Winston Ray Blackman was born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi to the late Samuel and Willie Ruth Blackman. He was the fifth of fourteen children, two proceeding him in death, Jerry and Darryl.

Affectionately known as Ray, he attended and gave his life to Christ at True Light Missionary Baptist Church of Hattiesburg, MS at an early age. Ray graduated from Hattiesburg High School in 1971. Ray moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan in the early 1980’s becoming a member of The Bible Church of Ypsilanti, Michigan. In 1986, Ray and Wendy Whitfield Blackman married, sharing two daughters. Ray worked for Ann Arbor Transportation Authority as a motor coach operator for several years.

Ray departed this life on November 9th, 2022, leaving behind five children, DeJuan (Yolanda Comfort Simmons), Naomi (Richard Nocera), Angelia (Daryl Vaughn), Vannessa and Victoria; grandchildren, William, Kah’myia, Sequoia, and Ella-Grace; siblings, Larry (Clara), Linda, Dwight (Linda), Anthony, David (Elizabeth) Gloria (Ernest), Alfreda, Kenneth (Winfred), James, Tynia (John), and Sarita; and family-in laws, Saundra Blackman, Wayne, Richard and Michael Whitfield. Ray is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He will be missed and forever live in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Bible Church at 611 E. Cross St., Ypsilanti on Friday, November 18, 2022 at 10:00 am. A burial will take place after the ceremony at Oak Grove Cemetery in Dixboro at 12:00 pm.

Please sign the Tribute Wall and share a memory of Winston.