Ray Jarvis Obit

Ray Jarvis Obituary

 

He was not on the list.

Leon Raeminton "Ray" Jarvis passed away peacefully on August 3rd in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Born on February 2, 1949 in Chesapeake, Virginia to Dewotha and Walter Jarvis, Ray grew up in Virginia with five siblings.

Ray attended Norfolk State University, where his athletic career flourished. The Norfolk State Department of Intercollegiate Athletics inducted Ray into the 2023 Hall of Fame, stating:

"Ray established himself as one of the best deep threats in the country as an NSU wide receiver from 1967–70. While ranking fourth in program history with 2,211 career receiving yards, Jarvis holds the single-season record for yards per reception (30.8 in 1970). He was drafted in the fifth round of the 1971 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, enjoying a nine-year career at the highest level."

Ray played Wide Receiver (#45) for the Detroit Lions. He had a fantastic touchdown dance and scored often.

Of his many roles, he was above all an excellent husband, father, and caretaker. He was married to Diane Ahdea Jarvis (Abraham) for 39 years, and he and his family lovingly cared for his brother-in-law, Jeffrey Abraham. Ray also had two beautiful daughters: Rahdea and Shani.

Ray loved all sports, not just football, and was especially proud of Rahdea's gymnastics career, cheering her on at every meet he could. He never met a stranger and was the life of the party wherever he went. He was affectionate and loving, welcoming, with a great laugh, witty sense of humor, a peace maker, and amazing grocery shopper-always willing to run to the store for whatever ingredient we forgot to ask for the first time he went. He would do anything for his family and never complained.

Ray is survived by his loving wife, Diane Ahdea Jarvis; his beautiful daughters, Rahdea Jarvis and Shani Jarvis; his siblings: Walter, Jr., Melvin, Tommy, Marian Vick (Ron), and Semia Kargl; and many nieces and nephews who love him dearly. He is preceded in death by his parents Dewotha and Walter, and his siblings Jackie, Bernard, Jeffery.

Funeral service will be held on Friday August 7, 2026 at 10:00 AM at The Islamic Center of Michigan City, located at 1606 N 500 E. Michigan City, IN 46360, with visitation from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM. Services have been entrusted to Geisen-Carlisle Funeral Home, located at 613 Washington St. Michigan City, IN 46360.

Burial will follow in Greenwood cemetery.

He played college football for the Norfolk State Spartans and was selected in the fifth round of the 1971 NFL draft. Jarvis played in the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, and New England Patriots