Raymond Albert Kesterson

Mr. Raymond Albert Kesterson (Ray), age 62, of Kennesaw, Georgia, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2024, at his home after a brief illness. Ray was born on September 23, 1961, on an Airforce Base in Bitburg Germany to parents Betty Lou and Robert Alwyn Kesterson Sr. His family lived in many cities in the United States and in the Philippines.

Ray was living in Mobile, Alabama, when he met the love of his life, Rose Ann Gonzalez. They fell in love and were married on August 3, 1989. They lived in Mobile until they moved to Kennesaw, Georgia, in 1991.

Ray had an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of South Alabama and a Master’s Degree in Business Management from Georgia State University. Ray was also an inventor and had a US patent for a Daytime Running Light device that made cars safer.

Ray loved the chow breed of dogs, and he leaves Honey and Blondie in Rose Ann’s care. Rose Ann and Ray loved to spend time relaxing on the water and taking the chows with them.

Ray restored antique Ford trucks and cars. Mustangs were his favorite restoration projects, and he enjoyed this hobby with his friends and family. Ray and Rose Ann shared many trips to antique car shows.

Ray loved the Lord and sang in the choir at First Baptist Atlanta for 12 years. During those years, Ray and Rose Ann performed in the First Baptist Atlanta Passion Play. Ray played several roles and loved sharing the passion of Jesus with the audiences. Participating during Easter time was always very special for them both.

Along with his parents and stepparents, Ray is preceded in death by his brother Robert Alwyn Kesterson Jr. (Bobby). Ray is survived by his loving wife, Rose Ann Kesterson, a brother Rodrick Alan Kesterson (Kristy), and Christy Gayle (Bobby’s wife), and numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life for Ray will take place on Saturday, June 8th from 2:00 to 4:00 at the Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home, 2950 Cobb Parkway North, Kennesaw, Georgia 30152.