Ray Charles passed this morning at the age of 73 years. One of my favorites that he sang was "Georgia on My Mind."

-- Anonymous, June 10, 2004

Answers

I'm wearing my sunglasses tomorrow to the office as a sign of mourning. Maybe Ray's timeless and classic rendition of "America, the Beautiful" will now be officially adopted as the National Anthem. The Star Spangled Banner is a bit hard for those who are singing-challenged, Jerryl, Robert and myself of course are excluded. QED

-- Anonymous, June 10, 2004

Don't you know they are jammin in heaven tonight!

-- Anonymous, June 10, 2004

According to the www.Yahoo.com News, a memorial service was planned for next week at Los Angeles' First AME Church, with burial afterward at Inglewood Cemetery.

-- Anonymous, June 10, 2004

Here's to one of the great entertainers America has produced. Her is to a man that did not need eyes to see his people or his country. Noone I have seen for a very long time could sing with all of the passion and all of his essence like Ray Charles.

I agree Bill is rendition of America the Beautiful still brings tears to my eyes. The Brother sang from his soul. God Bless his family during this time of bearevement.

Blessings from Bermuda

-- Anonymous, June 11, 2004

Music lovers mourn the passing away of this stalwart who made anyone sensible to music love to hear his songs and tunes. Indeed, he did not have to see his audience. He was passionate about what he sang. It is his passion that captivated the hearer of his music.

May his soul rest in peace. Thanks be to God for his legacy.

-- Anonymous, June 11, 2004

The irony is that Ray Charles first performed America the Beautifull at President Reagan's second inagural and they both pass on within a week of each other.

-- Anonymous, June 11, 2004

In March of 2001, Ray Charles donated 2 million dollars to Wilberforce University.

-- Anonymous, June 14, 2004

Mary -

I hope with the size of this philanthropic gift Wilberforce has named a major building in Ray Charles honor. Actually, I could make a strong case that the entire university be renamed RCIT, Ray Charles Institute of Technology. I'm sure Larry Clark and other members of the 3rd District would have an opinion or two on my proposal :-)

Where did you read or see that Ray Charles donated $2 million dollars to Wilberforce University? I would like to share this information at a future Lay Meeting but I can't make a blanket statement without the source. AMEs are spread out over 19 Districts but in reality we are all descendants from Thomas and have maintained residence in Missouri ("The Show Me State") :-) QED

-- Anonymous, June 14, 2004

It was printed in the Wilberforce University Alumni magazine. (Sorry, I did see and read the article, but I cannot remember the name or the issue. A member of my church and proud alumnus of WU showed it to me.)I am sure if you contact the university they will confirm. In the meantime I will ask Ms. D for the details.

-- Anonymous, June 14, 2004

Mary -

I just read about the $2 million gift from the homepage of Wilberforce U. Thanks for sharing about this gift. I had no knowledge about this gift from Ray Charles until you posted the information. This is a significant amount coming from an icon in American entertainment. It puzzles me why it has not been heavily publicized. I wonder how many other folks don't know about the Ray Charles-AME connection? I also read on the same site where Leontyne Price (Wilberforce alumn) is also a major philanthropic contributor to the school. QED

-- Anonymous, June 14, 2004

I understand that Wilberforce is using the money to establish the underpinnings of a strong music school with that will also specialize in African American Christian Music. What a wonderful blessing not only to church but to the world. Great job President, Pastor Flake. Let us continue to pray for the strength of our institution dedicated to Christ.

-- Anonymous, June 17, 2004

Today, Brother Charles will have a homegoing service at First AME Church in Los Angeles. I know it is going to be some good singing there today.

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2004

You can get a glimpse of the funeral service (basically the viewing) at First AME at the www.foxnews.com video site.

-- Anonymous, June 18, 2004