***TO VIEW OR PRINT THE FUNERAL PROGRAM*** https://www.scribd.com/document/333001646/Allen-Layne-Ray CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF Allen Layne Ray Allen Layne Ray Affectionately Known as "BLACK" was born December 4, 1961 to the union of Winton E. Ray, Sr., and Crystal A. Brown in Hamilton, Ohio. He was the youngest children of 18 sibling to his parents union. A lifelong native of Hamilton, Ohio. He attended Hamilton City Schools and was a graduated of Garfield High School. At an very early age Allen began one of his many passions the art of puppetry & ventriloquism which lead to meeting two of the pioneers in that industry. Soon that passion lead to music in the Arts & Entertainment Industry at just 14 years old he began as a D.J. As a young boy Allen would hang out in the garage with the Late Great Roger Troutman which later formed world renowned R&B group ZAPP, which lead to becoming a Musical Engineer and Keyboard Player, traveling across the world with Zapp as well as working with other renowned R&B musicians. In 1988 Allen relocated back home to Hamilton and began working with local musicians and playing throughout the tri-state area. Upon coming back home he came a father to Andrienne Gilbert. In 1990 he met the love of his life April Y. Thompson and they became engaged to this blessed union on November 4, 1994 three children, Jordan, Josh and Keeli. Affectionately known as "Black", by his wife she gave him that nickname in which he was called from now on. In 1996 he began his career as an Art Instructor with the Fitton Center of Creative Arts which he taught children his art through workshops and classes throughout Butler County. He did workshop also at Booker T. Washington Community and YMCA. Allen had a personality that was genuine and of humble beginning. He touched so many people and children lives by his humor and wit never meeting a stranger. Even the neighborhood dogs delighted in his personality and look forward to his visits. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew and friend he continue to be that image to everyone he touched. On Sunday, November 27, 2016 Allen departed this life peacefully at his residences with his loving wife and grandson by his side. He is preceded in death by his parents Winton E. Ray, Sr., and Crystal A. Ray; Siblings Tinsley Ray, Consuella Ray, Keith Ray, Ellroe Ray, Baby Ray, Elmira Barnes, Curtis Ray and Karen Ray; Nephew Robert Ingram. He leaves to cherish many fond memories his devoted wife of 22 years April Y. Ray; Four children Jordan, Andrienne, Josh and Keeli; Five grandchildren Ke'Anthony, Ashton, Kennedy, Fredrick and Ke'Cion; Siblings, Winton E. Ray, Jr, Wynonna Ray, Mellace J. Henderson, Martin Ray and Arlette (Willie) Griffin, Sr.; Mother In-Law, Rose Thompson; Brother In-Law Bill Thompson and Two Sister In-Law Susan Cardwell and Tiffany (Josh) Higgin; Aunt Barbara Adams. He also leaves behind to cherish his memory a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, other relatives and friends. Visitation is from 10:30 am until 11:00 am, on Friday, December 2, 2016, at the Fitton Center for Creative Arts - 101 S. Monument Ave. Hamilton OH (45011) Phone 513-863-8873. The funeral service will immediately follow the visitation beginning at 11:00a.m. To share a memory of Allen or leave a special message for the Ray family, please click the Share Button below. Walker Funeral Home of Cincinnati is serving the Ray family. ***TO VIEW OR PRINT THE FUNERAL PROGRAM *** https://www.scribd.com/document/333001646/Allen-Layne-Ray

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