Raymond Harvin was born in Baltimore, Maryland on November 11, 1936. He was the only child of his beloved mother, Luvenia Turner, and accepted Jesus Christ at a young age.

Raymond graduated from John Hay High School and continued his education by graduating from the Erma Lee Barber College in 1965 where he gave the commencement speech at his graduation.

Raymond was also a vocalist, serving as the first tenor in one of the popular singing groups of Cleveland, Ohio’s doo-wop era, called The Hepsters. The group was started in early 1954, originally named The Five Stars, later changed to The Hepsters. In 1955 and 1956, the group recorded singles such as “Rockin N Rolling with Santa Claus”, “I had to let you go”, “This A-way”, and “I gotta sing the Blues”, on the Ronel Records label in Chicago, Illinois.  These singles have even remained available for listening on the internet to this day.

Raymond met and married the love of his life, Phyllis Hatcher, who he affectionately called his “chocolate doll” in 1957. Their marriage was a true testament of love and devotion lasting over 68 years. On their 60^th wedding anniversary celebration, Raymond lovingly shared that he wished for another 60 years with his wife. The two were inseparable and shared a bond admired by all that knew them. Raymond was an extremely hard-working man who took great pride in providing for his family. He worked for the Railway Express, Revco, was an insurance agent, and later retired from the City of Cleveland as a supervisor in the Department of Streets and Transportation.  In his free time he enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family. He was a movie buff, boxing fan, and avid golfer. In his retirement, Raymond enjoyed going to Wood Hill Park (Luke Easter Park) with his chocolate doll and looking after his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Raymond was extremely positive, optimistic, and encouraging. He never complained. He was a devout family man, loyal, selfless, humble, quiet but confident man. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Raymond is survived by his wife Phyllis Harvin, his children; Katrina Edwards, Raymond Vance Harvin (Sylvia Harvin), Karmen Jackson (Arthur Jackson), his grandchildren; Kamari Ositelu (Ayotunde Ositelu), Wesley Fields, Arthur Jackson Jr., Kelsey Fields, Raymond Jackson, and his great-grandchildren; Jayden Fields, Taj Clark, Tison Clark, Oluwalayomi Ositelu, August Jackson.