HAROLD CALVIN RAY: National stalwart succumbs to heart illness. He and his wife, Prophetess and Pastor Brenda Ray, founded Redemptive Life Fellowship (now Redemptive Life Palm Beach) in 1991. PHOTO BY ALAN LUBY FOR SOUTH FLORIDA TIMES

Condolences are pouring in from around the globe on the death of prolific preacher Harold Calvin Ray.

Ray passed on Sunday, May 4 at a Palm Beach County hospital. In recent years he suffered heart problems and bounced back; this time he succumbed to the illness.

“Bishop Ray was a remarkable phenomenal husband, father, grandfather and exceptional human being,” said his wife of 40 years, Prophetess and Pastor Brenda Ray of Redemptive Life Palm Beach.

“Though he is not with us physically here on earth, the impact that he had on all persons that he met, felt the love and heart of ABBA. He was a godly man, served his family church community and the global community. Love is eternal, and that’s who he was. Whether homeless men and women, presidents, kings, priests, he showed dignity and respect for all mankind. He was a true servant.”

They did virtually every aspect of ministry and life from the standpoint of togetherness. Ray is survived by her, their two adult children, Whitney and Christopher, and grandchildren.

Ray burst on the scene in South Florida from Texas with a massive presence. He and his wife founded Redemptive Life Fellowship (now Redemptive Life Palm Beach) in 1991. Pastor Brenda Ray owned a store in the Palm Beach Mall, which is now Tanger Outlets. He held a post under President George W. Bush.

Known as a big thinker with big ideals, Ray built affordable houses in Coleman Park in the predominantly African American neighborhood in West Palm Beach, providing many a first shot at home ownership.

A lawyer by trade, he worked with nationally recognized attorney Willie Gary. The two were not only law partners, but dear friends. He was front and center at the premier of the movie about Gary’s life, played by actor Jamie Foxx.

Pastors near and far are speaking about their friend and colleague, and stories are pouring in on Ray’s ingenuity, his effervescent personality and how he had helped so many.

“To the family of Bishop Harold Calvin Ray, you have our deepest sympathy during this time of your bereavement,” said Willie and Sharon Spence. “We’ve been in his presence countless times and our greatest memory is when our son (Willie J. Spence) attended school there and from Bishop Ray’s and Pastor Brenda’s spiritual guidance, later became the television show American Idol’s 1st runner up. Bishop Ray spoke at our son’s funeral and his words meant the world to us! Prophetess Brenda Ray & Family, we will always love & support you.”

Bryce Graham, third vice president of the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, tells a funny story of how he nearly caught Ray’s coat jacket on fire. Both were on program at a posh ministry event, when Graham accidentally knocked over a candle and wax spilled over Ray’s jacket. Ray wiped it down, went up to the podium and delivered his speech making no mention of the humbling experience.

Graham was just 8 years old he met Ray, and at the age of 10, Ray invited him to speak and prophesy in his church, solidifying the young boy as a ministry child prodigy. The two shared a lasting relationship not only as a mentor-mentee but with mutual admiration.

Ray was under the leadership of His Grace, Bishop Neil C. Ellis, founder, Global United Fellowship, located in the Bahamas, in the global united fellowship. “Harold Calvin Ray was a builder, who labored tirelessly to uplift the spiritual, moral, educational, financial, and social well-being of our people,” said Ellis. “An accomplished cleric, a strong apostolic father, a prince of the church, a mentor, counselor and a builder of men and ministries, Bishop Ray was one of the 21st century generals of the kingdom of God.”

Nationally known Bishop AJ Wright of Manifest Church in West Palm Beach said “Bishop Harold Calvin Ray was a rare and radiant light – brilliant in mind, bold in leadership, and boundless in his impact. His intellect was unmatched, his wisdom profound, and his vision for the Kingdom was global in scale yet personal in reach. As a friend, he was loyal, discerning, and present; as a leader, he was fearless, prophetic, and unapologetically called to shift atmospheres. His influence transformed not only our region but reverberated across the world through his preaching, teaching, and unwavering pursuit of justice and spiritual excellence. For me personally, he was more than a mentor – he was a compass, a covering, and a constant source of encouragement. My life, my ministry, and my very being have been deeply shaped by his love, legacy, and leadership.”

The Rev. Jamal Bryant of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church of Atlanta Georgia hailed Ray as “a tour de force of the Black church. He advised denominations, was the blueprint for bishopric and an astute student of scripture. His footprint extended from Florida to Kenya, but his legacy will have no borders.”

Local Pastors Bobby Gilbert Sr. and Dr. Annette M. Gilbert of In The Word Ministries Praise & Worship Center in Riviera Beach said “Bishop Harold Calvin Ray’s arrival to South Florida evoked a desperately needed spiritual renaissance. Bishop’s obedience to God and apostolic anointing caused overall cultural change – from “doing church to being the church” – as well as inspired mindset and lifestyle changes, not just locally, and nationally but globally! Even in the midst of resistance from many, the anointing of God on Bishop Harold Calvin Ray and his wife, Prophetess Brenda J. Rays’s life prevailed and brought new life! Bishop Harold Calvin Ray was, though humble, a God called and ordained spiritual giant. His transition leaves a pain that only God can heal; however, love and his legacy leaves life, teachings & memories that not even death can steal!”

The Rev. A. C. Evans, pastor of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church for 52 years, was a spiritual father to the Rays. In 2014, Ray presided over Evans’ retirement services at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Ray deemed Evans a spiritual guide and force in his life, and never missed an anniversary of Evans and his wife of over 70 years.

“Bishop Ray meant the world to me and this community and will be sorely missed,” said Evans, who at 94 years young drives to Pahokee every day to buy and sell real estate properties.

Evans said the two families fell in love decades ago when the Rays first arrived in South Florida and have been close ever since.

Sterling D’Von Shipp contributed to this story.