Ray Gipson
September 24, 1937 ~ January 4, 2015
Ramon “Ray” Gipson, 77, died Sunday, January 4, 2015 at his home following a lengthy illness. He was the loving husband of Priscilla (Lear) Gipson, with whom he shared thirty-five years of marriage.
Born in Georgia, he was the son of the late A.D. and Corene (Jones) Gipson. Ray was raised and educated in Roxbury and had been a Danvers resident for many years.
Ray was the lead singer of the G-Clefs, who had a gold record for the hit song “I Understand.” He also led the The Ray Gipson Band for many years, and was a member of the Doo-Wop Hall of Fame.
Ray had been employed at Hunt Memorial Hospital and later the Hogan Regional Center until the time of his retirement. He enjoyed volunteering his time with the Band of Angels.
In addition to his devoted wife, he leaves a son, Raymond Shepard of Fall River, several members of his extended family, and many dear friends. He was the brother of the late James Gipson.
A celebration of Ray’s life will be held on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2015 from 2-6PM at the Polish Club, 12 Cheever St., Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923. Arrangements are by C.R. Lyons & Sons, Funeral Directors, 28 Elm St., Danvers Square. www.LyonsFuneral.com
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Your Kindness and Your Voice will be forever in my heart an soul.
Love You Man
Robbie L
I remember all the kind words Ray would have while we worked together at Hogan. Also the many times I had the privilege of hearing him and hid band play. RIP Ray
One of the nicest people ever. Now his biggest fan Mark will get to hear him again.
RIP Mr. Ray.
His smile was beautiful , he always had a big hello for everybody and his voice will be remembered by all who heard it ! He will be missed.
For the years that I knew Ray, I never heard an unkind comment from him. I enjoyed his optimism. Always heard his spirited pace as he approached and the tune he hummed on his way. We would chat / compare the days of our respective youth; as our neighborhoods were most different. He was always positive. I will celebrate the time we shared together.
Ray you were a great man . kind Hearted . I enjoyed talking to you at Hogan . you were a great entertainer with your music . RIP .
A genuine, kind soul. The love and light surrounded him, every step had energy and rhythm that only Ray could carry. The “Hey-Hey” & early morning chats & laughs over coffee, a true Blessing. Shine on.
From the years in Roxbury to today, you were always one of the best people I knew!
Steve Marvin
Ray you will always be that great showman we enjoyed seeing you and the rest of the G Clefs at many places in and around Boston, I will always think of you and one of my favorite sayings you would say, ” Ain’t That Nothing. Rest Soulful Man.
Never forgotten Erlene, Elaine , Lenny, and the group from Marlborough, Ma.
PEACE.
So so sad! I used to love seeing him perform in bands with my Dad. Keep on ridin’ the “Love Train” Ray!
Love,
CarolLyn Manuel
I always enjoyed watching Ray preform listening to his amazing voice but more than that was his smile and good morning and little chats in the hallway that made my say
I don’t know two people who had more love and respect for each other than you Ray and Priscilla. I was really taken back the very last time that I visited you and you showed me your music awards so beautifully displayed on your bedroom wall. This blew my mind as I would have never expected this amazing achievement from someone so unasumeing as you. You cared more about others than yourself and even with my limited time knowing you I could see that this was a main strenght in your character and way of life.
I just wish you have landing in a place that has 24/7 music and a need to have a real professional on board with them.
Joe Barnett
thank you RAY for all the music you shared with me and my band (the Bluesbirds). you always impressed me everytime you sang. – mike devlin
Lit a candle in memory of Ray Gipson
Ray What can you say. He was the man. Always a smile for everyone. It was always a good morning when Ray was there. You will be greatly missed . See ya all at the Polish club.
As I lay awake at night replaying the significant points in my life, Ray you are always front and center from the St Richard days of the 50s to today. Ray, you, your hats, your smiles and your kind words have a permanent place in life. You not only were, BUT YOU ARE and will always be an inspiration to all who know you. My heart and prayers to you Priscilla, who I know loved Ray dearly. God Bless.
Ronnie Robinson
Ray, you and the G-Clefs have left so many with lasting memories. I had not seen you guys for decades, then one day I went to Indian Ranch for a concert and there you all were. It was so nice to see that you and the boys had not changed a bit. Had so much fun talking about the old days. Always with your smiles, and personalitys abound. You will be missed by many. God Speed.
Carolyn Bucchino from Marlboro.
To the loving family of Ray, I send sincerest condolences. Many memories of will be shared by longtime friends and prayers to help bring peaceful acceptance and comfort are being sent to Priscilla and the rest of the family. God loves us all and has a timetable when we all will be joined again in celebration. Remembering his smile and voice is a gift to treasure. From Sandra (Lee) Hicks & Family
Priscilla,
This is the time to remind you you’re not alone, that thoughts are with you, memories surround you, and friends are all around.
I will always remember Ray’s million dollar smile. He will surely be missed.
So sorry for your loss
Arlene Fernandes
Priscilla, over 50 years ago Ray helped us celebrate our marriage, but even
before that he was a sweet guy, and a gentleman. We had the pleasure of
helping him and you his lovely wife celebrate 25 years of your marriage.
He was a dear friend, and we will miss him. Our thoughts are with you.
Joe and Joanne Jordan
I had the privledge of working alongside Ray around 1989/1990 at JT Berry. We were unlikely friends . He an older african american man and me a teenage white kid who didnt know anythung about life. Ray spent hours with me telling me about his music career, famous people , hed met, mistakes he had made and ,above all the enduring love he had for his wife. We got to see the clefs perform once as well it was great. He even invited me, my girlfriend and a i buddy of mine to his studio in an attempt to teach us to sing. I hadnt spoke to Ray in many years but i will forever treasure the times we spent chatting and the wisdom he imparted to me. Godspeed , my friend. Until we meet again