Clarence Ray Watford, Jr. was born in Hertford County on October 3, 1951 to the late Clarence Ray and Virginia Harrell Watford. He departed his life on Thursday morning, May 28, 2026, peacefully at his home in Brooklyn, NY. At an early age he joined Mt. Pleasant Church in Harrellsville, NC. “Ray” attended school in Bertie County. Early in his teens he realized that he was needed at home and left school to help his father on the farm. Later he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He did his basic training in Parris Island, South Carolina. His duty took him to Okinawa, Japan during the Vietnam War.

After returning home from duty, Ray moved to Brooklyn, New York. There he met Audrey “Lee” Swain and her four children: Bertha “Loretta”, Rodie “Buddy”, Vanessa, and Ernest. Ray and Lee became a couple and he helped her raise her children. Years later in August of 1997 they were finally reunited in Holy Matrimony.

Ray was quiet and had a calm personality, until you got him upset. He was very protective of his family. He was a hard worker and enjoyed having a “good time”! He loved to dance. There was never a dull moment with him around.

Ray was proceeded in death by his parents Clarence and Virginia; his wife, Audrey Lee; and brothers: Bobby Earl and Tony Kennedy; Bonus children: Loretta Swain and Rodie Swain.

He leaves to cherish his memories five sisters: Betty (Larry) Watford, Patricia Thompson, Linda Williams, Margaret Bunch, and Dianne (Lafayette) Roberson. Two brothers: Jerome (Marcia) Watford and Ron (Felecia) Watford all of North Carolina. Bonus daughter Vanessa Swain and Bonus Son Ernest Swain both of Brooklyn, NY. One uncle: Luther C (Althea) Watford and two aunts: Hattie Mabine and Virgie Watford, all of North Carolina. Also left to cherish his memories: nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other family and friends.

He will truly be missed by his family and friends.