Clarence Ray Wilburn

Clarence Ray Wilburn, 75, of Moss Bluff, LA, died at 7:35 PM on Friday, January 12, 2018 in his residence.

Mr. Wilburn was born July 30, 1942 in Appleby, TX to Vonnie and Elray “E.E.” Wilburn. He brought his little bride to Lake Charles, LA in September of 1965 to work for Fuller Austin Insulation, where he worked for twenty-one years as the foreman of the insulation shop. After Fuller Austin went out of business, he worked in various positions for Thermo Tech Insulation for ten years, and Southern Insulation and Thermal Insulation until medical issues forced his retirement in 2001. Ray was a member of First Baptist Church of Moss Bluff. He was known to everyone for his infectious laugh. He loved gardening and sharing his crops with family and friends. He would also be known to get away on Friday afternoon to play his favorite slot machine, Choy Dun Doa.

Mr. Wilburn is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Jan; daughters, Patti Mason (Michael) of Texarkana, TX and Celina Wilburn (Shane Higginbotham) of Carlyss; sons, Brent (Misty) of Jacksonville, TX, Darrell (Vynessie) and Darren Wilburn, all of Carlyss; sisters, Myra Winder, Flo Bostick, and Maxine (Jerry Don) Pierce of Rusk, TX; nine grandchildren, Kelly Jeter, Robyn Brooks, Audie Preston Wilburn, Diana Nichole Waters, Lindsey Hemphill, Laken Gillard, Dustin Cox, Dylan Wilburn, and Vynessie Wilburn; seven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews, all of which claimed to be his “favorite one”. Last but certainly not least, his ever faithful companion, Bandit.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother-in-law, Chief Master SGT Retired Bobby G. Winder.

His memorial service will be held at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 at the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel. Brother Steve Slayton will officiate. Gathering of family members and friends will be on Tuesday from 3:00 PM until the start of the service.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Amber Cooper and GeMar Braxton of Harbor Hospice and to Angelle Thompson at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital for the care and compassion given.

Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, One Lakeshore Dr., Suite 1585, Lake Charles, LA 70629.