Raymond Allen ("Sugar Bear") Washington

It is with deepest sympathy that we announce the passing of Mr. Raymond A. Washington who entered into rest March 16, 2022 at his residence.

RAYMOND ALLEN WASHINGTON was the son of the late Elnora (Wiley) Washington and Samuel Washington, Jr.  Raymond, affectionately known as “Sugar Bear,” was born on July 14, 1954 in Columbia, SC.

Raymond was raised in the church and was a life- long member of St. Stephen Missionary Baptist Church.

He was educated in the public schools of both Dade (Florida) and Kershaw Counties. He was a 1972 graduate of Camden High School.

Raymond worked at E.I. DuPont and Invista for 44 years until his retirement.  While at DuPont, he was a member of the  company’s safety team, baseball team, and participated in the DuPont Bowling League.

Raymond had a passion for baseball that began at the age of eleven.  That love for baseball lasted a lifetime.  He coached the Knights Hill A’s in the late 1970s as well as the Camden Royals baseball and softball teams. Along with Donnell Cook and Kenny Cook, he managed the Angels softball team for over 20 years.  One of his greatest achievements was coaching and managing the “521 Allstars.”  

Raymond was featured in a book documentary on the black Semi-Pro baseball team “The 521 All-Stars” published in 1998 by Black Belt Press.  The book is on display in the African American History Museum in Washington, D.C. as well as the Museum of Negro League Baseball on Kansas City, MO.

Raymond leaves to cherish his memories and celebrate his life; children, Raymond (Renia) Patterson, Sekenna (Kilpatrick) Chisolm, R’Mondi Washington, and Malek Washington.  He was preceded in death by two sons, Allen E. Washington and Reginald Johnson.

Raymond leaves behind six siblings James (Salley) Caughman, Jr., Willie (Janie) Caughman, Anthony Washington, Elaine Washington, Dorothy Washington, and Jeana Bentil. He has eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren, along with a host of nieces and nephews, family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at Camden First United Methodist Church.  Interment will follow in St. Stephen Baptist Church Cemetery.  Viewing will be held from 3:00 PM until 5:30 PM Monday at the funeral home.

Professional Services have been entrusted to Brown's Funeral Home.

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