Raymond Diamond
Raymond Diamond of Jay was born in Century, Florida on April 3, 1940 and passed away surrounded by his family on September 9, 2011. He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Julia Faye (Nowling) Diamond, his daughter, Vaneica (Jimmy) Burgess of Jay, his grandchildren, Ashlynn Burgess, Chandler Burgess and Andrew Diamond, all of Jay, his sister, Elaine Golden (Roy) of Pace, his daughter-in-law, Lucinda Diamond of Jay, his brother-law, Elton Nowling of Jay, nieces, nephews and many friends.
Raymond was preceded in death by his son, Raymond Diamond Jr., his father, Bernie Lee Diamond and his mother, Elise Jackson Diamond.
Visitation will be held on Sunday evening from 6 to 9 p.m. with family gathering at 5 p.m. at the Jay Funeral Home. The funeral will be held on Monday at 3:30 p.m. at Cora Baptist Church with Bro. Bobby Carnley, Bro. Frederick Barrow, and Bro. LaDon Hall officiating services. Burial will follow at Cora Baptist Cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers will be Don Bales, Keith Caraway, Charles Carnley, Lee Deese, Mickey Diamond, Merlin Edwards, Glen Gavin, Ricky Godwin, Tony Gomillion, Ben Hudson, J.B Hudson, Dan Langham, Curt Lowry, Frank Lowry, John Lowry, Bubba McCaskill, Gary McCaskill, Jimmy McCaskill, Doyle Marshall, Jimmy Nelson, Douglas Odom, Reggie Odom, Leroy Peacock, Frank Rowell, Tony Simmons, Tommy Smith, David Walther, Roger Watson, Sammy Lowry and Jimmy Lowry.
Active pallbearers will be Jansen Burgess, James Diamond, Bruce Godwin, Daniel Golden, Steven Jackson and Michael Nowling.
Raymond was a pillar of the community and was well loved by all who knew him. He was very passionate about his family and loved to fish and work. He was well known as the owner of Diamond’s Grocery where he worked for 50 years. He was also a bus driver for 41 years and enjoyed farming.
A special thank you to Dr. David Smith, Dr. James Stringfield, Dr. Lance Raney and Dr. Jeff Kelley. The family would also like to thank the nursing staff of Jay Hospital and the 3 West nursing staff at Baptist Hospital, as well as the Jay Volunteer Fire Department.
He will be greatly missed by family, friends and the community.
Jay Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.