Obituary

Derris Wayne Ray, MD

January 1, 1952 - July 6, 2026

Derris Wayne Ray, MD, a resident of Kentwood, Louisiana, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026, at North Oaks Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. He was 74 years of age.

Dr. Ray was born January 1, 1952, in Stephenville, Texas. He graduated from Tallulah High School in 1970 and attended Louisiana State University, where he was a proud member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He went on to graduate from LSU Medical School in New Orleans in 1977 and completed his residency at Earl K. Long in Baton Rouge in 1980.

That same year, he established his family medical practice in Amite and became a beloved family physician who selflessly served the community and devoted 46 years of his life to Hood Memorial Hospital. As a physician, he truly embodied the highest ideals of the oath. He consistently went beyond medical duty to ensure each patient’s complete well-being, maintaining an unwavering commitment long after operational hours. To his patients, he was so much more than a doctor—he was a trusted friend, a constant lifeline, and a provider of true medical compassion and presence.

Derris was an incredible husband, the ultimate father, and the best “Papa” to his grandchildren. He lived a life defined by kindness, patience, and selflessness. A true farmer at heart, he found great joy in raising cattle, was happiest out on his tractor, and loved being surrounded by the family he loved so dearly. He was an avid history enthusiast with an impressive collection of war memorabilia, as well as a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Kentwood. His greatest legacy remains the endless love he gave his family.

He is survived by his wife, Kirsten Ray; his five children, Candace Bridges and her husband Richard, Ashton Ray and his wife Brandi, Brantley Ray and his wife Shanelle, Steven Warren, and Trenton Warren and his wife Megan; his six grandchildren, Eli Ray, Madeline Bridges, Cohen Ray, Camille Bridges, Oliver Ray, and Collins Warren; and a brother, Kolan Ray and his wife Zoe. He was preceded in death by his parents, A. C. Ray, Jr. and Codie Ray; and a sister, Merry Ray. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by his family, friends, and the countless devoted patients he served across the community.

Visitation will take place at First Baptist Church of Kentwood from 10:00 AM until religious services begin at 1:00 PM on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Services will be conducted by Brother Darryl Miller. Burial will follow at Amite Memorial Gardens, Amite, LA. Serving as pallbearers will be Ashton Ray, Brantley Ray, Richard Bridges, Steven Warren, Trenton Warren, Eli Ray, Brody Ray, and Derrick Graves. Honorary pallbearers will be Kolan Ray, Cohen Ray and Oliver Ray.

The Ray family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at Hood Memorial Hospital and North Oaks Medical Center, with a special thank you to Laura Henderson, Karen Volkman, Casey Wallace, Ryan Seal, and Chad Simmons for their exceptional care and support.

Donations may be made in honor of his lifetime of service to Hood Memorial Hospital.

McKneely Funeral Home, Kentwood, in charge of arrangements.