Ray D. Torrence

Ray David Torrence Sr.

Sunrise: December 13, 1957 Sunset: September 2, 2025

We celebrate the life of Ray David Torrence Sr., born December 13, 1957, in Akron, Ohio, and called home on September 2, 2025, in West Union, South Carolina, where he had lived since 2021.

Ray grew up in Akron and graduated from Copley High School, where he excelled in basketball and earned a scholarship to California University of Pennsylvania. Basketball was more than a sport to him—it reflected his discipline, teamwork, and spirit.

He devoted his life to serving others, working as a Security Officer for Summa Health Systems, a Police Officer for Twinsburg Township, and later as a Bus Operator for Metro Regional Transit Authority, retiring with pride after faithfully serving the community. Ray touched countless lives with kindness and reliability throughout his career.

Ray’s passions included Moo Duk Kwan martial arts, drumming, fishing, hunting, and coaching basketball and baseball. A devoted Cleveland Browns fan, he was loyal through every season. He was well known for his fellowship, laughter, and legendary cooking through Big Ray’s Ribs & Catering, where no guest ever left hungry.

A faithful member of Ebenezer Baptist Church in West Union, SC, Ray shared his gifts of rhythm and spirit through music and fellowship.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Barbara Jean Torrence, and his beloved wife, Virginia “Jenny” Torrence.

He leaves to cherish his memory his children: Ray (Christina) Torrence Jr., Roy (Jennifer) Torrence, and Tamiah (Erick) Torrence-Hunt; his extended daughters, Takenya Lindsey and Taleia Stevenson; his brother, Keith (Dionne) Torrence; his sister, Cassandra “Sandee” (Ricky) Torrence-Clayton; his niece, Janaé Turner; his nephew, Aregeros Turner II; his grandchildren: Rayannah, Cierra, TreVon, Alexis, Jordan, Aleiah, Bryant, Jayce, Evan, Brea, Elijah R. Torrence, and Gabriel R. Torrence; his great-granddaughter, Ja’liya D. Mushamuka; along with a host of family and friends who will miss him dearly.

Ray lived fully, gave freely, and loved unconditionally. His legacy endures in all who were blessed to know him.