Leon "Sonny" Ray, Sr.

"The Lord is near to the brokenhearted 
and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18)

Sadness abounds at the announcement of the death of a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to many who crossed his path in this life.

Funeral services for Mr. Leon Karl “Sonny” Ray, Sr., 78, will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 6, 2024, at Sibille Funeral Home. The Pastor Chad Ned will officiate the services. 

Mr. Ray died on Sunday, December 31, 2023 in his home. Leon “Sonny” Ray was a lifelong resident of Opelousas and graduated from Opelousas High School in 1963. He then pursued further education required to graduate from the New Orleans Barber and Beauty College with “Barber/Hairstylist” Certification in 1966. He became an active member of the Roffler Association and competed in numerous activities, associated with his barber/hairstylist profession, and was awarded first place holder at the state level and seventh place holder at the National level. Sonny went on to teach others seeking certification as barber and stylist for many years. 

He and his wife were proprietor and host of Country Ridge Bed and Breakfast. Sonny’s Style and Trim and Sonny’s Family Hair Center were the businesses he established that allowed him to serve the area and promote his profession within the city he respected dearly. Sonny also extended his work to include hairstylist for residents at Senior Village Nursing Home. He was known for applying make-up for the Mardi Gras Knights of Corinth; and, proudly led the festivities of the 250th Anniversary of Opelousas where he started the “Bearded Wonders” Competition. He was a proud member of the area Knights of Columbus and a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America. He attained the highest level as an Eagle Scout and also participated in the Philmont Scout Camp. As the chairman of the Opelousas Sertoma Club, he sponsored various medical fundraisers and an annual turkey shoot. Sonny was committed to honesty and integrity in his life and business. 

Sonny was fun-loving at heart. He enjoyed hunting, cooking, and eating duck and deer, especially with family and friends.  He was an amazing cook and nothing short of an entertaining storyteller. He was also artistically creative. His works included sculpting yard ornamentals from concrete and indoor ornamentals such as light fixtures and other home décor.  Yet, relaxing at the beach, months at a time, was his favorite part of the year- just he and Miss Sheila. 

Sonny was married to his loving wife of 58 years, Sheila Devillier Ray, better said of him, “Miss Sheila.”

His parents, Leon and Lorena Mallett Ray; his grandparents Bernard and Sophia Haas Ray and Adam and Agnes Lalonde Mallett; and his sister, Dixie Ray Flash preceded him in death.

He leaves behind to celebrate his life two sisters Julie Ray of New Orleans and Susan Kiniff of Lafayette. He was the father of four children, one daughter, Angela Batchelor and husband Wade of Broussard; three sons, Karl Ray and wife Karen of Lake Charles; Jonas Ray and wife Debbie of Opelousas; and Chad Ray and wife Carmen of Opelousas.

He also had 11 grandchildren, Nichole Batchelor of Houston, TX; Rachel Bentley and husband Chase of Carencro; Krystal McBride and husband Ben of Joshua, TX; Logan Ray of Marietta, GA; Meghan St. Cyr and husband Alex of Opelousas, Dylan Ray and wife Gabi of Zachary; Morgan Dykes and husband Tyler of Carencro; Sarah Ray of Opelousas; Bailey Ray of Opelousas; Michelle Vincent and husband Jacob of Opelousas, and Gavin Lanclos of Opelousas.

His eight great-grandchildren include Abram and Weston Bentley, Callahan and Rowan McBride, Grayson and Eleanor St. Cyr, Elias Dykes, and Archer Vincent.

Visitation will be observed on Friday, January 5, 2024 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. , with a prayer service at 7 p.m. in the Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas. On Saturday, January 6, 2024, visitation will continue from 11 a.m. until the time of services. 

Hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained in the way of righteousness.
Proverbs 16: 31

Words of Comfort to the family may be expressed at www.sibillefuneralhomes.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Sibille Funeral Home of Opelousas.