1
tree
planted in memory of Clarence "Ray" Louis Funches Jr.
Obituary for Clarence "Ray" Louis Funches Jr.
Clarence “Ray” Louis Funches Jr. was born in Oak Grove, Mississippi on May 14, 1939. He was the second child born to Clarence Louis Funches Sr. and Frankie Lee Funches.
He was raised in the Hollandale Church of God. He was very comical and as a young man, he was the center of attention. He was loved by everyone who knew him. He was a charmer and without having to make himself known, he was the center of attention everywhere he went.
Ray graduated from Simmons High School in Hollandale, Ms., where he excelled in academics and sports. He was a star basketball player and the most popular in the community. He was a brave and hardworking man who cared for his country, and he was drafted in the Army Services (Army) in the year 1961 and was honorably discharged in 1970. He received special recognition from the local newspaper for being the first person in the State of Mississippi to reach the rank of Corporal so quickly.
He was blessed to be part of the special Forces, a division of the Armed Services, where he performed many secret missions. He was stationed in Vietnam for over three years. He was also a correctional officer, and he continued to work for the government and at several army bases after his retirement until he injured himself.
He has lived in many states and other countries. He lived his last years in Leesville, Louisiana. Ray mostly kept to himself. He heeded his dad’s advice by minding his own business and staying out of others’ affairs. He was a relaxed and easy-going person who got along well with others.
Ray was a brilliant intellectual. He loved technology, such as computers, iPads, and cell phones and he loved to watch college and NBA games and other sports.
Ray had a special place in his heart for those less fortunate. He recommitted his life to the Lord on March 24, 2023.
After a gradual decline in health, Ray passed away peacefully on the evening of May 25, 2023. He preceded in death by his daughter: Annie Marie Linsdey; parents Clarence and Frankie Funches; second parents: Ada and Joseph Funches; sisters: Bernice, Dorothy and Betty; brother: Joseph; stepbrother and stepsister: Hebert and Wealtha.
He is survived by his family: daughters: Keon Funches, Jacksonville, FL; Derrasha Funches, Fort Smith, AR, and Joclyn Bowers of Smyrna, GA; long-time companion, Min. Evelyn L. Reese; five brothers: Roy (Alma), Chicago, IL; Willie (Frances), Oak Park, IL; James Earl, Brown Deer, WI; Fragier (Sarah), Lemont, IL; Elwood (Lillian), Chicago, IL; three sisters: Desmar (Calvin) Bruce, Brown Deer, WI; Johnnie (John) Tucker, River Hills, WI; Shirley (Willie) Tucker, Milwaukee, WI; one stepsister, Ada F. Carter, Itta Bena, MS; thirteen grandchildren; a few great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins; cousin: James Ola Henry; special friend: Essie Carter Sing, Pittsburgh, PA; friends, Willie Duncan, Waukegan, IL, Rena Nawar and Mr. Payton (his breakfast buddy) Leesville, LA.
A funeral service with military honors will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Jeane's Funeral Service, 100 E. Union St. Leesville, LA. A visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.
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Previous Events
Visitation
Saturday
10
Jun
1:00 PM
- 2:00 PM
Jeane's Funeral Service
100 E Union St.
Leesville, LA 71446
Funeral
Saturday
10
Jun
2:00 PM
Jeane's Funeral Service
100 E Union St.
Leesville, LA 71446
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