Jimmie Ray Walker

Ray Walker passed away in the comfort of his home, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, October 12, 2017.

Jimmie Ray Walker was born to Eloise Cotten Sanders and James O “Jimmy” Walker on November 28, 1948 in Lake Charles, La. He was preceded in death by his Mother, Father, Stepfather Ralph Sanders and Stepbrother R.W. Sanders.

Ray was a 1967 graduate of LaGrange High School. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Dale in Teletype Maintenance. While serving he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. After returning from Vietnam, he graduated from McNeese University with a degree in forestry.

Ray is survived by his wife Jade Broussard Walker, daughter Nicole Walker Rodericks (Ryan) and his two adored grandchildren, Evan Walker Rodericks and Alexis Jade Rodericks, sister Pat Brummett (Ricky) of Dequincy, brothers Eric Walker of San Diego, Calif., Wes Walker (Diana) of Corpus Christi, Texas and sister, Sondra Walker Nunez.

Ray was blessed with a fine mind and many talents. He believed he could do anything if he persevered. He loved his country. He was a quiet patriot and always valued the opportunities this country offered to its people. He was a hard worker and employee and held himself to very high standards. Ray always strived to instill all those things in his precious daughter Nicole and his beloved grandchildren. His favorite saying to his beloved grandchildren was “always be a leader never a follower”.

Ray spent most of his career in the petrochemical industry. He was employed by Recon Engineering for the last 15 years.

Ray always loved to fish and golf, and always wanted to vacation where it was hot. When his grandchildren came along they quickly became his favorite pastime. He tried to attend all of Evan’s games and practices in the many sports in which he excelled.   During his last active days he would have Jade drive him to the field so he could watch Evan play ball. Alexis was the apple of his eye, and he loved the fact that she loved sports as much as he did. They spent many hours practicing in the backyard and perfecting her skills. Those children will always have these precious memories to cherish as they continue to remember “PawPaw”, and he will continue to cheer them on from above.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church. The Rev. Trey Ange will officiate. Burial will follow in Consolata Cemetery under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will begin on Friday from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a prayer service being held at 6:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Saturday from 8:00 AM until leaving for the church at 9:30 AM.

Special thanks to his caregivers from Heart of Hospice and Eunice’s Sitting Service and also to Dr. Edward Hebert for his kindness and compassion.

At the request of the family, please make donations in Ray’s name to Our Lady Queen of Heaven School Capital Campaign, 3908 Creole St, Lake Charles, LA 70605 or to St. Louis Catholic High School Baseball, 1620 Bank St., Lake Charles, LA 70601.