Willie Ray "RayJ" Dawsey III

Willie R. Dawsey III, 39 , of Columbus, passed away Friday, November 14, 2025 .

Willie Ray Dawsey III, affectionately known as Ray-J, was born on August 7, 1986, to Willie Ray Dawsey II and Lynnette Kendrick Dawsey. Ray was a Christian young man with a heart full of purpose. He lived with drive, determination, and faith, always striving to make the most of the time God granted him on this earth. From a young age, Ray-J knew what he wanted to do in life and he set out boldly to make it happen.

Ray-J graduated from Como Elementary, Medina Middle School, and Brookhaven High School. He later attended Urbana University in Urbana, Ohio, where he played football on a scholarship. In 2009, he proudly graduated with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, celebrated by his family, best friends, and loved ones. He was also just three classes away from completing his MBA from Southern New Hampshire University SNHU.

Willie Ray-J Dawsey III was a hardworking and devoted man—willing to do whatever it took for his family to succeed. Nothing meant more to him than God, his wife, and his children.

CAREER & PROFESSIONAL LEGACY

Willie Dawsey III built an exceptional 16-year career at JPMorgan Chase, where he worked his way up through excellence and perseverance. His dedication ultimately earned him the role of Vice President, Product Manager – Cash & Check. He was honored for his contributions by being selected for the 2025 Marquis Who's Who list in the banking industry. A mentor and friend to many, he left an immeasurable impact on his colleagues.

EARLY LIFE & ACTIVITIES

From ages 4½ to 17, Ray-J bowled, played chess, participated in gymnastics, and excelled in baseball and football. He earned varsity letters in academics, baseball, band, and football. He also faithfully served in The Lord’s Supper Pageant beginning at age 12, taking pride in his role both on stage and as part of the stage crew.

FAITH & FRATERNITY

Willie was a devoted member of Chapel North Church on Smothers Road in Westerville. He regularly attended church, even before football games. When he couldn’t make a service, he ensured his players prayed on the field before every game. He served on church security, volunteered at community events, attended church groups, and led a marriage group in 2024. Through Chapel North, he formed meaningful bonds and strengthened his walk with Christ.

He was dedicated as an infant, baptized at Tabernacle Baptist, and attended Sunday School faithfully. R-Jay was mentored by members of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity within his church. These men poured into him spiritually and supported his growth as a leader, husband, father, and follower of Christ. In college, he became a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc., carrying the values of brotherhood, service, and scholarship throughout his life.

HOBBIES, COACHING & COMMUNITY IMPACT

Football was Willie Ray-J Dawsey aka Coach Willie’s passion. He coached his sons Winston and RJ from age four in both flag and tackle football. Recently, he led the JFWL K–2 Cardinals to runners up in the championship in 2024 and assisted the 3rd–4th Grade Westerville Greys, to completing an undefeated 8–0 season as the defensive coach. Coach Willie loved his players and often called them “my kids,” passionate in mentoring kids who needed guidance or a father figure present.

He also supported his daughters as an assistant for the Westerville North Track & Field team, where his daughters Ava and Mila are 3rd-year athletes. He was always ready to time races, help at concessions, move hurdles, and volunteer wherever needed. Willie Ray-Jay Dawsey was a die-hard Florida State fan ‘Go Noles!” he still cheered for the Ohio State Buckeyes unless they played his Seminoles, which caused some arguments at home occasionally since his wife is an OSU alum and die-hard Buckeye!

FAMILY

His loving wife of 14 years, Ashley Dawsey.

Willie was a wonderful husband & father—devoted, gentle, and unwavering in his love. He treated his wife like a Queen most days and poured his all into his children. He will be truly missed. His legacy will live on through his children and the many wonderful memories of those who knew him. He served the purpose God put before him and left a positive mark on this world.

He Leaves behind:

Daughters: Ava Marie and Mila Ann

Sons: Willie Ray IV (RJ) and Winston

Father & Mother: Willie R. Dawsey II & Lynnette Dawsey

Father & Mother-in-law: Alonzo Thomas Sr. & Lisa Thomas

Grandmother-in-Law: Dorothy Louise Woods, Pauline Thomas

Sister: Barbara Dawsey-Crosby

Sister-in-Law: Lakia Dreggs, Aliyah Ducksworth, Anita Thomas, Rihanna Thomas

Brothers-in-law: Alonzo Thomas, Andre Thomas, Adam Thomas, Aaron Thomas

Nieces: Layla Green & Ravin Crosby

Aunts & Uncles: Sharon Hopkins, Lillie Taplin, Thelma Thomas, Lawrence Dawsey, Joy Thomas, Deborah Peoples, Aymond (Velma) Kendrick, Frank E. Hopkins, Rev. James (Annie) Dawsey, Michael Dawsey, Johnny Dawsey, Dwight Dawsey, Jowanna Dawsey, Gregory Thomas, Willey Dawsey, Gregory Thomas, Rodney Thomas, Guy Thomas, Keith Thomas, Mark Thomas.

Preceded in death by: Daughter- Allison Nichole Dawsey, Grandparents Willie & Barbara Kendrick, Jethro & Thelma Dawsey Aunt Muarita Furgerson, Grandfather-in-Law George R. Woods, and other beloved cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

Also, a host of loving family, friends, fraternity brothers, coworkers, church family, mentees, and acquaintances.

LOVE LETTER TRIBUTE FROM ASHLEY

Willie… you were my heart, my protector, and my true love. You lifted me up in every season and

made me feel cherished, adored, and safe. You treated me like a queen not just in words but in

every choice, every sacrifice, every provision, and every moment you put me & our children first. I will always be your true love. Our love is eternal in this life and the next.

There will be a Funeral Service & Celebration of Life. The Funeral Service will be held on November 22nd, viewing from 1:00 -2:00pm. Funeral Services begin at 2:00p end at 3:00p at Tabernacle Baptist Church 2188 Woodward drive Ave, Columbus OH 43219 with Reverend Verlin Samples officiating. A Celebration of Life will be held on November 23, 2025 from 5:00 to 6:00p at Chapel North 5325 Smothers Rd, Westerville, OH 43081 with Pastor Loida Howell officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chapel North 5325 Smothers Rd, Westerville, OH 43081 OR, Tabernacle Baptist Church 2188 Woodward Drive Ave, Columbus OH 43219. To share a condolence with the family, please visit www.NewcomerColumbus.com