J. Ray Francois

1924-2015

J. Ray Francois passed away on Wednesday, August 19th at age 91. Ray was born in Church Point, Louisiana on January 12, 1924, to his parents Felicia LeBlue Francois and Leonce Francois. He is predeceased by his only sibling, a younger brother, Lupert Francois, and a granddaughter, Mireille Monier.

After his return from Army Service in the South Pacific during World War 2, Ray graduated from the University of Southwest Louisiana at Lafayette. His first marriage was to Willa Mae Higginbotham. They had four daughters, all of whom survive: Connie Trosclair (Bob) of Villa Rica, GA; Melinda Monier (Jerry) of Thibodaux, LA; Suzette Olivier (Frank) of Winston, GA; and Denise Davis (John) of Thibodaux, LA. Following Willa Mae’s death, Ray married Betty Kunkel who survives him. They would have celebrated their 29th anniversary on Sunday, August 23rd. Betty’s two sons, Richard Kunkel of Seattle, WA and Jim Kunkel of Tarpley, TX also survive Ray as well as ten grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

Ray was a long-time member of First Methodist Church and the Adelphi Sunday School Class where he participated in great messages and wonderful fellowship. He was employed by Shell Oil Company for 31 years and retired in 1983. He worked in many locations in Louisiana and was stationed in Houston when he retired.

A memorial service will be held at 10 A.M. Saturday, August 22nd at First Methodist Downtown Sanctuary. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception sponsored by the Adelphi Sunday School Class in the Fellowship Hall.

Ray’s ashes will be entombed at a later date at the Houston National Cemetery.