Calvin Saleem Muhammad, Sr.

It all began on Wednesday, December 10, 1958 when God blessed his parents, Weaver and Lillian E. Wards Raley with their first and only child, a son. Calvin Saleem Muhammad, (born Calvin Vincent Raley), was born in Jacksonville, Florida. Calvin was reared in a loving and nurturing home, and although he was an only child, you never saw him alone, because of his many aunts, uncles, and cousins that grew up close in age with him, they were a big happy family.

Calvin attended the local public schools and graduated from William M. Raines High School, Class of 1976. Calvin was very talented at such a young age, he took piano lessons briefly at age 6, fell in love with the drums in the 7th grade, and even played the trombone in his high school band, he was like a music machine, he “went from one instrument to another” with ease. Calvin quit the band in his junior year of high school to try out for football, although his passion for music was still close to his heart. Calvin was also an “All-American” high school track star, clocking 9.3 seconds in the 100-yard dash, the third-fastest time in that event’s history, he even turned down several track scholarships, to accept a full scholarship to Texas Southern University, where he majored in music. At Texas Southern, he was a division 1-AA All-American and an All-Southwestern Athletic Conference pick in 1979. Calvin has always been passionate about his “faith”, and in his sophomore year in college, he became a Muslim. He changed his name from “Calvin Vincent Raley” to, Calvin Saleem Muhammad, noting that “Muhammad” means “praiseworthy,” and “Saleem” means “one who maintains a peaceful state not easily upset.”

Calvin’s love for the game of football, paid off, after a brief stint in the Canadian Football League (CFL), with the Toronto Argonauts, he was drafted as the 17th pick in the 12th round of the 1980 National Football League (NFL) Draft, playing for the Los Angeles Raiders, as a wide receiver. He caught 16 passes for 344 yards and three TDs. One of Calvin’s most monumental and prestigious “moments” in which he was so humbled, was being a member of the Los Angeles Raiders Super Bowl XVIII (18) championship squad in 1983. He later went on to play for the Washington Redskins, and the San Diego Charges.

Calvin has often been “asked”, what’s after football, with that big smile on hIslis face, passionately said, “music”. He often collaborated with his first cousin, musician Auston T. Wards, III, (aka Ausmoses-deceased). As noted in the LA Times (March 24, 1985), his band was called “Saleem”, which happens to be his middle name, and he’s the whole band. He plays every part-fluegelhorn, trombone, soprano sax, bass and lead guitars, drums, keyboard and synthesizer, on an eight-track system that enables him to record each instrument on the same tape. Calvin’s musical talents, didn’t stop there, he made his debut in a tuxedo as a trombonist with the Northern Virginia Symphony, a local community orchestra, and in his spare time you could find him playing his trombone with the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra.

“When I can sit down at a piano and play something I’ve heard somewhere, “he said, “I think, ‘Where does this come from?’ All I can say is, it must be a blessing, a gift from God.”  A blessing indeed. Calvin will be remembered, for his love of “music”, and for the love of the “game”, but more importantly for the “love” he had for his family and friends.

Calvin was predeceased by both parents, Weaver and Lillian E. Wards Raley; grandparents, Auston T. and Georgia C. Wards, Sr., and Eula Bell Martin; aunts, Emma Lou Wards, Priscilla E. Morrison, and Evelyn Raley.

Calvin’s memories of a  lifetime, will be cherished by his loved ones, devoted children, Calvin S. Muhammad, Jr., Khaleelah Jones, Bekkah Moss, Jean Jones, and Nyles Vincent Jenkins; loving grandchildren, Jamia Muhmmad, Jaliyah Muhammad, Ziggy Moss, Rhemy Moss, and Serenity Dozier; aunt, Gail Wards-Upson (Laronza Sr.); uncles, Albert Raley, Walter T. Wards, Sr., E. Omar Kashif (Miriam), Shawn H. Kashif, Auston T. Wards, Jr. (Yvette), like a brother, Garry M. Wards and Elijah L. Wards (Priscilla); supportive and loving cousins, including special cousins Walter T. Wards, Jr. (Judy) and Kenny Raley, (Bruna); special friend, Jackie Flowers; other relatives and many dear friends, including the multitude that made an impact on his life, so that his “legacy” can & will live on, William M. Raines c/o 1976, Coach Jimmie A. Johnson (deceased), Texas Southern University, Canadian Football League (CFL), National Football League (NFL), Northern Virginia Symphony, Berkeley Symphony Orchestra, and many more.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.