Ray McLanza Pettiford fell into eternal rest on Wednesday, December 12, 2018, following an extended illness. He was born in Durham, NC to Jettlean Winstead Pettiford and the late McNeil Pettiford on September 29, 1952.
Ray was educated in the Druham City School System, graduating from Durham High in 1970. He continued his education at Howard University. His education was interrupted when he enlisted in the United States Army. Following his years of service, he attended North Carolina Central University where he received a B.S. in Geography Magna cum laude. He continued his education at Ohio State University.
Ray joined Mt. Gilead Baptist Church at an early age where he was active in the boy scouts, Sunday school, the junior choir, and the male chorus. He an avid reader and listening to jazz.
He is survived by his mother, Jettlean Pettiford; two daughters, Tanisha Bostic and Yoruba Pettiford; three brothers, Glen, Roderick, and Johnnie; two sisters, Joyce and Deidra; four grandchildren Roderick, Tyrika, Desmond, and Tyler; three great grandchildren, Simone, Coby, Ava and a host of other relatives and friends.