ST. TAMMANY PARISH, LA. 

Obituary for: RAY, RICHARD L. "DICK" 

Submitted by: Louis Lavedan. 

Source: E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, Covington, La.

Died: Wednesday, May 21, 2014

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RAY, RICHARD L. "DICK" 
November 29, 1930 - May 21, 2014

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Richard L. "Dick" Ray of Mandeville, Louisiana, age 83, journeyed on to his 
Lord�s house on Wednesday, May 21, 2014.

His faith was strong and true, and he looked upon his time with us as a gift to 
be with his family and friends. He was a member of the Parish of Saint Anselm 
Catholic Church in Madisonville, Louisiana.

Dick was born in 1930, in San Diego, California, to Elizabeth Vincent and 
Raymond Laurie Ray. He graduated in 1953 from Southwestern University in 
Georgetown, Texas. His life�s journey took him from his youth in California and 
Texas, to the towns and cities in Louisiana, Texas and New Jersey where he 
raised his family, and ultimately back to Louisiana in retirement.

A chemical engineer by training, Dick's career began with the Ethyl Corporation 
in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, followed by a 30-year career with Exxon involving 
numerous postings in Louisiana, Kansas, Texas and New York, concluding as 
Manager of Facilities of Exxon Corporation in New York City. Upon his 
retirement from Exxon, Dick took a position as a Senior Vice President of 
Republic National Bank of New York, where he worked until his retirement from 
professional life in 1997. He was the holder of several patents in chemical 
engineering; and his proudest professional accomplishment was overseeing the 
development of the Exxon Chemical Technology Center in Baytown, Texas.

Dick was a lifelong believer in the importance of giving back to his community, 
whether as a member of the Boy Scouts of America, captain of his high school 
basketball and quarterback of his high school football team in Mexia, Texas, a 
member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and in adulthood a professional arbitrator 
as a member of the American Arbitration Association. He continued this 
tradition of service in retirement as a member of SCORE, a nonprofit 
association dedicated to helping small business entrepreneurs in the Northshore 
community.

Dick loved music, and in particular singing, from barbershop quartets to church 
choirs. He played the sousaphone, the piano and ukulele. He loved to work with 
his hands refinishing antique furniture, and he could repair just about 
anything. Above all Dick may be remembered for his legendary wit and wisdom, 
well known and beloved by family and friends.
In his retirement Dick was an avid golfer and proud member of the Big Cahoonas 
of Beau Ch�ne golf group.

Dick is survived by his wife of 35 years, Nora Morales Ray of Mandeville, his 
sons Kent Ray of Baton Rouge, Carl Ray of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Alan 
Ray of Baton Rouge, stepsons David Planchard of Baton Rouge and Steven 
Planchard of New York, New York, as well as his sister, Hallie Ruth McCullar of 
Houston, Texas, and Jan Peaslee Ray of Baton Rouge, mother of Kent, Carl and 
Alan. He was the proud grandfather of 11 grandchildren and had numerous nieces 
and nephews. 

Dick was preceded in death by his mother and father, Elizabeth Vincent Ray and 
Raymond Laurie Ray of Mexia, Texas, and his stepson Robert Planchard of 
Boulder, Colorado.

Services will be held 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 28, with visitation beginning at 
12:00 noon, at Saint Anselm Catholic Church, 306 St. Mary Street, Madisonville, 
to be immediately followed by a Celebration of Life at the Beau Ch�ne Country 
Club.

A private interment will take place at St. Joseph Abbey Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to �The Abbey� at Saint Joseph Abbey 
and Seminary College, Folsom, Louisiana. 

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