Raymond passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 26, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on September 28, 1943, the fourth child of Haywood Alphonso and Ruby Roberson Whitehurst.

He graduated from Bethel High School in 1961 and began working for L. J. Whitehurst Farms in Bethel. In 1964, he joined F. S. Royster Mercantile Company. On April 3, 1965, he married Jean Johnson Whitehurst. He proudly served in the United States Army from October 1966 until his honorable discharge in October 1968. Following his military service, he returned to Royster, where he remained until January 1993.

The Lord called Raymond first into the Gideon ministry and then into pastoral ministry. He was ordained in the North Carolina Conference of the Pentecostal Holiness Church in 1987. Throughout his years of ministry, he faithfully pastored churches in Windsor, Hobgood, Mount Olive, Jacksonville, and Bethel before retiring in January 2010. Even after retirement, his calling continued. He returned twice to pastor Hobgood Pentecostal Holiness Church and later served Brentwood Pentecostal Holiness Church for several years. He also preached at Tarboro First P. H. Church, Pender’s Chapel Baptist Church, First Free Will Baptist Church and others when the opportunity arose. Raymond never preached a denomination—he preached the WORD.

Outside of ministry, Raymond found joy in fishing, gardening, woodworking, and baking his famous caramel cakes for family birthdays. These simple pleasures reflected the love and care he shared so generously with those around him.

Above all, Raymond loved his Lord and made it his mission to tell others about Him. He carried and distributed small red stones as reminders of the blood of Jesus and was known for asking everyone he met, "Has anyone told you today that Jesus loves you?" His heartfelt question was almost always met with smiles, hugs, and grateful hearts.

The last four years brought many physical challenges, yet through them all, the Lord blessed Raymond with peace, contentment, and an unwavering smile that reflected his steadfast faith.

Raymond was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Cecil Whitehurst; and his sister, Grace Mosley.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 61 years, Jean Whitehurst; his daughter and son-in-law, Angel and Mike Medford; his granddaughters, Kristen (Luke) Farmer and Casey (Hunter) Davenport; his sister, Sarah Twiddy; and many cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Our family extends heartfelt gratitude to the many friends and loved ones who have called, texted, visited, brought meals, and shown us such extraordinary love and kindness during this time. We offer a special thank you to the entire staff of Gentiva Hospice, Action Health Staffing, Wanda Dail, Penny Moots, Essie Bryant, Ted Surles and the many others who cared for Raymond and our family. There are simply too many to name, but please know that your compassion and support will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be Thursday, July 30, 2026 at Carlisle Funeral Home in Tarboro, NC from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Celebration of Life service held on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Tarboro First Pentecostal Holiness Church, 700 W. Howard Ave., Tarboro, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Raymond's memory to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 15, Tarboro, NC 27886.