Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Lester Ray Obituary
Lester Harold Ray, 91, passed away on April 30, 2015 with his family at his side.
Lester was born on February 27, 1924 in Carter, Oklahoma to parents Jesse Felix and Odie Mae Williams Ray. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Norma Ruth, whom he affectionately called "Tinkerbell." Brothers: Murray, Jesse Kenneth, Johnny Edward, William Lozie and Glen Ray. Sisters: Oma Ray, Mina Stone, Thelma Morgan, Lois Alcott and Lorraine Barosky.
Lester resided for most of his adult life in Deer Park, Texas. For the past several years, he lived in his "happy place" of Keithville, Louisiana where his daughter Pam was his constant caregiver; always putting her father first.
Lester proudly served his country during World War II as a 3K9 Marine and bravely fought at Guam, Bougainville and Iwo Jima. He continued his strong loyalty with his 3K9 comrades and families each summer with a reunion in nearly every state for the past 40+ years.
Lester was known in his Palm Terrace neighborhood for having a "greenthumb" like no other with his beautiful yard and gardening. He was also a skilled welder and craftsman and loved sharing his original creations through the years.
Lester's greatest source of joy was being "Da-Daw" to his two beloved grandchildren Kasey Michelle and Matthew Allan. He never missed a school activity or little league game and enjoyed making horseshoe cowboys and penny bracelets for their teammates and friends. Lester was especially proud of becoming a Great-Grandfather in 2010. He treasured his time with his "little buckshot" Camden, so much so that "Da-Daw" was Camden's second word spoken after "Mama."
Left to cherish his memory are his daughter Pam Pierce and husband Garry, son Steven Ray and wife Vicky, granddaughter Kasey McConnaughey, grandson Matthew McConnaughey, great grandson Camden Ray McConnaughey, sister Wanda(Ray)Havranek and numerous cherished nieces and nephews.
Following a memorial service at Westview Christian Church in Shreveport, Lester will be laid to rest with military honors at the Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery in Keithville, Louisiana.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lester Ray
Patricia Levkulich
May 12, 2015
Uncle Lester will always have a special place in my heart. As a child I have fond memories. He once gave me a hand puppet Snap, Crackle and Pop form Rice Crispy cereal. And another time a coiled pearl bracelet. One for me and one for Barbara. I loved that bracelet till I broke it. It was only last year that I found a similar bracelet and had to have it and one for Barbara. It brought back treasured memories for both of us. My deepest sympathy goes out to family and friends, all who loved Uncle Lester.
Susan Monn
May 9, 2015
I was sorry to hear about Lester. My prayers go out to his family and know he will be missed. I too remember working with him at Petro Tex in the 70's - he always had a smile and helping hand, besides being a hard worker. It was an honor and pleasure to know him. May he rest in peace.
May 8, 2015
I was hesitant to open this mail when I saw it concerned Lester. My, my, we had some times together on the job and at the PTC employee reunions.
Lester may have mentioned me by my plant name,Apple Cheeks. I got that name because my face was always red from either hot weather, or from the radiant heat given off while welding. Lester and I worked together on some miserable jobs.
Lester had a nice, long life, and I really appreciate his daughter/s looking out for him in his old age. Still, another one of my few friends is gone to that mysterious place on the other side of life/death. I thank GOD for having know Lester, and sharing his wit, humor and life experiences. One of the last great heroes of WW II. Marshall R. Risinger,Deer Park
SUE JONES
May 8, 2015
I AM VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. LESTER WAS A MAN WITH GREAT CHARACTER. HE WAS ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Kay and Don Lee
May 7, 2015
Dear Pam and Steve, We were so sorry to hear about your dad as he was one of our favorite people. He would always tease me when I was little and I thought he was great. Many years later Don worked with him at the plant and they formed a great friendship. I know you will miss him so, our daddies are so special. He had a great life and he is visiting with all his loved ones and friends who have gone before him. Your hearts are heavy but so full of love for your great dad. Love Kay (Keith) and Don Lee.
Tony and Terrie Garcia
May 7, 2015
You will be missed but not forgotten. Thank you for the memories. SemperFi.
Cheryl Moore
May 7, 2015
Uncle Lester always made me feel special! We will miss him so much at the family reunion in July. We always enjoyed visiting with him there. In days past, he donated horseshoe items etc to our reunion auction & were much sought after! I will treasure the boot birdhouse that I bought at the auction just last year. We just don't realize that we may not have a loved one but a short time when we see them. God's love to all the family!
Wanda Havranek
May 7, 2015
Lester worked hard as an older brother when I was young. I ironed his clothes for him & Momma always told me to get all the wrinkles out or Lester will send it back. He was always combing his hair. Ha! He was my last sibling left out of 11 others that were gone already & he will be missed. He is reunited with Norma Ruth & all the other family & friends & that we are grateful for! Love & peace to all the family,
Kasey McConnaughey
May 7, 2015
Thank you for the sweet words about my grandpa Lester Ray. Dickie, you were special to him and he always appreciated that you "young guys" looked out for him & shared your friendship with him for so long. He will be missed for sure by so many.
Dickie Cloutman
May 6, 2015
Lester was a great friend of mine and my family. Matthew played baseball with my nephew, Robert Cloutman and my dad and Lester met at the ballpark and became fast friends as two WWII veterans do. I met Lester at Petro-Tex Chemical in 1970 and became an admirer of his welding skills with mule shoes and pennies.. it was said Lester could mend anything from a broken heart to the crack of dawn.
I always looked forward to the Saturday morning breakfast gathering of retired Petro-Tex workers at the City Cafe in So Houston. Lester was the guy that kept this group together for many years and for that, I will always be grateful.
Lester, may you forever rest in peace in the arms of the Lord Semper Fi
My sincerest condolences to the Ray family
carlton and charlene morgan
May 6, 2015
It will take a while to realize he is really gone..We will miss him. Rest in Peace.
Janet Larson
May 6, 2015
Uncle Lester holds a special place in my heart. He always made me feel like I was his "favorite"! He probably made everyone feel that way. He sold me my 1st car, a beige Maverick, for a ridiculously low price, made me and all my children penny bracelets and horseshoe cowboys! I always loved driving home in Deer Park seeing him and my dad shooting the breeze in the driveway. He will be missed. What an amazing man.
Susan Pope
May 5, 2015
Uncle Lester was such a special, loving man. I miss him so much already. So glad we got to see him smile a couple of weeks ago. Our love is with you all as you lay him to rest.
Susan, Benny and Drew Pope
Jenn Dagge
May 5, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers to you and your family. XOXO
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Lester Ray's name
Memorial Events
for Lester Ray
People and places connected with Lester
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Lester's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Lester Ray's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
