Raymont E. Bailey

Raymont Eugene Bailey. From the start, it was clear to all that this tiny 3-pound bundle of joy was truly a “RAY” of light designed to brighten any space he entered! Raymont was the first-born grandchild of the late Wallace and Hilda Thomas, and the oldest great-grandson of the late Rev. Joseph and Mother Marie Cashen, so in short, he was the new “Golden Boy” of the family. While just a tiny tot, Ray served as the nervous little ring-bearer as his mother was joined in marriage to the late Thaddeus Price, Sr. and this new young family began an incredible journey. In the early 1970’s, Raymont’s role shifted as he embraced with pride and passion a new title that he would proudly hold on to for the rest of his life —Ray went from being only child to Big Brother Numero Uno! With the arrival of his first little brother, Raymont found himself embracing his big brother role, and we soon began to discover his unique gift to motivate, encourage, inspire, and lead others to the greatness he could see within them, even if they didn’t see it within themselves. And since his parents believed in literally being fruitful and multiplying many times over, he had his big brother work cut out for him! As a child, he would jokingly say to his little brother, Thaddeus, “Remember I’m first place, and you are second place.” And when Geoffrey came along, he told Thaddeus, “Well you may not be first place, but at least you didn’t come in third.” Once Jason was born, he told Thaddeus, “You made out good, because you didn’t end up in last place.” After Jason, he just gave up and said to Thaddeus, “Mommy and Daddy just don’t know when to quit.” But always proud of his role at the top of our sibling chain, even just five days before he left us, he was still referring to himself as #1 of 7 (including his only sister, Jenae; his baby brother, Justin; and his newest brother, Dipo). Growing up in the Woodlawn community, everyone knew and loved Raymont, or “Ray-Ray,” as he was called by his beloved aunts, uncles, and older cousins. His smile and laughter were as big as his heart and added to his great popularity. As Raymont grew, so did his natural artistic and creative ability. His talents were as huge as his personality, and everyone gravitated to this ball of energy, love, and laughter. Whether it was playing Pop Warner football, singing in the Woodlawn Gospel Choir, orchestrating his legendary high school fashion shows, or becoming one of the best and most sought out cosmetologists and stylists Baltimore has ever produced, Raymont left his indelible mark everywhere he went. But perhaps Raymont’s greatest accomplishment was his amazing ability to make others smile. His kind and compassionate nature was infectious. His propensity to care for those in need was incredible; Ray understood pain and hurting as he himself relentlessly battled and conquered a crippling back and spinal condition which at one point left him nearly paralyzed and barely able to walk. But even while spending months in rehab and physical therapy regaining his strength, he made it his mission to go around and cheer up all the other patients. Nurses and doctors fell in love with his charming personality, compassionate nature, and let’s not forget his unique storytelling ability that would leave you in stomach pains with laughter. He took his love, his bright light, and compassion to the food bank and homeless shelter where he loved to volunteer and graciously gave people hope. He carried his love and light throughout the Garrison / Park Heights Community where he made it his business to check on all his neighbors in his own unique way. He carried his love and light into every place he ever worked. Be it salons, restaurants, luxury hotels, or banqueting halls, Raymont epitomized hospitality management and exquisite customer service. Assuredly, to meet him was to instantly love him. So much could be said about God’s precious and unique Ray, but to sum it up – he was a man who wanted others to thrive. He loved his family with a ferociously unconditional love and always expected greatness from them. While some talk about love and light, Raymont walked it. Sometimes, life was hard. Sometimes, he faced unimaginable challenges. Sometimes, the road wasn’t just rough; It seemed wrecked, and sometimes, life seemed to give Ray more questions than answers, but in spite of any obstacle, any storm, or any adversity he had to face, Raymont never ever lost his faith, trust, or belief in God. Now that he is in Glory reunited with his precious loved ones, especially his dear Hoodie, he is sitting at the Master’s feet getting his questions answered. Now, Ray can finally understand that HE was actually the precious gift God sent to us to brighten our path and beautify our world. Finally, Raymont finds out that he really was and will always be The Greatest! His love and “RAY” of light will be forever cherished by the queen of his heart – his mother Wendy Price, and he will always be #1 of 7 to his siblings – Thaddeus Jr., Geoffrey, Jason, Jenae, Justin, and Dipo; his nephews and nieces – Geoffrey M. Price, Devin Singh III, Jadaya Price, Dallas Horton, Jaxsen Price, and Dylan Horton; his aunt whom he often treated like a big sister – Valerie (Shelly) Dease; godmother, Christina Young; his bestie, Marvin Coble; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, friends, and loved ones.

Tributes

Raymont E. Bailey

February 15, 1967 - December 18, 2022