Willie Raymond was born in Homerville (Clinch County), Georgia to the late Katherine Raymond, "Doodar" and his stepfather John L Taylor Sr. He grew up in Homerville where he received his formal education from the Homerville Public School System. After graduating high school, he went on to join the United States Navy where he served for 22 years. He received one of our nations most prestigious and honorable awards, The Purple heart. Upon retiring from the Navy, he made Jacksonville, FL his home. He then began to work at NAS Jax for 15 years until his retirement.

On Sunday February 16, 2025, he departed this life in Jacksonville Fl after a brief illness. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Burton Raymond and Lucy Bell Morris Raymond; two brothers, Roger Taylor and Alfonso Cook; uncles, Owen Horne, Paul Raymond, and Albert Raymond; and aunties, Bertha Thomas, Ethel Mae Carter, and Jennie Ponder.

The powerful impact of his life and legacy will always be remembered throughout the community and amongst those whom he served his country with.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children: Willie Raymond and Keyanna Cooper of Homerville, GA; Destiny and Isiah Raymond of Jacksonville, FL; three grandchildren: Alaina Cooper, Ryli Collins, and Carson Cooper, all of Homerville, GA; siblings: Alma Jean Williamson (Clifford) of Homerville, GA; Eliza Taylor Chapel of Valdosta, GA; Tony Taylor Sr. (Carrie) of Waycross, GA; and John Taylor of Homerville, GA.