Raymond G. Josof Sr.

JOSOF, RAYMOND G., SR. of Birmingham, AL, age 84, died at home on June 3, 2011 following a lengthy illness. His deep and abiding love for his family, his church, and his friends were experienced by so many during his lifetime. He was a life long member of St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church and owner of the 5 Points Market on Southside. He was preceded in death by parents, Sam and Delilah Josof and Nabeha Domit Josof, his brother, Johnny Josof, and sister, Lorraine Josof. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Louise Domit Josof, and their children, Lillian (Joe) Harrison, Louis (Wadia) Josof, and Raymond Jr. (Debra) Josof; grandchildren Gabrielle (Vince) Bruno, Raymond Josof, III, Giselle Josof, Christopher Josof, Maria Josof, Michael Harrison and David Harrison. Also left to honor his memory are his sisters, Louise Najjar, Atlanta, Mary Tanory, Birmingham, and his brother, Richard (Renee) Josof, Hobe Sound, FL. and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Josof was a veteran of WWII serving in the Military Police in France and Germany. Born in Royal Oak, MI, after his return from war, he moved to Birmingham, AL with his family and married the love of his life, Louise. Together, they owned and operated Raymond's 5 Points Market for 63 years, the oldest established business in 5 Points. He took pride in his Lebanese heritage and in his Maronite faith. At St. Elias, Mr. Josof served as an officer of the Knights of St. Maron, member of the Holy Name Society, and the National Apostolate of Maronites. He was also a member of the Cedar's Phoenician Club of Birmingham and the Southern Federation of American Lebanese Clubs. Special appreciation is expressed to his ever- present team of compassionate caregivers, Julia Nixon, Wanda Witherspoon, Mary Collins, and Jacinta Ngigi. The family is also grateful for the care provide by Amedisys Home Health Care's rehabilitation team and to Amedisys Hospice. Visitation will be at St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church, in Birmingham on Monday, June 6, 2011 from 5- 7 p.m. with incense service following. The funeral liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 10 a.m. at St. Elias with Chorbishop Richard D. Saad officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made in Mr. Josof's honor to the St. Elias Building Fund, 836 South Eighth Street, Birmingham, AL 35205.

The Birmingham News from June 5 to June 6, 2011

Published in The Birmingham News from June 5 to June 6, 2011