Raymond DeGruy, a paragon of kindness, generosity, and love, peacefully entered into eternal rest on December 28, 2023, at the age of 94. His journey on this earth was marked by a profound sense of service, both as a retired employee of Louisiana Power and Light and a courageous veteran who honorably served in the Korean War Crisis. Raymond, preceded in death by his cherished wife, Shirley DeGruy, daughter Jocelyn DeGruy Mack, and grandson Jon DeGruy, now leaves behind a legacy that radiates with the fullness of life. He joins his parents, Laurence Sr. and Marguerite DeGruy, and siblings Laurence Jr., Aline, Shirley, Elmo, and Earl in eternal peace. His memory lives on through the hearts of his loved ones: his son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Lydia DeGruy; daughter Angela DeGruy Leon; and a host of adoring grandchildren: Dr. Rosa Mack Dokes, Michael Dokes, Kiana (Zachary) Leon Cravens, April (Brandon) Leon Johnson, and Justin (Jennifer) DeGruy, Sr.; his great-grandchildren, Lacey Dokes, Justin DeGruy Jr., Maiah Dokes, Isaiah DeGruy, Phillip Barre', Jewel DeGruy, Aiden Cravens, Harrison Daniels, Lillian Barre', Julian DeGruy, and Elijah Johnson, as well as his great-great-granddaughter, Paris DeGruy, who together carry forward his legacy with love and pride. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend the Celebration of Life service on Monday, January 8, 2024, at St. Raymond/St. Leo Catholic Church, 2916 Paris Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70122. Visitation will commence at 9:00 am, with the service following at 11:00 am, officiated by Father Geoffrey Muga. The interment will be private. Acknowledgments: Raymond DeGruy's final services are entrusted to the compassionate staff of Professional Funeral Services 1449 N. Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, LA. 70116. For those who wish to share their condolences, please visit www.pfsneworleans.com to sign the guestbook. Special thanks to Marvin Deloney, Maria San Roman-Ruiz his nurse with Guardian Angel Hospice, his nursing assistants Cheryl Elzy Matthews, Tamonika Shawl, Sister Servants of Mary who donated countless hours of overnight home care for Raymond and his wife Shirley during their need, donations to them are appreciated and can be made to 5001 Perlita Street, New Orleans, LA 70122.

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Published by The Times-Picayune from Jan. 4 to Jan. 6, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Raymond DeGruy

Sponsored by Professional Funeral Service, Incorporated - New Orleans.

16 Entries

Keith DeGruy

February 26, 2024

Here's a memory of a better time.

Love your son

John vlosich

February 25, 2024

Keith I am very sorry to hear that your father and my friend in life´s journey has passed. May God grant all his blessings to you and your family.

Elliot cappie

January 20, 2024

Keith and family iam sorry for yours lost

Ferdinand B. Branch,Sr.

January 19, 2024

MY SINCERE CONDOLENCES TO ANGELA, AND THE ENTIRE DE GRUY FAMILY AT THIS TIME OF SORROW.

Eunice Hutchison

January 12, 2024

Sending sincere condolences to Keith, Lydia and the entire DeGruy family. My thoughts and prayers are with you as you grieve Mr. Raymond´s passing. May loving memories of him ease your loss and bring you comfort. He was a genuinely nice person. I pray he had a peaceful journey.

Cheryl M. Francis

January 9, 2024

A Tribute to Uncle Raymond

Uncle Raymond is the enduring patriarch of the DeGruy family. He carried the legacy of the DeGruy name with grace and dignity, representing the values of family and faith instilled by his parents to future generations. His dedication to New Orleans culture and traditions were evident in the food, fun, and festivities in his household. His love for his wife and family is unparalleled and was demonstrated in many small gestures and big acts of generosity. In his reliability, responsibility and respectfulness, he set the standard for what a good man looks/acts like in today´s world.

My grandparents, Laurence and Marguerite "Maggie" Llopis DeGruy, expressed their love and pride in their son who visited often and cared for them as they aged.
My mother, Aline DeGruy Francis, valued the shared family experiences and heart-felt support her brother offered throughout the years.
My siblings, Jude, Carlos, Vivica and Philip Francis, and their children experienced their Uncle Raymond throughout his lifetime as a smiling, considerate uncle and friend. His relationship with Vivica symbolized this warmth.

Our hearts are filled with gratitude that we were touched by the life of Uncle Raymond,
May he rest in the arms of his loving wife and daughter, surrounded by the blessings of the ancestors.
Uncle Raymond will be remembered each time I say the rosary.
Cheryl M. Francis

Gloria Glapion Lear

January 9, 2024

My Sincere Sympathy to Keith , Lydia and the entire family. May God give you all the courage and strength at this most difficult time in your lives. May Mr Raymond DeGruy rest in peace.
You all are in my prayers.May your memories comfort you now and always
Love and Prayers
Gloria Glapion Lear

Cheryl M. Francis

January 9, 2024

A Tribute to Uncle Raymond

Uncle Raymond is the enduring patriarch of the DeGruy family.
He carried the legacy of the DeGruy name with grace and dignity, representing the values of family and faith instilled by his parents to future generations. His dedication to New Orleans culture and traditions were evident in the food, fun, and festivities in his household. His love for his wife and family is unparalleled and was demonstrated in many small gestures and big acts of generosity. In his reliability, responsibility and respectfulness, he set the standard for what a good man looks/acts like in today´s world.

My grandparents, Laurence and Marguerite "Maggie" Llopis DeGruy, expressed their love and pride in their son who visited often and cared for them as they aged.
My mother, Aline DeGruy Francis, valued the shared family experiences and heart-felt support her brother offered throughout her life.
My siblings, Jude, Carlos, Vivica, and Philip Francis, and their children experienced their Uncle Raymond throughout his lifetime as a smiling, considerate uncle and friend. His relationship with Vivica symbolized this warmth.

Our hearts are filled with gratitude that we were touched by the life of Uncle Raymond.
May he rest in the arms of his loving wife and daughter, surrounded by the blessings of the ancestors.
Uncle Raymond will be remembered each time I say the rosary.
Cheryl M. Francis

Rebecca DeGruy McIntyre

January 8, 2024

We thank you, Heavenly Father, for the life of our beloved uncle, and we pray that You grant him eternal rest and comfort. I'll always cherish your love and support forever. Love you Uncle Raymond, RIP, Amen.

Eric DeGruy

January 8, 2024

I will miss all the good times we had uncle and your great cooking. I will miss our conversation and your smile. Rest in peace

Eileen C. Spears

January 7, 2024

Dear Keith, Lydia and all the family,
My sincere condolences and prayers are with you all.
May the blessings of his life and legacy comfort you all.
May God keep you in His loving care.
Eileen