Early Ravazee's Obituary
Early Ravazee Obituary
Early Ravazee Jr. was born at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois on July 26th1966, to the union of the late Dan Ethel and Early Ravazee Sr. He was affectionately nicknamed “Manehead” by his dad when he was a toddler.
He confessed and embraced his Christian experience at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Dixmoor, IL and was baptized by the late Reverend Epsie E. Lee. He later joined Zion Travelers Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Alfred E. Smith.
He was known as a great debater and comedian by his family. He always had those around him laughing with his jokes. If you wanted to have a great debate, all you had to do was mention politics or world news and you would never get to the end of the conversation or have the last word. He enjoyed listening to all types of music, but he enjoyed show tunes more. While in conversation, sometimes, he would make up a song about whatever he was talking about and start singing in his deep voice while laughing. He was an awesome singer, there were not many songs he couldn’t sing better than the artist. ‘
Early was educated in the public schools in Dixmoor and Harvey IL. He attended both South Suburban College and Devry Institute of Technology. However, he found his passion attending CRST Truck Driving School. He became an over the road truck driver. He spent many years driving nationally and sharing his stories with his family. One of his greatest joys was that during the summer months he could take his children on the road with him. His children will forever hold those precious times and memories spent with their dad close to their heart.
He was united in Holy Matrimony to Gena M. Smith on October 18th, 1997. To this union 5 amazingly talented children were born: Joshua, Jordan, Jaelynn, Josiah and his last love JaNessa (his Poo).
On February 4, 2019 at 1:00 PM the Lord came down and told Early, “You have fought the good fight, You have finished the race, You have kept the faith, Now there is in store for you the crown of righteousness.” (2ndTimothy 4:7-8) Early walked with Jesus and His angels all the way home where a prepared place awaited him. We are glad that the Lord gently led him by the hand along a road of life that never ends.
Early Jr. was preceded in death by his parents Dan Ethel and Early Ravazee Sr., nephews Menarie and Roderick Capehart and niece, Catherine Ravazee-Harris.
Early leaves to cherish his loving memories, his wife Gena, 3 sons: Joshua, Jordan and Josiah; 2 daughters: Jaelynn and JaNessa; Sisters; Catherine (Ricky) Harris, Deborah, Kimberly and Dawnita; Brothers: Andre (Traci) and Daniel (Keandra); Sister-in-laws: Vanessa (Jerry) Rankins, Felicia, Candy, Rhonda, Vera; Brothers-in-laws: Father and Mother-in-law: Mr. and Mrs. Smith; Aunts, Mary Hicks of Detroit Michigan & Seretha Ravazee of Birmingham Alabama, His best friend/brother of over 40 years Willie Richardson Jr. and a mighty host of nieces, nephews, cousins & friends.
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