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Obituary For James Raleigh, Sr.
James Wesley Raleigh, Sr. was born to the late Luther Raleigh, Sr. and Lucille Staples Raleigh, August 11, 1934 in Guilford, NC. He transitioned this life peacefully surrounded by his family on January 26, 2022.
James came into this world through a miraculous birth weighing only 1 lb. 14 oz. His family and friends called him βRabβ. In 1953, he graduated from Dudley High School having served as the President and Treasurer of his class. In 1958, he was married to the love of his life, the beautiful Barbara Mae Ingram and they were happily married for 63 and a half years. He was employed as an Electrician for Western Electric in Greensboro, NC and AT&T in Winston-Salem, NC. While employed at AT&T, James saw the need to expand his knowledge in his trade by completing the Electronics Correspondence School in Iowa, finishing with an A+ average. James went on to attend Forsyth Technical Community College. James was a Tri-Skilled Tradesman. At AT&T he was a member of the Telephone Pioneers. He retired from AT&T in 1989.
In 1968, James became the Scout Master for Troop 159. For fifteen years he was known for his interest and concern for the boys in his troop. When the boys had no transportation to and from meetings and to camp, he was always willing to do whatever it took for the boys to have an enjoyable scouting experience. He was always abundantly prepared for camping by carrying his scouting equipment around in the trunk of his car. James and the scouts camped out in many places, such as Pilot Mountain, Woodyside School, Asheboro, Browns Summit, NC and oftentimes the Raleighβs back yard. He was able to take an all-Black troop to the National Jamboree at Philmont, NM. James always made sure that the boys were comfortable and had everything they needed for enjoyable and safe camping experiences. James always spent time teaching and communicating the need for the boys to exhibit good manners, appropriate behavior at all times, good communication, and for them to be the best citizens. Under his leadership the troop won many awards and ribbons for outstanding scouting. James was a kind neighbor. He oftentimes allowed people to borrow his truck for hauling and repairs. He was willing to lend a helping hand doing any type of electrical, plumbing or carpentry work. When he wasnβt helping someone, you could find him volunteering at the church.
As a life-long member of Persimmon Grove AME Church, not only did he repair things but also kept the grounds. James served his church many years in outstanding leadership as an Usher, Sexton, Asst. Superintendent, Sunday School Leader, Finance Committee and Cemetery Committee member, and as a Steward and Trustee where he served as Chairman. James and Barbara were the first couple to get married at the current church location.
James enjoyed bowling, playing softball, making brooms as a hobby, and being with family and friends. He was good in the kitchen too. He was known by many for making his famous candies: chocolate fudge nut, white chocolate fudge nut, peanut brittle, and peanut butter candy. He was also known to make a delicious meatloaf.
He leaves behind to cherish his memories: his wife, Barbara Mae Ingram Raleigh, a son, Barry Raleigh, a son, James Raleigh (Tonya), a daughter Traci Miller (Calvin); five grandchildren, Calasia, Triniti, Celeste, Taj and Calvin III; three sisters, Dorothy Jessup, Judy Frances, and Jane Rhodes, many nephews and nieces and a host of other relatives and friends.
A viewing will be on Saturday, February 5, 2022, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm in the Cassie Coote-Brown Memorial Chapel.
A service honoring his life will be held on Sunday, February 6, 2022 at 2:00 pm at Persimmon Grove AME Church located at 403 Dolley Madison Rd., Greensboro, NC 27410. Visitation will begin at 1:30 pm.
Interment will follow at Persimmon Grove Cemetery.
The family request all guest wear a mask and follow all COVID-19 protocols.
Professional services are entrusted to Perry J. Brown Funeral Home.
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Sorry for your loss, I do remember the bowling trips the group of us shared and the fun we had, James is gone but not forgotten. God bless. Wayne Richardson
Barbara, wishing you and your family strength and comfort at this time of great loss. I'll be holding you and yours in my thoughts and prayers.
Mrs. Gerry Harris
Gone to Soon ,Truly missed Uncle Rab,,Gone to soon, Rest in Power
Serena ,Audrey,Jahson, Love you guyππ’πππππ
Memories so many Uncle Rab,U will truly be missed, another Gone to soon,Allll that Love that you sharedπ’ Praying for Aunt Bob,Barry James a Traci,Please your Precious Grandchildren, Love you Uncle. Rsb Rest in Powerπππππππππβ€β€β€β€
Aunt Bobbi, Traci, James and Barry, sending you and your family my condolences and love. May God's love and your joyous memories of Uncle Rab bring you comfort and strength during this difficult time. My deepest sympathies. - Martin & Michelle Cole and family
Sending my deepest sympathy to the Raleigh Family.
Sharon M Saunders
I love you Uncle Ralph, always have, always will. Aunt Bobbi, cousin Traci, James, Barry and the entire family, I love you and pray that God will keep you in His care!
Traci Smitherman
Rab was a classmate of mine great guy he is now with our Lord Jesus Christ God Bless, Barbara you and your family. Carl R Lindsay Sr
God has called another one of His angels home. Praying for the Raleigh family during this difficult time. May God surround you with His Perfect Peace and Love. Johnnie Williams and Family
To Barbara and each family member, your cousin Ruth's family, send our deepest sympathy. Know that we love you all and are praying for you. Barbara, we always enjoyed the times we spent together at our family reunions. Wonderful memories were made. Rab was a very nice and enjoyable person to talk with. I love you Sweetheart, and send you all a virtual hug.
James you and your family have my deepest condolences on the transition of your father. My prayers are with you. Christine Crawford-Fewell
James you and your family have my deepest condolences on the transition of your father. My prayers are with you.
Traci, James And the family please accept our most heartfelt condolences for your loss! We are yet praying for you and your family. Please know that you are not alone and we are here for you. Pastor Earl and Sophia McBride
James and Traci, I hold you and your family in my heart and in my prayers. May God give you peace and comfort during this difficult time. Sherri Brown
My thoughts and prayers are with the Raleigh family at this time. RIP Mr. Raleigh.
Kenneth Brandon
To his family, I send sincere condolences to your family. He always smiled when saw in the neighbor. He was a kind man. Prayer goes up to you. May God blanket you in comfort as you grieve your Dad.
Praying for Mrs. Raleigh, along with James, Tonya and Taj, and the entire family. Christa Foust
Barry and Family, My condolences and prayers in the lost of your father. May you find sweet solace and peace as you reflect on the memories of wonderful conversations and delightful times you spent together. Mrs. Ora C. Grooms
On behalf of my Mother, Diane Buchanon and I, we offer our sincere condolences to the family, Barry, Tracey, James, and Barbara. Gardner Johnson
My condolences to Barry and family may God give you the strength ππΏπΉ....Diane Williamson
My sincere condolences and prayers are with the Raleigh family during this time of bereavement. George Matier
Barry and family, so sorry for your loss. Your parents were always the nicest people. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Leta Wright
My sincere condolences and prayers are with the Raleigh Family during this time of bereavement in the loss of a dear and kind man Mr. Raleigh. May God continue to bless and comfort you all today and for the days to come. Love, Bertha Brown
Uncle Rab, gone but you will never be forgotten. Always the quiet one. I have fond memories growing up at Persimmon Grove with you and Aunt Bob. God bless you Barry, James and Tracy and Aunt Bob. Marnita
Tracy and James my sincere condolences and prayers to you and your family on the transitioning of your father. Prayers for strength and peace ππΎππΎππΎ Felicia Reid
May God wrap his arms around you at this time and hold you tight.. Love y'all.. Candy
Barry and family, I am very sorry to hear about your father. I remember him all the way back to 1970 whenever you and I played on the Old Hickory Barbeque Little League Baseball team. He was always there along with your mother. He was a very nice man and I heard that he was a great firefighter also. You all are in my prayers and you will never forget him. I lost my mother on September 14, 2020 so I know the pain that you are feeling and will feel for some time to come. Take comfort in knowing that he is in Heaven now and no longer suffering and fellowshipping with God and all of his loved ones who passed before him. Mike Turner
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
