Raymond McElroy, Sr.

            Services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 18, 2018 at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 827 Wilson Ave., for Mr. Raymond McElroy, Sr., 91, of Hubbard, who peacefully entered eternal rest on Thursday, August 9, 2018 at Mercy Health St. Elizabeth Health Center.

            Mr. McElroy was born May 10, 1927 in Youngstown, a son of Edward and Susie Bonds McElroy.  He was a 1945 graduate of East High School and attended Wilberforce University. Raymond started to work at the early age of 9 selling the Vindicator Newspaper at a rock in downtown Youngstown.  He also worked with Jewel Tea Company, Atlantic &Pacific Tea Company (A & P) Warehouse, and General Fireproofing. He had been employed with Youngstown State University where he started the Classified Employees Union and served as its president.  He was also a Police Constable for Hubbard Township and served as captain of the Auxiliary Unit of Hubbard Police Department.  He served as president of the Hubbard F.O.P.A. (Fraternal Order of Police Association) #89 for six years.  He was a member of the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, its Trustee Ministry where he served as chairman for 23 years, and was chairperson for numerous years for the Church Anniversary Committee.  He was a member of the N.A.A.C.P., the McGuffey Center, Buckeye Elks, and the Gaylord Social Club.  He was one of the founding members of the Maplewood Park Improvement Club where he served as treasurer.  He was an avid bowler, enjoyed playing golf, loved sports especially the Cleveland Browns, Cavaliers and Indians.  In his early years he play semi-professional basketball.  He was honored by the Ebony Lifeline Hall of Fame for his basketball abilities.

            He leaves to  mourn his passing, but to rejoice in his peace, his son and devoted caregiver, Raymond McElroy, Jr.; his daughter, Jenifer (Shelly) Fisher-Johnson; three brothers, Howard (Rochelle) McElroy of Oregon, Randolph (Lestine) McElroy of Michigan and Ernie McElroy of Warren; three sisters, Juanita Ware, Evelyn Clark and Marva (James) Dobbs; a granddaughter, Veronica Fisher; three great grandchildren, Martel Fisher, Raymond and Danielle Catley; and three great great grandchildren, Martoney and Romeo; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family, church family and friends.

            He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, the former Norma Jean Alli, whom he married August 12, 1948 and who passed away February 15, 2001; two brothers, Velmon McElroy, Edward McElroy, Jr.; and three sisters, Christine Wolf, Sylvia Traylor and Lillian Gregory.

            Visitation will be Saturday from from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. at the church.  Arrangements entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips & Holden Funeral Home.

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