In Loving Memory of Barney Ray Cobb

Today the Community Empowerment Fund mourns the loss of our dear friend, Barney Ray Cobb. Born in 1951, Ray passed away suddenly on the night of Friday, June 3, 2011 as the result of severe cardiac arrest. CEF was blessed to be with him in his last moments, and heartbroken at the same time.

Our thoughts are with all those who knew Ray. He was such a jovial soul, and will be missed by so many. A gentleman, friend, big talker, great debater, renowned electrician, and poet, Ray was incredibly honest, genuinely caring, welcoming, and always had a witty joke to share. We were so lucky to have him as a part of our beloved community, however briefly.

CEF invites you to celebrate Ray’s life during a memorial service on Monday, June 13th at 6:00pm at HOPE Gardens in Chapel Hill. Bring stories and memories to share. Whether or not you knew Ray in life, we hope you will join all of the CEF family to honor, appreciate, and show our collective love for his memory. Please spread the word, or as Ray would say, “Tele-phone, tele-vision, tell-a-woman.”

With love and appreciation,

The CEF Family

Vision / Creation
By Barney Ray Cobb
Published in the Spring 2011 Issue of Talking Sidewalks

We see flowers—We think beauty—We feel good
We see one person help another in need
We think caring
We feel good
We see muscles—We think strength
We feel good
We see mountains—We think creation
We feel good
We see a child smile—We think love
We feel good
We help others feel good, beautiful, helpful, strong
We feel, think and see love
We help others feel, think, and see love.
We see a better and more loving universe created.