Raymond was born on September 12, 1949, to parents Michael and Catherine Zackey.
He lived his entire life in Benoni, and attended St Dominic’s, Benoni West and Benoni High School.
After school, he enrolled at the Benoni Trade School.
He later qualified as a fitter and turner and eventually opened his own business in the Benoni CBD, called Zackey’s Brake and Clutch, which he owned for over 30 years.
Raymond met his wife, Denese Joan Zackey (née David), when they were in school, but they only started dating quite a while later, in 1974.
They were married within six months, on April 6, 1974, at St Patrick’s Catholic Church in Benoni, which was Raymond’s parish all his life.
“They were a perfect match in every way and this year they would have been celebrating their 41st anniversary,” said Raymond’s only child, Donna Nathaniel.
Donna was born on October 5, 1981.
“[I was] the absolute apple of his eye, he was the proudest father,” said Donna.
“He literally would beam with pride when he spoke of his wife and daughter and forever had a smile on his face with his trademark moustache.
“He was a man of strong family values and was dedicated to his family and the Lebanese and Catholic traditions.
“His favourite holiday destination was Durban, the place where he and his wife also went on honeymoon.
“Raymond was extremely caring and giving.
“He loved sharing and helping others.
“He was a man of pride and dignity and a role model of a husband and father and how to raise a family with values and respect.”
Raymond loved horse racing and football.
He played football for East Rand United.
The father of one leaves behind his wife Denese, his daughter, granddaughter Deanna Nathaniel, brothers Bobby Zackey, Allan Zackey and Tyrone Zackey, and sisters Magdalene Thomas and Bernadette Swan.
Raymond’s funeral was held on February 12, in the St Patrick’s Catholic Church, in Benoni.
