Raymond Lee Leach

Raymond “Billy” Lee Leach completed his life's journey on Saturday, June 4, 2022. The son of the late Andrew Blackmon and Queen V. Massenburg was born September 7, 1941, in Kinston, North Carolina. Raymond began his life's journey over eighty years ago.

He completed his education in the Public School System in Kinston, North Carolina. After graduating from high school, Raymond joined the United States Air Force in 1964. Following his service in the United States Air Force, he began his civilian career in the Washington, DC area.  He began his career with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (METRO). Raymond worked with the transit system for 38 years. After his retirement in 2005, he and his late wife Jacqueline (Jackie) relocated to Fayetteville, North Carolina.

The love of God was an important ingredient in Raymond's life. Prior to relocating to Fayetteville, North Carolina, he worshipped at First Baptist Church of Marshall Heights in Washington, DC. Knowing the essential need to continue strengthening his spiritual growth, his religious values, and to maintain his committed and dedicated practice to be actively involved in the church, he and his wife joined Jones Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Red Springs, North Carolina.

As an active member of Jones Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, Raymond served as a very supportive Trustee, Secretary of the Laymen League, Church Anniversary Chairperson, and an integral member of the Finance Committee. He was instrumental in helping to acquire the digital church sign in the front of the church. Raymond served Jones Chapel Missionary Baptist Church faithfully until his declining health.

Focusing on his organizational involvement, he became a member of the Masonic Lodge (Hiram Lodge #4 PHA) in Washington, DC and Bowie, Maryland. A major part of Raymond's life also included helping others, ensuring his family was taken care of, and serving in the community and the church.

Raymond was preceded in death by his wife, Jacqueline McNeill Leach (Jackie); his son Raymond D. Leach; brothers: Charles Leach (Bay); sisters: Brenda Leach, Blenda Lassiter (Baby Gal), and Della Leach; his mother, Queen Victoria Massenburg; and his father, Andrew Blackmon.

Raymond leaves to cherish fond memories two daughters: Vanessa Leach and Raynette Heath; four grandchildren: Monica Layton (James), Briana Leach, Jordan Leach, and Rayshawn Hall; six great grandchildren: Mason and Ethan Layton, Trinity Hall, Jailyn, Jasmine and Chelsie Layton; one brother: John Leach; one God-son, Calvin Ramseur, (CJ); one sister, Lois Dawson; two sister in-laws: Katie McNeill Moore (Elwood), and Rosemary McNeill-Monroe (Ronald); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, special friend Elma Patterson, friends, and family in North and South Carolina and the DC area.

Raymond will be incalculably missed by those who loved and cared for him.

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