Ray Cecil Saunders Jr.

We cast down every stronghold

Sickness and poverty must cease - Fred Hammond

Ray Cecil Saunders, Jr, was born April 22, 1976 to Ray, Sr and Cheryl Saunders in Columbus, OH.

Ray was a charismatic, lovable man who loved his family and The Ohio State University. Though challenged with health issues throughout his life, Ray never let that stop him. He was quick with a smile and joke.

Due to the loss of his mother at a young age, Ray was definitely child of a village. From grandparents to uncles and aunties and cousins, he was raised with love by many. But no one loved and cared for Ray more than his father and sister, especially as his illness took its toll. There was nothing that Ray could have asked for or needed that wasn't provided. They were the best caregivers one could ask for. The love that the three shared is unbreakable, even in death. His loss is heartbreaking but his love remains.

At the age of 13, Ray met the man that would become his brother in love. He knew he had met the one guy that got his crazy adolescent self. They forged a brotherhood that kept Ray on track and filled with laughter.

Ray is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Cheryl Keyes Saunders; grandparents, John and Bernice Saunders; grandfather, Roy Keyes, Jr; Great-grandmother, Gladys Montgomery; Great-grandmother, Ida Johnson; Great-grandparents, Roosevet and Ora Saunders; Great Uncle, Richard Keyes, Sr; Uncle Roy Keyes, III; cousin, Robert Keyes, Jr; Cousins Gary Wright, Sr and Gary Saunders, Jr.

He was always looking out for his younger cousins. His imprint on the lives of his family is eternal.

Ray is survived by his father, Ray, Sr; his sister and brother in love, Cecelia and Marlon Casey; brother Mark(Nancy)Arnold; many aunts, uncles and cousins who will greatly miss his presence in their lives, in addition to many special friends who Ray considered family.

A visitation for Ray will be held Friday, June 27, 2025 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Rehoboth Temple Church of Christ, 1111 E Long St, Columbus, OH 43203. A funeral service will occur Friday, June 27, 2025 at 10:00 AM, 1111 E Long St, Columbus, OH 43203. A graveside service will follow at Green Lawn Cemetery, Columbus, Ohio.