On Monday, June 20th, 1966, in Philadelphia, PA, Raymond Greenwood, Sr. and Marion Greenwood had their first born, Raymond Thomas Greenwood, Jr. Their small family grew once more with their second son, Marc Greenwood, and with that, young Raymond took on the titles that defined the rest of his life: Brother and Protector. Raymond always valued family and his roles as he grew up being known as a runner and a fighter. He always showed fearless courage by running to protect his younger cousins and brother. Raymond’s love motivated his running, and running became a love as he excelled at track and football. Early in Raymond’s life his father had a small car crash with one of Jehovah’s Witnesses that changed his life. The love that was shown by the witness involved helped the family come to know about Jehovah and His love, a love that influenced Raymond the rest of his life. This God fearing love influenced his every decision: how he no longer fought physically but fought for the truth, and how he no longer ran for sport but ran the race for life, when he dedicated his life to his Jehovah God and became one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on June 18, 1983.
Raymond’s love for family and others was so strong, that when his sister, Candice, was born he dropped everything to help support his family. Raymond’s life radiated with love for family and friends, but there was no glimmer like that for Camilla Pearl Thomas who he married on July 28, 1990. Raymond’s love continued to expand as he welcomed his first born son, Stephen Greenwood. The small family grew again with another bundle of joy, Matthew Greenwood, his second son. Raymond took his responsibilities seriously and moved to North Carolina to set up a life for his young family. There he discovered the world of technology where his knack for computers became an expertise and a passion as he continued to help others whenever he could. He continued to inculcate his love of Jehovah in his sons and many others through his ministry. This strong love for Jehovah and others helped him as he battled a variety of health problems while exuding positivity and optimism. Although his marriage with Camilla ended, he continued to grow his family with his marriage to Shatrina Thomas on May 23, 2015 and his new step-children Zori and Zamari Thomas. Raymond’s cherished love for his family helped sustain his roles as a brother to the many friends he held as protector of his faith and integrity. On a cold and rainy Saturday, February 13, 2021, Raymond courageously fought and finished his race, when after years of remission, cancer took his life. His name will be linked to his qualities as a tender, optimistic, God-fearing fighter who ran to help those in need.
Raymond is survived by his wife, Shatrina, his children, Stephen and Matthew, his step-children, Zori and Zamari, his mother and father, Raymond and Marion “Judy” Greenwood, his brother and sister, Candice and Marc, his first wife, Camilla, his grandchildren, Paisley and Kayson, and a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.8.18