Ray Beckford's Obituary
Ray Alphonso Beckford, 91, of Tampa FL. Passed away on January 9, 2024, at Advent health hospital, Tampa. His death leaves a void in the heart of his family and friends that will be difficult to fill.
Ray was born on November 5, 1932, to Violet Ridley and Earnest Beckford in St. Catherine on the beautiful island of Jamaica. Ray emigrated to the United Kingdom in 1956 and married the love of his life Icelyn Veronica Sivelle in 1957. It was there in an environment vastly different from that of Jamaica that they began their life together.
In 1969 he returned to Jamaica and started his own delivery business and later emigrated to New Jersey, United States in 1974. After several years, Ray and Icelyn decided to leave the cold weather and relocated to Florida. There they attended Gateway Christian Center where they enjoyed the sermons, fellowship and made many friends. Ray also enjoyed a wide variety of Caribbean, Chinese, Italian and Indian cuisine. After retirement he enjoyed bowling with his nephew and friends on a regular basis. He was a kind, accepting and easy to converse with person who believed laughter was good medicine and overdosed on it daily. His departure comes as a tremendous shock, leaving gaping wounds that will be difficult to heal and heartfelt pain impacting family members and friends.
He is preceded in death by his sister Sylvia Beckford. He is survived by his wife Icelyn Beckford and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Our family appreciates the outpouring of love and well wishes that we have received.
What’s your fondest memory of Ray?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ray?
Share a story where Ray's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ray you’ll never forget.
How did Ray make you smile?