Obituary

Michael Ray Perry

January 14, 1943 - August 27, 2022

Michael Ray Perry, age 79 and a resident of the Enon Community, passed away Saturday afternoon August 27, 2022 at St. Tammany Parish Hospital after a brief illness. He proudly served his country overseas during the Vietnam War as a Motor Sergeant in the United States Army. Ray was a member of the American Legion in Franklinton and currently a member of the American Legion Magic City Post 24 in Bogalusa. He was an outstanding mechanic, well known in the area for his ability to fix anything with four wheels. Ray worked at multiple locations around Franklinton but was also the owner/operator of Ray’s Texaco for many years, his service station and mechanic shop. He always loved to tinker for hours on cars and trucks in the shop at his home. Ray was a longtime active member and Deacon of Enon Baptist Church. He had a servant’s heart and volunteered for any and all projects at his church or simply helping others throughout his community. He was affectionately known as “Grumpy” to his friends and always liked to play up to that persona. Ray adored his family and grandchildren and cherished all the times they spent together.

Survived by: Wife of 57 years: Raylene Thomas Perry of Enon; Son and Daughter in law: Andy Ray Perry and Tana Warren Perry of Prairieville; Daughter and Son in law: Julie Anne Perry Mills and Jeremy Mills of Charlotte, NC; Grandchildren: Dylan Ray Perry, Emily Rose Gillenwater, Gretchen Rainey Gillenwater, Cooper Jack Gillenwater, Ashlyn Haire and her husband Austin, Evan Mills; Great-grandchildren: Kylie Haire, Hayden Haire; Brother and Sister in law: John and Mitty Perry of of Katy, TX; Sister: Betty Womble of Dripping Springs, TX; Sisters in law: Sharon W. Perry of Grayson, GA, Rosetta Miller of Mt. Hermon; Also numerous nieces, nephews and other family members

He was preceded in death by his parents Dorman C. Perry and Glenna Magee Perry, brother James W. Perry, mother in law Nettie Penton Thomas, father in law and mother in law Ray I. Thomas and Gertrude Thomas, brothers in law Jerry Byrd, Leroy Miller.

Visitation will be at Enon Baptist Church (14049 Hwy. 16, Franklinton, LA 70438) on Tuesday August 30th from 10:00 am until 12:00 pm. A funeral service will be held in the church at 12:00 pm Tuesday with Rev. Chris Wheeler officiating. Burial will follow in the Knight Memorial Gardens with Military Honors provided by the American Legion Post 24 Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Enon Baptist Church at the address above.

Pallbearers will be the Deacons of Enon Baptist Church. Honorary Pallbearers are Dennis Robbins and Kent Robbins.

Crain Funeral Home in Franklinton, Louisiana is in charge of arrangements.