Ray Charles Newman, 64, KCMO, passed away on February 5, 2018 at Research Medical Center. He was born December 21, 1953 in Kansas City, Missouri to the late Peter Gunn and Mae Pearl Newman. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alonzo and Emma Newman, and great grandparents, Frank and Mittie Cotton.

Ray graduated from Paseo High School. He furthered his education at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri and Langston University in Langston, Oklahoma.

Ray accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. Over the years he drove the church bus for Ward Chapel A.M.E. and also for Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church.

Ray worked as a restaurant manager for a number of years. He more recently was employed as a taxi cab driver. He also did volunteer work for Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to the homeless and elderly throughout the Kansas City area.

Ray was united in marriage to Ms. Joyce Robinson on May 9, 1991. He loved shooting the breeze with family and close friends. In addition to his accomplishments with the Golden Gloves, Karate Competition and starring in the play "Things Ville at the Karnes Theater, Ray enjoyed bowling, shooting pool and two stepping. He would often be found cheering for his favorite teams, the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of twenty-six years, Joyce Newman; two sons, Rafael Newman of KCMO and Demetrius Collins of Memphis, TN; one daughter, Shur-ron Williams (Kimberly) of Tuscaloosa, AL; one brother, Bernard Newman; one sister, Patricia Hernton; a special sister, Myrmeta Lee; four grandchildren, Kaylah Collins, Ra-jean Boykins, Madison Boykins and Elias Collins; one nephew, Earl Washington; two nieces, Sparkel Parker and Demetria Lee; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services Saturday, February 17, 12:00 p.m. at Macedonia Baptist Church. Private disposition. Visitation 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the church. Services conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.