Ray M. Holloway

Ray McGrath Holloway Sr. was born on April 4, 1952, and entered eternal rest on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the Washington Hospital Center. He was one of six children born to the late Mr. Herman F. Holloway and Mrs. Vannie Holloway Downs. From an early age, Ray carried a quiet strength and natural gifts that shaped a remarkable life filled with craftsmanship, service, and love. Ray received his education in the District of Columbia Public Schools. As a young man, he discovered his passion for welding, a curiosity that quickly became a lifelong calling. For more than forty-five years, he served as a dedicated member of the International Ironworkers Union, earning a reputation as a master welder capable of transforming structure and beauty out of raw steel. His craftsmanship lives on in projects throughout the region, including the framework of Children’s National Hospital, and multiple Metro subway stations, each standing as a testament to his skill, discipline, and devotion to his craft. Ray’s gifts extended far beyond industrial welding. His artistic talent was exceptional. He could draw and paint with remarkable accuracy and emotion, and he later fused his technical skills with creative expression through metal sculptures. His studies and teaching at Howard University nurtured this artistic journey. Ray collaborated on several works with Richard Hunt, the world renowned sculptor from Chicago, and proudly installed Hunt’s sculpture Swing Low at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. He also contributed to Hunt’s sculpture in front of the Blackburn Center at Howard University, along with other significant sculptures located in Atlanta, Chicago, Washington, Pittsburgh, and Virginia. His art reflected his imagination, precision, and his deep pride in elevating Black creativity and culture. Ray accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Morning Star Baptist Church in Spring Grove, Virginia. While a devoted member of Springfield Baptist Church in Washington, DC, he faithfully served Boy Scout Troop 307 as Scoutmaster, mentoring young men and instilling values of leadership, responsibility, and integrity. He also taught welding to young men in the neighborhood to foster purpose, skills, and a pathway toward productive futures. Years later, he became a founding and devoted member of New Jerusalem Christian Fellowship, where he served as a Deacon and Trustee. Ray loved the Lord and his church family. His favorite scripture was Joshua 1:7, “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do all according to the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.” His steady presence and warm spirit touched many lives. Ray also had a lifelong love of horses. He was a skilled horse breaker and trainer known for his patience, confidence, and respect for the animals he trained. His horses Lazarus, Thunder Cat, Sonny, and Sheik were a reflection of his unique gift for calming, guiding, and preparing even the most spirited horse. Ray was preceded in death by his father, Herman F. Holloway; mother, Vannie Holloway Downs; brothers, Larry Holloway and Steven Holloway; sister, Sheila H. Briscoe; and son, Cameron Clayton. He leaves to cherish his memory his brother, Alvin Holloway (Sharon); sister, Kathy Holloway Mims (Quentin); daughters, Veronica Powell Shuford (Fred), April H. Davis (Jonathan), and Lea H. Ferrell; sons, Ray M. Holloway Jr., Dameion Clayton (Myiah), and Bryan Holloway (Sasha); and bonus son, Marvin Hollin (Brita). He is adored by his grandchildren Evans Holloway (Marcea), Cameron Clayton Jr., Fred E. Shuford III (Trey), Christian Shuford, Cameron Lee, Kamaria Ruffin, Dylan Clayton, Ephraim Holloway, Olivia Holloway, Faith Holloway, Bryson Ferrell, and Jah’Zhier Holloway; great grandson Evans Holloway Jr.; and a host of additional nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends who will forever honor his memory. Ray’s life story was also shaped by the families he built through marriage. He is survived by his former wives, Neola Holloway Mays and Paulette Holloway Rush, with whom he shared years of companionship, fatherhood, and the blessing of the children they raised and nurtured. A service celebrating his life will be held at 1:00 PM on December 12, 2025, at Morning Star Baptist Church, 19121 Brandon Road, Spring Grove, Virginia. Rev. Dr. Robert L. Elliott Jr., Pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Ray’s life was a beautiful blend of craftsmanship, creativity, faith, and community. He leaves behind a legacy built with his hands, enriched by his art, and defined by the many people he inspired. His spirit will live on in the structures he built, the artwork he created, the young men he mentored, the horses he trained, and the family he loved beyond measure.

Tributes

Ray M. Holloway

April 4, 1952 - November 23, 2025