Raymond "Ray" Reginald Viverette Jr.

If you are reading this, I am with our Heavenly Father, Lord & Savior Jesus Christ, and I give all praise, glory, and thanks in His name. Heaven has a pretty good welcome committee—and if there’s also a classroom up here, I’ll find my way to it. When I left this earthly body, I was surrounded by my loved ones and I'm so grateful for their love.

I was born on December 10, 1949, in Enfield, North Carolina, and was lovingly raised by my parents, the late Raymond Reginald Viverette, Sr. and Sallie Fisher Viverette. They taught me many things growing up—faith, hard work, respect for others, and probably a little patience that would come in handy later when I became a teacher.

In 1974, I married the love of my life, Virgie Gregory. God gave me a beautiful angel, a true partner who stood by me through all the years, including the many evenings when I came home with another classroom story to tell. I couldn’t have done this life without her. Our life together was filled with love, music, laughter, and the pride that comes with having a wonderful family.

I was blessed to spend 47 years doing something I truly loved—teaching. I taught in North Carolina and later at Barbers Hill High School. Being in the classroom gave me the chance to inspire students, share a few life lessons, and sneak in a good story or two. If you were ever one of my students, you probably know that sometimes the lesson plan took a back seat to a story—but hopefully you learned something anyway. I also loved being the “Voice of the Eagles,” announcing for the Barbers Hill football team for 25 years, never missing a game, and had the pleasure of being in the press box when both my sons played for the Eagles.

Nothing in my life brought me more joy and pride than my family. I am survived by my beloved wife, Virgie; my four children, Virginia Flores (Richard), Thomas Viverette (Brandy), Michelle Wenzel (Brandon), and Matthew Viverette (Sarah); and my eight beautiful grandchildren, Tyler, Brevin, Reece, Olivia, Piper, Jack, Adam, and Ryan. Being their father and “Papa” was the greatest role I ever had—and the only job where I could spoil the kids and then send them home. Their triumphs, victories, and successes gave me meaning and purpose and a sense of the true meaning of legacy. They are mine and Virgie's legacy.

I am also survived by my siblings, Ruth Bellamy, George Viverette, and Sallie Bailey, along with numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Our family gatherings were always full of love, stories, and plenty of laughter.

A celebration of life will be forthcoming at a date and time to be determined by my family. When you gather, I hope you share a story, laugh a lot, and remember the good times. If one of those stories makes everyone shake their head and say, “That sounds like Ray,” then I’ll consider that a job well done.

With love in Christ,

Ray