Lacy, Raymond Dewayne (Age 60) of Accokeek, Maryland

Raymond DeWayne Lacy of Accokeek, Maryland quietly entered eternal rest on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 . Raymond was born on March 22, 1961 in Washington, DC to his devoted parents Edward Lawrence Lacy, Sr. and the late Ina Marie Lacy. Ray was the fourth of six children and was often referred to as "number 4" and "the quiet one".

Raymond or "Ray", as he is called by his family and friends, graduated from Frank W. Ballou Senior High School in Washington, DC. where he played on the varsity basketball team as a forward. Ray was selected to the Washington Post DC Inter-high Third Basketball Team his senior year. He went on to play basketball at Hagerstown Community College. He then attended North Carolina A&T State University as a transfer student. Ray played with the intramural team on and off campus with the Lorrillard Company's corporate team. He studied in the field of Industrial Technology while balancing his time with a hobby in music entertainment promotion. He lived off campus with two roommates where he participated in cooking competitions for bragging rights.

Ray work as Federal Contractor in the Information Technology Industry for various companies. Ray also worked part-time at AutoZone as a customer service representative.

Ray was a die-hard Dallas Cowboys fan. He travelled to Dallas, Texas on several occasion to watch his beloved Cowboys play. He was known for calling and riling up his siblings when the Cowboys were winning against the Washington Redskins.

After marrying the love of his life, Linda, Ray's proudest moment was becoming a father to two daughters, Diamond Marie, and Crystal Rene. Ray passionately encouraged his daughters to get involved in community outreach. Both Diamond and Crystal obtained the required community service hours to graduate from high school while still attending middle school.

Ray enjoyed traveling and cookouts with his family and helping to organize his community's annual neighborhood block party. Ray believed in family first and the importance of parental involvement and quality education.

For many years, he was an active member of the PTA of Accokeek Academy. Having served as both Legislative Chair and President. He established and chaired the Watch Dog program geared towards engaging fathers in education.

Ray was a connector of people, always engaging and inviting local businesses and politicians, including the late Senator Mike Miller, Delegate James Proctor, and current Councilman Mel Franklin, to local schools. Ray believed in holding politicians accountable for supporting the community.   He rallied several other PTA parents and board members to fight for a new school in Accokeek, Maryland.  He coordinated meetings at the home of the late Delegate James Proctor and at Senator Miller's law office.  His tenacity in getting a new school led him to serve as the community liaison in the construction planning of Accokeek Academy, which opened in 2017.  In 2018, Ray believed District 9 needed someone to better serve the District and volunteered as the campaign manager for School Board candidate Arun Puracken.

Ray has been recognized for his efforts in advocacy receiving "Parent of the Year" from Accokeek Academy and the recognition from Prince George's County School Board for being an advocate for all children in the Prince George's County School system, May 2011.

Ray and his family joined Victory Chapel Church in Accokeek, Maryland. Ray's passion for children was exemplified in his service as a Children's Ministry Teacher. He loved seeing the children blossom in the word of God.  Ray was also very instrumental in helping secure a place to hold the new church plant, Victory Community Church (VCC). Ray was an encourager to the Pastoral staff at both church locations in Accokeek.  In addition, he coordinated many efforts with the councilman's office to ensure funds were allocated to promote spiritual growth in the community.

He will be remembered for his great smile, playful spirit, loving personality, and his ability to always make everyone feel welcomed and loved.

In addition to his loving wife Linda, Ray leaves to cherish his precious memory two daughters, Diamond and Crystal; father Edward Lacy Sr. (Ameena), his mother Ina Marie Lacy preceded him in death, three brothers, Edward (Virginia), Clarence (Karen) and Carlton (Jill); his sisters Donna and Tina; two brothers in law Bruce Womack, Robert Womack (Monica) and Kenneth Womack who preceded him in death;  two sisters in law Barbara Jackson and Rosemary Womack; and many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, great nephews, great nieces, god children and friends.

Friends may visit with the family Saturday, February 26, 2022 from 10:00 am until time of Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 am at Victory Chapel Church, 16401 Manning Road West, Accokeek, Maryland 20607.

Arrangements entrusted to Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640.

In Lieu of flowers the family is asking to please make donations to Accokeek Academy Elementary in memory of Raymond by using the link below:

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