Raymond Manning

Mr. Raymond Manning was born on December 5, 1946, in Kansas City, Kansas. He was the second triplet brother born as the Manning Triplets. Mr. Ray Manning, Jr., the eldest triplet brother, and the late Mr. Rayford Manning, the third triplet brother. The triplets made history upon birth, being the first African American triplet boys born at Douglass Hospital in Kansas City, Kansas.

He received his formal education at Sumner Academy in Kansas City, Kansas, graduating in the class of 1966. After graduating from High School, Raymond began his career with Kansas City Power and Light Company (KCPL). Raymond was a dedicated, committed, and faithful employee and retired after 54 years.

Raymond fell in love with Mary Jean Taylor in 1967 and during their marital union they had their first-born son, Randal Manning. Later in 1981, Raymond met Brenda Gardner, and during their marital union they had a second-born son, Reginald Manning.

Raymond’s Christian journey and commitment to Christ began when he was a child. His mother, the late Mrs. Willa Mae Manning, was the originator and pioneer of the gospel music group, The Manning Singers. The group consisted of Marva Manning-Whitney (sister), the triplets (Ray Jr., Raymond, and Rayford Manning), and the twins, Melvin and Marvin Manning (brothers). As Raymond became an adult, he continued to sing for the Lord, along with the rendering of his skills as a Bass guitar player. The Manning Singers became known as The Ray Manning Singers in 1972, and Raymond was one of the founding members of the group. Raymond was dedicated and faithful to The Ray Manning Singers group, singing and playing the bass. He traveled extensively with The Ray Manning Singers, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and ministering through Zion songs.

Raymond was blessed to be a part of every major album/recording of The Ray Manning Singers: 1978 “Dr. Vernard Johnson presents the Ray Manning Singers” (Glory Records & Tapes – NY) produced by Dr. Vernard Johnson; 1981 “Look What You’re Missing” (Savoy Records – NJ) produced by Milton Biggham; 1986 “You Got To Be Free” (Morada Records, Nashville, TN & later released on Quick Silver Records, Reseda, CA) produced by Dr. Vernard Johnson and James Bignon; 1991 “The Ray Manning Singers – Songstylists On A Mission” (Stairrail Records – Kansas City, MO) produced by Rev. Daryl Coley & Keith Tribitt; and 2003, “Lord We Praise You” – Single (Afinia Music – Kansas City, MO) produced by Keith Tribitt.

Raymond, along with The Ray Manning Singers were also committed to outreach by ministering in several prisons/county jails: Leavenworth Federal Prison, Lansing State Prison (Men & Women), Cook County Jail (Chicago, IL), Wyandotte County Jail (Kansas City, Kansas), and Jackson County Jail (Kansas City, Missouri).

Raymond continued to expand the gifts and talents that the Lord blessed him with by appearing alongside his eldest triplet brother, Ray Manning, Jr., on Christian radio broadcasting. Ray and Raymond Manning were the driving force of “Gospel Exaltations,” 9 pm -1 am (every Saturday night into Sunday morning) KPRT Radio AM 1590 in Kansas City, MO. Ray and Raymond Manning eventually expanded their radio ministry to Omaha, NE, driving there every Saturday morning, and returning to Kansas City to prepare for Gospel Exaltations. The Ray Manning Singers 24 hour online Christian radio station was launched in 2003 (www.raymanningsingers.com). Raymond operated as the CEO and President of the Ray Manning Singers internet radio. Raymond and his brother, Ray Manning, have been involved in singing Christian music for over 70 years and Christian radio broadcasting for over 50 years.

Raymond, along with The Ray Manning singers were blessed to be a part of Bobby Jones Gospel (Nashville, TN), making two appearances on the show. They appeared on BET Television Network 1987 & 1992 “Saturday Night Sing” (Chicago, IL). They also appeared on K.C. Youth For Christ, “Something Beautiful,” in 1991…numerous local television productions (i.e., The Mary Bryson Show).

The Ray Manning Singers appeared in concert with gospel artists such as: The Five Blind Boys of Alabama, The Howard Lemon Singers, The Angelic Gospel Singers, Rance Allen, Gloster Williams and the King James Version, James Cleveland, The Brooklyn Allstars, Dr. Vernard Johnson, and Sarah Jordan Powell.

The Ray Manning Singers collaborated with several gospel music artists down through the years, and Raymond was a key component of those collaborations. To name a few: The late Andre Crouch, the late Edwin and Walter Hawkins, Dr. Vernard Johnson, the late Rev. Daryl Coley, the late Rev. James Cleveland, Dr. Bobby Jones, James Bignon, Rev. Milton Biggham, the late Rev. Charles Nicks, the late Rev. Timothy Wright, and the late Rev. Clay Evans.

Raymond was a longtime member of Sheffield Family Life Center in Kansas City, Missouri. Later in life he moved his membership to New Hope Tabernacle of Faith in Raymore, Missouri under the leadership of Administrative Assistant Earnest L. Fisher, who remained his pastor until his passing.

Mr. Raymond Manning departed this earthly life on Saturday, January 11, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his parents: Mr. Ray Manning, Sr. and Mrs. Willa Mae Manning, one sister, Mrs. Marva Manning-Whitney, and one brother, Mr. Rayford Manning (the third triplet).

He leaves to cherish his loving and precious memories; two sons: Randal Manning (Angela), and Reginald Manning; two grandchildren: Dominic R. Manning and Asia R. Manning; one great-granddaughter: Grace Elizabeth Manning; four brothers: Ray Manning, Jr. (Veola), Melvin Manning, Marvin Manning, and Winfred Manning (Sherri); a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, and other relatives and friends.