Rayford Hays Sibley

Rayford Hays Sibley was born in Leesville, Louisiana, on September 4, 1956, and he passed away on August 22, 2025.
Rayford, as we called "Ray", was a proud graduate of the Class of 1974, at Leeville High School. He went on to earn both his Bachelor and Master Degree's, from McNeese State University. This is where his passion for education first took root.
Ray began his teaching journey in 1978, as a student teacher at Leesville High School. He soon found his calling at Evans High School, where he taught for 14 years, and ended up building lifelong bonds with the students and faculty. He continued to stay in touch with them through the years.
Later, he moved to Dickinson, Texas, to teach at High Tower School. He eventually settled in Stafford, Texas, where he joined First Colony Middle School, in Sugar Land, Texas. This became his professional home until his retirement.
Even after retiring, Ray remained deeply connected to the teaching community. He remembered students' birthdays, attended their sporting events, and cherished luncheons with fellow educators, especially his fellow retired Bobcats. His kindness, dedication and warmth, made him a beloved teacher and friend to all who knew him.
Ray was a devoted McNeese sports fan. He continued to support young athletes. Most recently, he sponsored three students to attend McNeese Basketball Camp.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Preston and Violet Hays Sibley; his sisters Paula Sanders and Vicki Robbins; his brother, Richard Preston Sibley and his niece, Robyn Sanders. He is survived by his sister, Rose Sibley Lopez and her husband Terry, his nephew, Eric Robbins and his niece, Alysa Sanders Pittman.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 3:00 PM, at Heart's United Christian Fellowship Church, in Evans, LA. Friends may gather at 2:00 PM to share stories and memories with the family, until the time of service at 3:00 PM.