A TIME TO BE BORN
Raymond Gordon Albury, affectionately known as “Perry”, was born on the 17th November, 1954 in Nassau, Bahamas to Preston H. Albury, the former Member of Parliament for Rock Sound, Eleuthera (pre-deceased) and Amy Albury, former Geriatric Nurse (pre-deceased). He was number ten (10) of fifteen (15) children and a welcome addition to the family.
A TIME TO LEARN
Perry received his early education at Southern Junior School. He then went on to C.C. Sweeting High School and after graduating, he pursued his passions (cooking and technical skills) at C.R. Walker Technical College and received a Diploma in Hotel Catering and certifications in Cable Safety and Repairs. His desire to learn and develop further in his field of study, led him to the Cleveland Institute of Electronics, where he obtained an Associate of Arts Degree in Electronics, with specialized skills in Communications, Industrial Relations and Forsythes Closures. His passion for cooking was not wasted, as he was known by friends and family as an excellent cook and grill master.
A TIME TO PLAY
During the 70’s and 80’s Perry was a household name as he was featured in newspaper articles for his contributions in football, basketball and softball. He was a part of the BATELCO Ringers Slow Pitch Softball Team, Barclay’s Bank Eagles and the Iron Construction Fast Pitch Softball Teams, Beck’s Bombers Football Team, Community Basketball and Road Race Teams.
A TIME TO WORK
The specialized technical skills garnered, opened doors for him to begin his working career at BEC (now BPL) and then later on when he transitioned to BATELCO (now BTC), where he worked for almost twenty-five years prior to his retirement. At the time of his retirement, he had worked his way up to Senior 1 Technical Officer. After retiring from BATELCO, he worked for the Government of the Bahamas for several years as a Security Officer in Freeport, Grand Bahama. In 2018 he joined the Let’s Swim Bahamas team (Nassau, Bahamas) as a Swim Coach. This new career path was something he greatly enjoyed, as he took great pride in teaching the next generation how to swim. He enjoyed working with children and often shared fond stories of these experiences.
A TIME TO MAKE PEACE
Perry was a no-nonsense kind of person, and he projected a rough exterior, but he was a giver at heart, and he deeply cared for his friends, family, children and his God. In January 2018, he turned over his life to Jesus and made him his Lord and personal Savior.
A TIME TO DIE
In 2020, Perry began to experience a decline in his health, which impacted his quality of life and on the 17th of June, 2023, after a short stint in the hospital, Perry heard the call and he said goodbye to his life on Earth and took his rest with Jesus.
Left to cherish his memories are his Children: Tashena (David) Adams, Roshan Smith, Raymond Gordon “Perez” Albury Jr. (pre-deceased), Dario Rolle, Domonique Rolle, Desmond “Tecco” Rolle and Juan Woodside (adopted sons), JaNiesha Gibson (adopted daughter); Grandchildren: Donnelle Adams, Rhea Smith, Tarají Moss (adopted grandson) and Bethany King (adopted granddaughter); Great-granddaughters: Brianna Bethel and Kyianna Clark (adopted); Siblings: Melvina Albury J.P., Angela Albury (Barrett) Russell, Valarie Albury Seymour, Minerva Albury Bacon, Omath Albury, Sharon Albury Bennett, Patricia Albury Cook, Nora Albury, Georgina Albury Francis, Judith Albury Armbrister, Preston A. “Slinger” (Celestine) Albury Jr., Alphonso “Chicken” (Sharon) Albury, James Albury, Preston Albury III, Everette “E.K.” (Mavis) Burrows and Jewel Cartwright; Nephews: Orville Walcott, Jason Albury, Crispin Albury, Barrett Russell, Abby Gibson, Junior Gibson, Andrew Gibson, Micaiah Albury, Lemuel Francis; Nieces: Dafena Seymour, Shara Seymour, Christina Russell Culmer, Accia Albury, Amara Albury, Tereah Albury Thomas, Tia Maria Albury, Angel Gibson, Antoinette Bacon, Nicole Albury, Megan Francis, Jadah Francis, Daleah Francis, Prestique Albury, Dovanya Lightbourn; Grandnieces and Nephews: Dr. Barrack Stubbs and Omar Williams; Emery Thomas, Caleb Knowles, Chamal Albury, Shamara Albury, Jason Jayden Albury, Jayce Albury, Kyrie Albury; Cousins: Louise Gray, Ruth Rolle and Valarie Demeritte and numerous family and friends including Father Norman Lightbourne, Rev. Dr. Charles H. Rolle, Dr. Winston Churchill Rolle Esq., Melissa Daley, Michael (Phyllis) Moss, Greg Bullard, Craig Mitchell, Hesley Pinder, Averell (Paula) Mortimer “A.J.”, Roston Sweeting, Julieth Green, the Let’s Swim Bahamas team, the Fowler Street Community and Grace Community Church.
