Earl Ray, Jr., 73, departed this life on Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital in Lake Charles, LA. He was born on September 12, 1943, to the late Earl Ray, Sr. and Ida Bell Syas Ray in Lake Charles, LA. He worked at Firestone Polymers until his retirement. He loved football and was an avid Saints fan. He also loved playing with his grandchildren.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Debora Frelow Ray of Lake Charles, LA; his children, Melinda Ray of Lake Charles, LA, Melissa Ray and Ida Ray of Killeen, TX, Debra (Terry) Bond of Atlanta, GA, Earl (Rose) Ray of Lake Charles, LA; his stepchildren, Doneisha Thibodeaux, Donald (Sherell) Thibodeaux and Christopher (Jerri) Frelow of Lake Charles, LA, and Terrence Frelow of Houston, TX; his sister, Sandra Ray Daniel of Lake Charles, LA; 16 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Ida Bell Ray; his first wife, Florence Ray; one son, Terry Ray; one brother, three sisters and one nephew.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017, at 11:30 a.m., at King's Funeral Home and funeral service at 1:00 p.m., at New Emmanuel Baptist Church, with Rev. Roland Mouton, officiating. Burial will be in Combre Memorial Park under the direction of King's Funeral Home.

For words of comfort, please visit www.kingsfuneralhomela.com