Raymond Claude Barmore

Raymond Claude Barmore's life story began on September 16, 1968 in New York City. He was born to Deloris Peterkin Barmore and the late John Matthew Barmore, Sr. His life story did not end, it was only paused on May 27,2018 in Norfolk, Virginia. Raymond or Ray as he was called, was raised in the Bronx, New York. He received his early education in the New York City Public School System. He attended Pablo Casals School IS 181 . and graduated from Harry S Truman High School in 1986. As a young child Ray attended Friendship Baptist in Harlem. In his teen years he was baptized in Community Protestant Church in the Bronx. Ray was a very active church member, he made his presence known and was loved by everyone. When he was diagnosed with Diabetes at the age of 13, Ray began to show the strength, courage and determination that would remain with him all his life. He never let the disease stop him from doing the things that he loved. He played football at Truman, made lifelong friends and did all those things that teenagers do. His love of barbering began at Truman. Ray furthered his education at Queens College in Queens, New York and at Norfolk State University in Norfolk, Virginia; he continued his educational pursuits throughout his life. While at Norfolk State he met and married Jacqueline Bonner. Three daughters were born to this union, Nyema, Imani and MeKayla. The "girls" as he called them were the loves of his life. He was a father, a mentor, a friend. He was their rock; they were his lifeline. Through illness, through good times and bad, they knew he was there for them and he knew they were there for him. Ray enjoyed a long career as a Master Barber. He received his Barber License on June 8, 1992 from Kappatal Cuts in Portsmouth. He went on to work at Stylistic Cuts and Touch of Class. While he was a barber by trade, Ray was an entrepreneur at heart. He was a man of many talents; a natural salesman, never afraid to try new things and new ideas. At Norfolk State he sold candy, hair products and cut hair on the side. He had a thriving business in women's purses, He was "Mr. Ray the Bag Man". He created tee shirts "Mr. Ray's Team Touch" which he hoped would appeal to men and women of all nationalities that worked in the haircare business to come together and work to unify the city and to make changes for the betterment of the community while improving their own stations in life. His natural "gift of gab" afforded him the opportunity to work with The Toastmasters. Ray loved life and he loved people, he loved his family. He was an entertainer, he created dishes and fancied himself a gourmet cook. Music was his passion and he was preparing for career as an OJ. Ray's clothes were statements; he did dress. He was a New York Giants fanatic. Ray had a warm, loving spirit; he saw good in every person. While he was a great talker, he was also a good listener. He had the capacity to forgive; wisdom to council and the heart to love. He was a spiritual man, He took religion seriously. He studied for the ministry, for a time he was known as "Rev. Ray." By the end of his life, Ray had endured much; diabetes, dialysis; amputations; infections but through it all his faith in God never wavered. He always looked on the bright side, he had a positive approach to life. He always believed things would "work out". The strength, determination and courage he developed as a child saw him through. Raymond Claude Barmore was a gift to those who knew him, a gift of love, warmth and kindness. Many will remember him fondly, but those who cherish his memory most of all are his children, Nyema Rae, Imani Leigh and MeKayla Jon; his mother, Deloris Peterkin Barmore; sisters, Desiree Barmore-Smith and Lee Kimball Outlaw Barmore (New York); brothers, Keith Barmore (Virginia) John M. Barmore, Jr. (Australia); stepmother, Barbara Outlaw Barmore (New York); aunt, Rose Ellen Flack (New York); uncle, Kalafia Saladin (New York); nieces, Ashlee R. K. Smith (New York); Tess Barmore (Australia); nephews, Braxton Barmore (Arizona); Nelson Smith (New York); Will Barmore (Australia); great-niece and great nephew, Brylen and Allyanah Barmore (Arizona); brother-in-law Jeffery Smith (New York); two who were like mothers; Dorothy Gordon (Virginia) and Martha Lee Jones (New Jersey) and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Raymond Claude Barmore

September 16, 1968 - May 27, 2018