Raymond "Ray-J" James Ripley Jr.

Raymond James “Ray-J” Ripley Jr., age 14, of Chester, earned his angel wings, Thursday, March 12, 2020, after a very strong and heroic battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family at home.

Ray-J was born, January 17, 2006. He will forever be loved by his parents, Tara Vennum Woods and step-father, Michael Quentin Woods and father, Raymond Ripley Sr., both of Chester and by his brave little brother, Leo Ripley and little sister, River Woods; maternal grandparents Scott and Angel Wood Stanley; paternal grandmother, Trudy Heath; step-grandparents, Ricky and Alva Lum Woods; maternal great grandfather, Richard B. Stanley and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He leaves behind a large family that will forever remember his strength and bravery, as well as many friends.

Ray-J was a Christian by faith. He was an 8th grader at Oak Glen Middle School. He had a passion for playing his clarinet and was so proud to be a part of the Oak Glen Middle School band. Ray-J loved and respected law enforcement and had dreams of becoming a police officer one day. Ray-J enjoyed playing video games, Harry Potter and watching the Denver Broncos.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Charles Ripley, step-grandfather, Larry Heath; Aunt, JoAnn Stanley; great grandparents, Bob and Margaret Ripley, Flora (May) Stanley and Les and Shelby Thornberry; great grandparents, Alvie and Margie Lamp and Helen Fulmer, great aunt, Brenda S. Hunter and great uncle Richard B. Stanley Jr.

Pastor Kim Gadd will celebrate Ray-J’s life Monday, March 16, 2020, at the Arner Funeral Chapel in Chester, at 8:00 PM. Friends may visit the funeral home Monday, March 16, from 2-4:00 PM and 6-8:00 PM.

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