Ramon "Big Ray" Benitez

ROCKY MOUNT – Ramon “Big Ray” Benitez, age 58, passed away on Monday, July 21, 2025.  Born in Bronx, NY on March 30, 1967, he was the son of the late Ramon “Benny” Benitez and Maria Ascension Benitez.

Known affectionately by all as “Big Ray,” he was truly larger than life.  A proud Puerto Rican, Ray had a deep love for salsa music—and if you know salsa, you know he could dance.  Music in general brought him joy, and so did sports.  A die-hard Yankees, Duke, and New York Jets fan, he also loved playing ball and spending time in the water with his kids, especially during family trips to the beach where they’d often swim out farther than most.  Big Ray was the life of the party, a jokester who could light up any room with laughter and warmth.  He loved the simple pleasures of life—the sand, the ocean, and time spent with the people he cherished most.  A true hearted family man and protector of all those around him.  Above all, Ray loved his Lord and raised his family in the church, leaving a legacy of faith, laughter, and love that will live on in all who knew him.

Ray is survived by his wife of 15 years, Judith Sala-Benitez; his sons, Raymond Ellis Benitez and Bryant Luis Benitez; his sisters, Cynthia Benitez, Margarita Velazquez Torres, and Isabel Mane Benitez and husband, Raymond; his brother, David Benitez and wife, Christine; his sisters-in-law, Catherine Sala-Ferdinand and Elizabeth Sala-Cooper and husband, Oldyn; and his brother-in-law, Cesar Sala and wife, Katherine.

A Celebration of Ray’s Life will be held on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Calvary Chapel of Red Oak, 3731 Red Oak Battleboro Road, Battleboro, NC  27809 with Pastor Timothy Sauls officiating.  A visitation will be from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Sanctuary of Calvary Chapel of Red Oak.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Ray’s memory to Calvary Chapel of Red Oak, 3731 Red Oak Battleboro Road, Battleboro, NC  27809.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.