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In Memory

Raymond Richardson - Class Of 1986 VIEW PROFILE

Raymond Richardson

 

Raymond Richardson

April 29, 1967 ~ October 30, 2020 (age 53)

Raymond Richardson was born April 29, 1967, in South Bend, Indiana to Ray Frazier and Marsha Richardson-Simmons.

Raymond moved to Kokomo, Indiana early on in his childhood and he began attending Sycamore Elementary School. Raymond’s time in Kokomo was the foundation for his hard work and dedication to his first true-love, basketball. On his 7th birthday, he received his first basketball as a birthday gift, the gift that changed his life forever! He played at the park alone from sunup to sundown, shooting hoops constantly. A few years later, he returned to South Bend, Indiana, and by the 5th Grade, he began playing basketball for Perley Elementary School. Even as a young child, Raymond’s height and skill set him apart from the rest. As the years passed, Raymond’s talents only grew stronger and led him to become a well-known star for Adam’s High School. From 1983-1985 he was an outstanding basketball player! He led his school to the State basketball tournament and was selected All-Conference Second Team in 1984 and 1985. Raymond transferred to Oak Hill Academy Prep School for his senior year of high school where he continued to play basketball, graduating in 1986. Raymond furthered his education and basketball skills at San Jacinto College in Texas where he played basketball from 1986 to 1987. After San Jacinto, he transferred to Hiwassee College in Tennessee, where he continued to play basketball and graduated with an Associate’s Degree in 1988. Raymond’s hard work paid off and he became a Division One basketball player at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1989. During his 2 years at Nebraska, Raymond amazed so many with his skills and aggression, but one thing he became most popular for was his 3-point shot. Raymond scored 671 points in his career with the Huskers and led the team in both of his seasons in 3-pointers made: a total of 105 points. Raymonds ability to shoot the ball became so extensive, he became well-known for scoring half-court shots with ease. Raymond made the game look so easy and left his mark in the world of basketball.

Raymond left Nebraska and took his talents abroad and played professionally for the Meppel Red Giants in Holland and for Español de Talca team in Chile. Even in death, Raymond’s on across the world. Fans and friends overseas have poured out tremendous gratitude and paid homage to the impact he had on their world of basketball. It’s safe to say he became a celebrity in the Spanish world of basketball; he would be proud to know how much they truly loved him just as we do.

Raymond returned to the States and dedicated the next chapter of his life to his career in childcare, working with persons with special needs, and his children. Anyone who knew Raymond knew his children were his heart. He passed his love for the game on to all of them and took pride in coaching them from the sidelines, even if he did get into trouble for hounding the referees a time or two.

Raymond had many passions but one of the things that brought him the most joy was music. He became popular for making the best playlists and CDs and loved staying up-to-date on all the new artists. If Raymond had his music, he was alright.

Raymond acquired many nicknames over the years; whether you knew him as “Pencil,” “Double R,” “Ice Man,” “Big Ray,” “El Mago” or “Mr. Ray” you knew he was a man who made everyone in the room laugh whether you wanted to or not. Raymond grew to be a very private person as his health took a toll on him in his later years, but he never wanted anyone to see him struggle, especially his children.

Raymond has now been called to the Lord and is free of any pain, worrying, or suffering that he was holding on to. We will remember him by his humor, lessons, and the times we were blessed to share. May he watch over us all and know he was one-of-a-kind in our hearts.

Raymond traveled to many places throughout his life but spent his last years in South Bend where he passed away on Friday, October 30, 2020.

Raymond leaves to celebrate his life: mother, Marsha Richardson; father, Ray Frazier; sisters: Gaylonda Anderson, Chrystal Villela (Josh) and Pamela Smith of South Bend, Indiana; brothers: Robert Frazier of Atlanta, Georgia, Willis McCaster, Chuch Dunham, William Brown and Caleb Gill Reese of South Bend, Indiana; daughters: Paige Richardson of Lincoln, Nebraska, Raven DePriest (Paul) of Denver, Colorado; stepdaughter, Chermetra Keys of Denver, Colorado; sons: Raymond Richardson Jr. of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Isaiah Richardson of Lawrence, Kansas and Samuel Richardson of Lincoln, Nebraska; grandchildren: Kevin Richardson, Samire DePriest, Mesa Fields, and SaniRain DePriest; aunts: Darlene Lucas and Juanita Richardson of South Bend, Indiana; uncle, Herman Fulce of South Bend, Indiana; godmother, Debra Smith; special niece, Tyra Jones; special nephew, King Villela; special cousins: Chanel Richardson, Antonio Wilson, and Michael Cutler of South Bend, Indiana; close friends: Lavell Brown, Craig Hjelmeng, Carl Hayes and Shawn Taylor; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Raymond was preceded in death by his great-grandmother Elizabeth Roberts; grandmother, Elizabeth Richardson; grandma Peaches; grandfather, Jerry Glover; grandfather, Charles Partee; Ethel and Franklin Smith; Martha Lou Reese; Robert “Genie” Richardson, Charles “Chucky” Reese; Robert Reese; Lou Trish “Stanker” Reese, and LaNijah Kyle.

11/21/2021 EJS



Click here to see Raymond's last Profile entry.