Raymond Bruton, affectionately known as “Pokey,” was born on December 30, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Dupree Bruton and Mary Hunt (Nee Germany). Eleven children were shared between the two, with Raymond being the youngest.

Raymond had five children of his own, Raymond Jr., Dareon (or Steve), Jamel (or Monty), Brandy and Demario.

He attended and finished school at East High in 1963. He played football as a half back from Elementary to High School. He had a love for the game, and he loved watching his great nephew and NFL running back, Kareem Hunt, whenever the Cleveland Browns would play. He said that “Kareem was not the first in the family to play at the Browns stadium” because he did so at the age of ten! “Pokey” also had fond memories of his older brother teaching him to swim, and afterward joined the swim team where he and the team were featured in the newspaper for their championship win. It was said of him that he was a great athlete.

Directly after High School, Raymond joined the Army at the age of 19. He served eight years in the army which included a tour in Vietnam. Later, he worked at RTA as a bus driver for sixteen years. But his passion was his singing career. He was always part of a band where many of their performances were featured on TV shows, including the Gene Carrol Show every Sunday. Highlights of his singing career included being the opening act for the Spinners and a performance at the Apollo in Harlem, New York. He received many accolades for this passionate and well-known talent.

Raymond also loved caring for the family home where he was raised. There he shared fond memories of growing up closely with his nieces and nephews. He was very independent and took care of the maintenance of his home where he kept his lawn well-manicured.

Raymond then made his most important decision by dedicating his life to serve Jehovah God in 1985. He truly enjoyed attending his weekly Christian meetings and field service. And even as his illness progressed and he could no longer attend in person, Raymond faithfully dialed in so as not to miss any of his meetings. He truly appreciated time with friends and relatives. Raymond died faithful to his God on Monday, February 19, 2024. He was loved by many, including those who assisted with his care in the final part of his life.

Raymond was proceded in death by his parents, Dupree Bruton and Mary Hunt (Nee Germany); his brothers, John Lee Hunt, Mickey Hunt, Melvin Hunt, Nate Hunt, Emmitt Hunt, Dupree Bruton Holley, Jr.; and his sisters, Elsie Christmas, Lillian Jenkins, Evelyn Jones, Gloria Hunter and Minnie Iverson-Mack.

He leaves to mourn his death his five children, fifteen grandchildren, five great grandchildren, a host of special nieces, nephews and many more relatives, along with over eight and a half million Christian brothers and sisters. He will truly be missed.