SHREVEPORT, LA - Funeral Service for Mr. Kenneth Ray was Sept. 11, 2026, at Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church in Shreveport, LA. Open visitation was Sept. 10, at Chapel of Good Samaritan Funeral Home.
Mr. Ray was laid to rest following the service at Forest Park Cemetery West in Shreveport.
The life of Bro. Kenneth Earl Ray is a testament of a man who lived his years in the service of the Lord, his family and his community. His journey began when he made his triumphant arrival to his parents, Murphy and Luberta Lee Ray on Nov. 8, 1939, in Whitehouse. He was youngest of six children.
Bro. Ray grew up in the New Canaan Baptist Church where he devoted his life to Christ at an early age. He became a Youth Usher and continued throughout his college life. Also, he was a member of the youth choir and a leader in the youth department. He was a proud and loyal alumnus of Blackjack Elementary School in Whitehouse. He graduated in 1958 from Stanton High School in Stanton.
In 1963, Bro. Ray received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management from Texas College in Tyler. During his studies there, he joined the Beta Beta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. This was so befitting of his good looks, and dapper demeanor.
In 1991, he married the love of his life, Sister Mary A. Wyandon, a native of Shreveport. The union was everlasting from the start. They traveled extensively throughout the United States, London, France, Caribbean Islands and Puerto Rico. Their dedication and support of each other was of the biblical quality. It was seldom that one was seen without the other. Their support and love for one another lasted until her death on Sept. 11, 2023.
Upon retiring in 1999, he and Mary relocated to Shreveport. They united with her home church, Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church where they supported, spearheaded and contributed to all major and monthly activities. He was a dedicated choir member who often led songs and assisted the Praise Team. Their contributions of gifts and financial means were plenteous.
He enjoyed life, as he embraced his favorite past times of gardening, flower and tree pruning, shopping (always impeccably dressed), attending movies and watching CNN and MSNBC. He was an avid Denver Bronco fan.
Bro. Kenneth Ray made his heavenly transition peacefully on Sept. 1, 2026, in Bossier City, Louisiana.
Bro. Ray was preceded in death by his parents Murphy and Luberta Lee Ray; son Johnny Allen Ray; grandson Kenneth Earl Ray II; brothers James Willis (J.W.), Joe Morris, and Jimmie Ray; sisters Katherine Stoglin and Bobbie Osborne; sister-in-law Maye Ray.
He will be eternally loved, remembered and appreciated in the hearts and minds of his nieces Kendra Ray (Waxahachie), SharonA. Ray (Woodland Hills, CA), Denise Ray and daughter, Rachal (Kansas City, MO), and Joanne Norvell (Washington D.C.) and daughter, LaJay (Seattle, WA); brothers-in-law Rev. Ronald Brown (Betty), Rev. James Hall, III, and Archie Hall, (all of Shreveport); sisters-in-law Martha Henderson and Euna Webb (Lamar) (both of Shreveport, LA); Eddie Doll Ray (White House) and Melba Ray (Mansfield); God-daughters and Rhonda Askew Conway (Earl) and Detrise Hunter Fashion (Shreveport, LA),; God-sons John Anthony Barefield (Denver, CO) and James Hall, IV (Shreveport); special cousins Howard Ray and wife, Audrey Gail (Red Oak), and special friends L. P. Mosley and wife Hattie (Tyler), as well as a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives, many heartfelt friends and the Goodwill Missionary Baptist Church Family.