By Marnita Coleman
Special to the AFRO
On Easter morning, April 20, the Reverend William Edward Ray, beloved founder of Save Another Youth, Inc. and the Baltimore Coalition to Stop the Killing, took his final flight and entered eternal rest.
After more than 50 years of tireless ministry, fierce advocacy, and unwavering love for his community, Rev. Ray leaves behind a legacy of hope, healing, and dedication to others. His presence will be profoundly missed, and his impact will live on through the many lives he touched. Ray was 76.
All who knew and loved Rev. Ray are warmly invited to join in remembering his remarkable life of service.
A public viewing for Rev. Ray will be held on Wednesday, May 8, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at March Funeral Homes, located at 4300 Wabash Avenue in Baltimore. The following day, Thursday, May 9, a Celebration of Life honoring Rev. Ray will take place at New Shiloh Baptist Church, located at 2100 North Monroe Street in Baltimore. The wake will precede the service, beginning at 10:00 a.m., with the service commencing at 11:00 a.m. The eulogy will be delivered by Rev. Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr.
Ray’s transition on Resurrection Sunday feels divinely appointed—a reflection of the very life he lived, rooted in faith, and purpose. “That was like him,” said close friend, Rev. Dr. Arnold William Howard, pastor of Enon Baptist Church in Baltimore. Their friendship spanned decades, through “thick and thin” and Ray’s vision for saving souls and shaping futures.
For the past year, Rev. Ray bravely faced a battle with cancer that had once been believed to be in remission. True to his private nature, he chose to keep much of his health journey to himself. Throughout this time, he underwent rehabilitation and ongoing treatments with quiet faith. Eventually, with the progression of his condition, Ray spent the final three months in the care of Sinai Hospital of Baltimore, surrounded by love and support, before peacefully passing away.
Passionate about family, Rev. Ray was the youngest of eight children born to George and Corren Ray. Though he had no children of his own, he was a father figure to many and a beloved, unforgettable uncle to his nieces and nephews.
“Uncle Willie was a deeply spiritual man, fascinating to watch,” said nephew, Charles “Chuckie” Neverdon, who grew up under Ray’s steady influence.
“He was always praying and calling on us kids to pray too. He’d put you on the spot—it was uncomfortable,” he admitted, “but it strengthened your prayer life.”
Neverdon’s career can be seen as a “first fruit” of Ray’s initiative, Save Another Youth. From earliest childhood memories, Ray planted a seed in him that he would be a doctor or lawyer. Neverdon didn’t know what it meant at the time, but he allowed it to germinate.
Now a Licensed Graduate Professional Counselor with the Maryland Parole Commission, Neverdon carries Ray’s legacy forward. He works closely with incarcerated individuals, assessing their mental health and helping prepare them for a safe, meaningful return to the community. In every way, he sees himself as a second generation protégé—continuing Rev. Ray’s work.
As noted during his 50th anniversary celebration, Ray was widely recognized as a hometown hero for his grassroots efforts: organizing prayer vigils, peace marches, youth programs, and distributing countless flyers to raise awareness about the challenges facing at-risk youth. In honor of his decades of service, he was formally recognized with citations from Governor Wes Moore and Mayor Brandon M. Scott.
“He was a community soldier with God on his side,” chuckled Sherrie Neverdon-Christmas. She recalls her uncle saying he made a deal with the Lord. “If the Lord took care of his family: mom, dad, sisters, brothers, uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews, he would be committed to the youth of the community.” Neverdon-Christmas believed “that was his driving force.”
“I met Rev. Willie Ray on the night of Dr. King’s assassination at the corner of Fremont and Presstman – we bonded that night as much of Penn Avenue burned down. He’s been a true friend over the years, and from the beginning has always wanted to bring an end to violence and murders in our community,” said Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07). “His Stop the Violence march on North Avenue – from Hilton to Milton – was one of the earliest organized efforts to reduce homicides in Baltimore. The physical church was too small to hold the energy that he brought, and the streets of Baltimore welcomed him and embraced him for over 50 years.”
Known as “a brother from another mother,” Victor Clark Jr. said his fearless friend, “was truly a man of God.”
“He was like John the Baptist, sacrificing it all to do the work of God,” said Clark.
Rev. Jerome Stephens, former director of community outreach for U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, reflecting on Ray’s steadfast spirit, simply said, “He always showed up.”
Whether for a prayer vigil, a peace march, a youth event or a gathering in support of Senator Ben Cardin, Rev. Ray’s presence was a given—along with his signature flyers as he spread the word, lifted up the causes he cared about and called others to action.
Rev. Ray’s earthly mission is complete, but his legacy will continue to move through the streets he walked, the lives he touched, and the city he loved with his whole heart.
For a look at Rev. Ray’s accomplishments, see Afro’s “Rev. Willie E. Ray recognized for 50 years of ministry, activism,” click here.