What They Found In Raymond Allen Garage After His Death SHOCKED Everyone… | HO!!

Raymond Allen, 'Sanford and Son' Actor, Dead at 91 | whas11.com

LOS ANGELES, CA — When beloved sitcom actor Raymond Allen passed away in August 2020, the world mourned the loss of a television legend. But as his family and friends gathered to honor his memory, a surprising discovery in Allen’s garage sent shockwaves through the community and revealed a side of the man that few outside his inner circle ever truly understood.

Raymond Allen was best known for his iconic roles as Uncle Woody on “Sanford and Son” and Ned the Wino on “Good Times.” His comedic timing, warm heart, and unmistakable presence made him a household name in the 1970s and 1980s. Yet, as the dust settled on his long and storied career, it was what Allen left behind in his modest California home that captured headlines and hearts.

A Life Larger Than Sitcoms

Born March 5, 1929, in Kansas City, Missouri, Allen grew up as the youngest of 12 siblings. His early years were marked by fierce competition and the loud chaos of a big family, but Raymond was always destined for something greater. Before he ever graced TV screens, Allen served in the US Navy as a sonar technician, second class, and later as a cook for the captain. His time on ships escorting personnel to atomic bomb test sites in the South Pacific shaped his resilience and humor—a training ground, it seemed, for the unpredictable world of Hollywood.

Allen’s path to acting was as unconventional as his comedic style. In 1969, his daughter Terance was auditioning for a local Los Angeles show, “Your Judge.” When the producers needed a scene partner, Terance volunteered her father. Allen’s raw talent and natural wit landed them both a role, launching his television career at age 40.

By 1974, Allen had become a fixture on “Sanford and Son,” playing the exasperated but lovable Uncle Woody. His chemistry with LaWanda Page’s Aunt Esther and Redd Foxx’s Fred Sanford delivered some of the show’s most memorable moments. Allen’s ability to find humor in chaos was legendary—something that would become a theme not only on screen, but also in his personal life.

Raymond G Allen Senior dead: Good Times actor dies aged 91 'Hardest day of  my life' | Celebrity News | Showbiz & TV | Express.co.uk

The Garage: A Neighborhood Legend

To the outside world, Allen was a gifted comedic actor. But to his neighbors and the children on his block, he was simply “Uncle Raymond.” His garage was more than a place to park a car—it was a sanctuary, a classroom, and a community hub.

After Allen’s passing, his family opened the doors to his garage, expecting to find the usual collection of tools, memorabilia, and perhaps a few relics from his acting days. What they found instead was a testament to Allen’s true legacy.

The Aquarium That Stunned The Block

Dominating the center of the garage was a massive 300-gallon aquarium, home to goldfish so large they looked like creatures from a monster movie. For decades, neighborhood kids had gathered to watch feeding time, marveling at the fish and listening to Allen’s stories about Hollywood, the Navy, and life itself.

But the aquarium was more than an oddity—it was a symbol of Allen’s generosity. Over the years, he had invited countless children into his garage, teaching them about responsibility, caring for animals, and the importance of community. For many, it was their first glimpse of a world beyond the streets of Los Angeles.

A Sanctuary for At-Risk Youth

Beyond the aquarium, Allen’s garage was filled with pool tables, games, and comfortable chairs. It was a safe haven for at-risk boys, a place where Allen taught them to play pool and offered guidance when they needed it most. He bailed kids out of jail, funded horseback riding trips, and never hesitated to roast them when they got out of line.

“He was the cool uncle everyone wished they had,” recalled neighbor Marcus Jones. “If you messed up, Raymond would let you know, but he’d also help you get back on track.”

Allen’s daughter Terance described the garage as her father’s “community center,” a place where laughter and learning went hand in hand. “Dad believed in giving back,” she said. “He wanted every kid in the neighborhood to know they mattered.”

Hidden Treasures and Hollywood Memories

Raymond Allen dead: Sanford and Son star dies aged 91 | Metro News

As family members sorted through boxes and shelves, they uncovered a trove of memorabilia from Allen’s career. Original scripts from “Sanford and Son,” signed photographs with Redd Foxx and LaWanda Page, and vintage posters from his appearances on “Good Times,” “Starsky and Hutch,” and “The Jeffersons” filled the space.

There were VHS tapes of his TV movies, including “Gus Brown and Midnight Brewster,” and rare behind-the-scenes Polaroids from the sets of cult classics like “Mean Mother” and “Darktown Strutters.” Each artifact told a story—not just of Allen’s work, but of the friendships and memories he’d built over a lifetime in show business.

A Heart for Activism

Among the Hollywood memorabilia, Allen’s family found stacks of flyers and campaign buttons from the 1968 presidential race. After Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, Allen had gathered his family to mourn and then hit the streets campaigning for Robert Kennedy. He was a passionate believer in civil rights and drilled into his children the importance of voting.

“One day we’re going to have a Black president,” Allen had told his daughter. In 2008, he watched Barack Obama’s victory with tears streaming down his face—a moment his family would never forget.

A Final Act of Kindness

Perhaps the most shocking discovery in Allen’s garage was a series of handwritten journals. In them, Allen documented the lives of the neighborhood kids he’d mentored, tracking their progress, setbacks, and successes. He wrote letters of recommendation for college applications, kept receipts for bail money, and even planned birthday parties for children whose families couldn’t afford them.

“Raymond helped me get my first job,” said former neighbor Jamal Richardson. “He believed in me when nobody else did.”

Allen’s journals revealed a man deeply invested in his community, someone who saw potential in every child and refused to let anyone fall through the cracks.

The Quiet Exit

Sanford and Son star Raymond Allen dead at 91 after suffering 'respiratory  issues' | The US Sun

Allen’s acting career wound down in the mid-1980s as his health declined. He retreated from the public eye, making only occasional appearances at fan events. Rumors circulated that he had passed away, but Allen was simply living a quieter life, focused on family and health.

He was married to Barbara Williams from 1963 to 1977 and had three children: Terance, Brenda, and Raymond Jr. Tragically, Raymond Jr. passed away, but Terance followed in her father’s footsteps, appearing on “Good Times” as Michael’s girlfriend, Yvonne.

Despite the challenges, Allen’s victories were many. He wasn’t a household name in the way some stars are, but his influence on television comedy—and on the lives of those around him—was profound.

Final Days and Last Laughs

Even as his health faded, Allen’s humor never left him. Hospitalized in Lancaster, he continued to crack jokes, flirt with nurses, and bring laughter to his family. His daughter Terance posted a heartfelt tribute on Facebook after his passing, writing, “Dad received his wing 2 hours ago. His warmth, kind heart, and clever sayings will be missed.”

Allen died of respiratory issues at the age of 91, having lived a life full of joy, service, and laughter.

A Legacy Revealed

The discovery in Allen’s garage shocked everyone—not because of its material value, but because it revealed the true measure of the man. Raymond Allen was more than an actor; he was a mentor, activist, and community pillar. His garage was a living museum of kindness, creativity, and love.

As news of the garage’s treasures spread, fans and neighbors gathered to share stories, celebrate Allen’s life, and honor the legacy he left behind. The laughter he brought to millions on television was matched only by the hope and guidance he gave to those who needed it most.

In the end, what they found in Raymond Allen’s garage was not just memorabilia, but a blueprint for living with purpose. His story reminds us that true greatness is measured not by fame, but by the lives we touch and the love we leave behind.