Rev. James "Ray" Madison

Reverend James "Ray" Madison , 87, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on Saturday, November 23, 2024. James was a loving and devoted husband to the love of his life, Stella Mae Madison. He was a devoted father and Papaw. Those that know James know that he first and foremost served and loved God and Jesus Christ our Savior, and put Him first in all he did. James was called on to preach the word of God numerous years ago and continued to follow that calling as a devoted pastor to Community General Baptist Church. He enjoyed traveling and especially "driving". Sitting on a cabin front porch in the great Smoky Mountains and taking in all of God's creations was one of his greatest pleasures. James enjoyed his bluegrass and gospel music and traveled often to attend gospel singings. To him, work was a joy and he had many good friends everywhere he worked, and especially at UPS where he was employed the last 25 years of a 71 year working career. James was a big Kentucky Wildcat fan who didn't hold back his feelings to the TV or radio when they played poorly. James will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing him. 

He was born on June 30, 1937 in Brownsvile, Kentucky to Ezra and Elnora (Wilson) Madison. He is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Stella Mae Madison; father, Ezra Alan Madison; mother, Elnora Madison; daughter-in-law, Tonya C. Madison; and grandson, Stuart Ezra Madison.

James is survived by his loving family, sons, James Ricky Madison, Bradley Leo (Connie) Madison, Jeffrey Lee (Karen) Madison; sister, Ellen Slaughter; as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, extended family and friends to cherish his loving memory forever.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Community General Baptist Church, 5115 Cane Run Road. His Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at Community General Baptist Church with burial to follow at Evergreen Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky .

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in James’s memory be made to Recenter Ministries, 757 S. Brook Street, Louisville, Kentucky 40203 . 

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