Mr.Elbert Ray Whitehead, 65 of Charlotte, NC passed away Monday, March 8,2021 at his residence. Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 13,2021 at Gethsemane Memorial Gardens 1504 Sugar Creek Rd. West Charlotte, NC 28262 at 1:00pm. Public viewing will be held Friday, March 12, 2021 at Long & Son Mortuary Chapel from 6:00 pm-7:30 pm.
Elbert Ray Whitehead was born on July 30, 1955 and departed this life on Monday, March 8, 2021. He is the son of Shadie Ray Whitehead and the late Minnie Louise Horton.
Ray was born in Wilmington, NC where he spent most of his childhood before moving to Lakeland, Florida. He later lived his adult life in Wilmington, Delaware and Tampa, Florida before returning to his home State of North Carolina (Charlotte).
Throughout his school years, Ray participated in several sports including Wrestling and Football.
But once out of school, Ray’s passion for youth kept him busy as a Youth Worker, Drill Team Instructor, Football Coach and a Step Team Choreographer while dabbling in Acting and becoming an Ordained Minister.
Elbert Ray Whitehead was preceded in death by his mother, Minnie Louise Horton, his sister Sharon Tart (Robert), and son, Eric Best.
He is survived by his father, Shadie Ray Whitehead, his sons; Ray Lewis, Derrick Best, Anthony George, Ray’mel Jackson and Ray’mere Jackson and daughters Tiffany Jackson, LaQuesha Jenkins, LaKeisha Jenkins Clark and Rayshee Jackson; and his siblings Michael Whitehead (Lois), Curtis Smith, Jacqui Bryant (Robert), and Karen Sydnor (Donnie) and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Ray’s personality was big and his love was contagious. Affectionately known as “Pops,” he loved to sing, touched the hearts of many and will be missed by all.
