Mr. Durrell S. Young

Dr. Raymond L. Giddens Jr. was born on September 23, 1981 and raised in the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. Being diagnosed with a learning disability made obtaining an education difficult for Dr. Giddens, however, through the support of his parents and a excellent school system, Dr. Giddens stayed encouraged. He graduated with a high school diploma from Hinsdale Central High School spring of 1999 and enrolled into College of DuPage and graduated with an Associates Degree in Arts spring of 2001. Dr. Giddens was accepted and transferred to Western Illinois University, and graduated with a Bachelor in Social Work Degree and a minor in African American Studies in 2003. As a student, he interned with the Illinois Department of Child & Family Services. Debating to continue his education, study abroad in Costa Rica, or enter into the workforce, he chose to accept an invitation into the School of Social Work Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He graduated in May 2004 with a Master Degree in Social Work and in 2015 from Dallas Institute of Funeral Services. Dr. Giddens holds a license as a licensed funeral director in the state of Nevada. He graduated from Nova South Eastern University with his Doctoral Degree (Ed.D.) in Human Service Administration and Organizational Leadership December 2018.

 

Now at the age 41, Dr. Giddens has over 20 years of experience working with families and serving in the funeral industry. His expertise embraces the field of counseling, case management, and administration services. Dr. Giddens current and prior associations have been with Boulder City Hospital (2017-2020), Unity Baptist Church (2003-2018), Valley Health System/UHS (2008-Present) and Giddens Memorial Chapel (2017- Present). Dr. Giddens holds memberships with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., National Funeral Directors Association, and National Funeral Directors & Morticians Association.

 

Dr. Giddens firmly agrees with the cliché, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. He credits his success to his spiritual upbringing and continued belief in GOD.