September 7,1931- October 29, 2014

Odom Ray, of DeRidder, LA, went to be with our Lord, Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at the Harbor Hospice Inpatient Facility in Lake Charles surrounded by his family.  Born on September 7, 1931 to Autumn and Margie (Willis) Ray of Pitkin, he was 83 years, 1 month and 22 days.  He married Betty Sue Weldon on September 29, 1951 in Oakdale.  They enjoyed 63 years and 1 month of wonder wedded bliss and raised 5 wonderful children.  Odom was a hardworking man, helping his family out at an early age.  He went on to work different jobs that eventually led him to owning and operating Odom’s Nursery for many years.  He loved gardening, fishing, hunting, car racing, his family, and most of all, his God.  He has been a minister and Monday night prayer leader for 25 years, which include the last 17 at Beth-El Apostolic Church in DeRidder.  He is a charter member of the church as well as serving as a board member.

He leaves behind his wife, Betty (Weldon) Ray; sons, Autumn “A.J.” Jeff Ray and wife Jenny of Oberlin, LA, and James Ervin Ray and wife Rita of Buna, TX; daughters, Betty “Sissy” Pauline Wilcox and husband Gene of DeQuincy, LA, Judy Ann Walker and husband Bruce of Deridder, LA, land Margie Sue Hampton and husband David of McCalla, AL; brothers, Alton “Bobie” Ray, Autumn Ray, Jr., and Michael  Paul Ray; sisters, Ella “J.J.” Douglas, Loma Lee Nolen and Oma “Cootsie” Lee Davis; 19 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews and close friends. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margie Willis Ray; father, Autumn Ray; brother, John Ray; sisters, Daisy Lee Johnson and Ann Perkins; grandsons, Autumn Jeffery Ray and Gage Sutterfield.

Visitation will be held Friday, October 31, 2014 from 5:00pm until 10:00pm at Beth-El Apostolic Church in DeRidder, LA.  Funeral services will be Saturday, November 1, 2014 at 11:00am at Beth-El Apostolic Church.  Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in DeRidder, LA.  Rev. Johnathan Walker and Rev. Trent Holmon will officiate.  All donations may be made to Beth-El Apostolic Church in DeRidder.