to the late James Levi and Lettie McMillan Brown.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepmother, Tenny Brown; his wife Mary Regina Choate Brown; brothers Glenn Brown, Sr., Thurman Brown, Vester Brown and Verl Brown, Sr.; son-in-law Johnny Pass and grandson Dakota Lomans.

Raymond was educated in the Galax Virginia school system until entering the workforce. Raymond retired from Hanes Brands after 30 years of service.

Raymond was a member of New Jerusalem Baptist Church of Winston Salem, where he served faithfully as an usher until his declining health.

Raymond was known by so many names; Daddy, Brother Raymond; Uncle Raymond; Pawpaw; Big Ray and even just Raymond. No matter how Raymond was addressed he showed the same love to everyone, always ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed his help. Raymond was known for cooking and making sure when you came to his home you felt welcomed, and you left with a full stomach. Family was most important to Raymond. Enjoying family could be as simple as a family fun night (Raymond did not play about his spades partner), watching wrestling with his brothers, working on the farm with his brothers or just sitting on the balcony watching his family on the beach. It always brought joy to Raymond's face and heart to see family together having fun.

He is survived by his children Dwight (Jalanda) Bryson, Stephen (Carol) Brown, Alicia Jervey, Stephanie Payne and Cheryl "Cherry" Pass; his fiancee', Berlene Napper Smith; bonus children, Denise Murray, Deborah Smith and Michael Smith; sister Ann (Jackie) Reeves; sisters-in-law Carolyn Brown, Viola Brown, Vanessa Jones and Linda Choate; 16 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; two honorary sons, Daryl Penn and Otis (Carolyn) Hariston, along with the Hemmingway Community family and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12 noon Saturday November 9, 2024 at Mt. Calvary Holy Church,930 E. 14th St Winston-Salem, NC 27105. The family will receive friends from 11am-12pm at the church Saturday. His remains may be viewed Friday from 12pm-6pm at the funeral home.