Johnny Ray, Jr.

Krotz Springs - Funeral services for Johnny Ray, Jr. will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 4, 2022, at the First Baptist Church of Krotz Springs.  Brother Allan Myers will conduct the funeral service.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 4, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. in the Lafond-Ardoin Funeral Home Chapel in Krotz Springs.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Johnny Ray, Jr. age 78, of Krotz Springs, La.  He passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 31, 2022, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Johnny worked as a welder for many years at his family shop “Ray’s Welding” in Krotz Springs which he shared with his father and brothers.  He was a hard worker and an avid outdoorsman.  He was deeply loved and greatly admired by all members of his large family.  He cherished his time with his family, especially his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  Johnny was an excellent cook and was known for his cracklins, jambalaya, fried turkeys, and fried fish.   He also enjoyed spending time at the camp at Big Alabama.  Johnny will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by wife of 60 years, Barbara J. Duplichain Ray of Krotz Springs; his sons, Johnny Ray, III of Opelousas; and Kenneth D. Ray and wife, Megan of St. Amant; his daughter, Lisa Ray of Dickinson, Texas; his brothers, Charles Freddy Ray and wife, Elaine, of Port Barre; and Daniel Ray and wife, Rose, of Krotz Springs; and his sister-in-law, Carol Ray of Krotz Springs.  He is also survived by ten grandchildren, Casey Stelly Deranger and husband, Jarred Deranger, Nicole Stelly St Cyr and husband, Andrew St Cyr; Ashley Stelly Conway and husband, Richie Conway; Kyle Brent Ray and wife, Danielle Ray; Holly Ray Ranallo and husband, Shane Ranallo; Jacie Ray, Rebecca Ray, Barry James Hardy, Jr. and wife, Jamie Hardy; Alicia Michelle Hardy Fiorilli and husband, Anthony Fiorilli; and Jonathan Scott Hardy; granddaughter-in-law, Tiffany Ortego Stelly and 28 great-grandchildren, Gavin Deranger, Adam Deranger, Tatum Deranger, Josie Stelly, Addison Stelly, Owen Stelly, Ethan Stelly, Zoey Ansley, Kendal Ansley, Dane Michael St Cyr, Cade Conway, Hailey Conway, Cole Conway, Maya Conway, Jaxon Ray, Bryson Ray, Preston Ranallo, Liam Higgins, Gavan Ranallo, Eli Higgins, Lyla Dale Ray, Matthew Hardy, Landon Hardy, Kennedie Hardy, Brynlee Hardy, Sophia Fiorilli, A.J. Fiorilli and Levi Hardy.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Johnny Ray, Sr. and Lurie Ducote Ray; his daughter, Michelle Ray Hardy; his sisters, Betty Lou Ray Legros, Margaret Ray Slocum and Martha Ray; his brother, Douglas Ray; and his grandson, Gregory “Joey” Stelly, Jr.

Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.lafondardoin.com.

LaFond-Ardoin Funeral Home of Krotz Springs, 239 8th Street, Krotz Springs, LA 70750 (337-942-2638) has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.