Obituary of Raymond Coursey

Raymond Coursey, 97 of Atlantic City, transitioned to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, January 10, 2022, at home surrounded by his family. He had been in declining health over the last few years. Born in St. Mary's County, Maryland on April 21, 1924, Raymond moved to Atlantic City in the 1930’s and attended Atlantic City Schools. In 1942, Raymond joined the United States Army, valiantly serving his country in the South West Pacific, where he was injured. In addition to the Purple Heart (which he refused) Raymond received the Bronze Star for his participation in the New Guinea Campaign, Utility Rifleman 121 S.S. Rifle M1. Raymond was a true patriot and a member of the American Legion Kenneth Hawkins Post 61. He proudly portrayed his American Flag as he drove throughout the area. In the 1940’s, Raymond met and married Hazel L. Brantley of Hawkinsville, Georgia. From this union was born 4 daughters and 8 sons. Two daughters, Dianne and Regina, perished in a house fire, which inspired several of his sons to become firefighters. Raymond was a dedicated husband, father, teacher, disciplinarian and provider. Raymond’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to be owner/operator of Ray Coursey and Sons, a trash hauling and removal business, which he operated for many years. Raymond was a member of Allen African Methodist Episcopal Church on Leeds Avenue in Atlantic City. He helped Reverend Samuels and the membership erect the sanctuary at that site. He was a member of Prince Hall Lodge #27 until 1986, organized the 3R’s Club, the Unity Club and the 4 Seasons. In 1957 Raymond joined the Elks, I.B.P.O.E. of W. He moved up through the ranks and in 1977 achieved the rank of Commanding General for all of South Jersey, which included, posts in Asbury Park, Atlantic City, Bridgeton, Camden, Eatontown, Freehold, Neptune, New Brunswick and Trenton. He served in the Elks Band with Mrs. M. Thompson and kids, stating he was very happy when they named the Rayettes after him. His gratitude to his Elk family, his Triver Club friends and his bus trip companions was a source of comfort to him in his latter years. Raymond received many awards and commendations from area organizations and will be missed by the Atlantic City Community. He is survived by his wife of 75 years, Hazel L.(Brantley); his daughters Brenda (Donald) Gilbert, Beverly (Richard) Coles; sons Raymond, Jr.(Pam), Robert, Edward (Patricia), Keith (Monica), Kenneth, Ernest (Leslie), Halbert and Harold. He will be sorely missed by his grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and adopted children. Memorial Services with Military Honors will be announced at a later date.