Ray Clifford Holyfield was born in Akron Ohio on August 8, 1944, as the youngest child to the late Ross Cleveland Holyfield and Lillian Holyfield. He grew up in Akron where he attended South High School and graduated in 1962. After High School he attended Akron University for Drafting. He was a mathematician and loved numbers. During his tenure at Akron U, he was drafted in the U.S. Airforce. He served his country till May 31, 1971, and was released with an Honorable Discharge.

Returning to Akron he secured a job at the Good Year Rubber and Tire Company. He worked there for 32 years until he retired in 2003. After leaving Good Year, he worked at First Merit Bank as a currier from 2003-2008.

In 2001 he married the Love of his life Leola, and they shared the last 23 years traveling and enjoying life. “Lo” would affectionately refer to Ray as her “Honey Bunny!”

Ray accepted Christ at an early age and rededicated his life by being baptized again in 2005. He was incredibly involved serving in ministry at his home church, Arlington Church of God, in Akron Ohio. He was a faithful member and involved in the following ministries: Male Choir where he would be seen singing praises to GOD. Van Ministry, where he would pick up and drop off members needing a ride to church. Diaconate Board, where he served as a Deacon under the pastor. Trustee Board and at one point was the V.P. of the Men’s Fellowship. He was a leader in planning activities for the group where they would go out bowling and take cruise luncheons. He was later part of the “Men on the Move” where the men were responsible for helping around the church.

Ray loved bowling and spent 30 years of his free time at the bowling alley with his bowling league. Ray, with the “Holyfield Swing” received four rings for bowling over three hundred and another two rings for games making 299. But we all know ninety-nine ½ will not do when it comes to bowling scores!

He also loved photography, bicycling, and taking long walks. When traveling or attending functions, he would often be seen capturing the beauty of the moment through a photogenic lens.

Ray had a sense of humor, and we often said he missed his calling as a comedian or a reporter. He was incredibly competitive when playing WII bowling against his nephew and niece. If the men were winning, he was talking smack! But when the ladies were winning, he became serious and would say “shush,” I’m trying to catch a wabbit.” If he met you, he would never forget you. He would find out who your people are and would remember these things the next time he was in your presence.

Ray loved his family and over the last 45 years traveled back and forth to Minnesota to spend time with his daughters, Shalisha and ToiJya, and his grandkids, Jaidan, and Allena. He was so excited about the possibility of having a future Morehouse Man and a WNBA player in his family. If you had time to listen, he would often be found “bragging” about his daughters, extended daughter, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, and nieces. Oh, how proud he was of all of them!

Ray loved people, and never met a stranger. If it was your birthday or any other special occasion, he was going to play a celebration tune on his harmonica. He would share wisdom with the young folks and would not hesitate to stop to offer encouragement and pray for anyone else! His life was about introducing others to Christ by uplifting and encouragement.

Ray was always there to lend a helping hand where needed. He could often be found taking care of his lawn and the neighbors around him. You did not have to ask; he would just step up to help. Being around him, you could hear him singing the tunes to one of his favorite songs “I’m just a nobody, trying to tell everybody, about somebody, who can save anybody” The Williams Brothers. What an Amazing Man of GOD!

Ray was preceded in death by his parents: Ross and Lillian Holyfield; Brothers Ross Cleveland Holyfield Jr., Donald Holyfield, John Reaves, Emmit Reaves, and Douglas Reaves. His sisters; Helen Maryann Woodley- Nicholas and Elizabeth Boswell. His grandson Marcelius Likely

He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Leola Holyfield of Akron Ohio. His daughter’s Rayna (Donald) Holyfield-Green of Barberton Ohio. Shalisha Holyfield and ToiJya Holyfield-Lewis of St. Paul MN. His grandchildren, Terry (Shelby) Holyfield-Holliday, Jaidan Lewis, and Allena Sims. His extended daughter Carletta Vinson of Bedford TX, His extended son Charles A. (Angel) Vinson of Akron OH. His extended grandchildren, Desmond, Tikia, Courtney, Shawnese, and Eric. His Great Grandson Jacob. His nephew Timothy J. (Cynthia) Woodley II of Stone Mountain GA, His nephew Phillip Reaves (Terri) of Boston Ma. As well as a host of other nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.