LAKE CHARLES -- Deacon James Reynold (Ray) Granger, 83, a native of Lake Charles, La., passed away in the comfort of his home on Saturday, June 28, 2014, surrounded by family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be officiated by Fr. Timothy Goodly at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 5, at St. Henry Catholic Church.
He was the youngest son of Richard and Laura (Boutte) Granger, both of Lake Charles, and is a proud descendent of the Granger family, who were one of the original pioneer families in Lake Charles, and whose legacy in this area dates back to 1865. He graduated from Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School in Lake Charles, after which he joined the U.S. Army. While stationed in Germany, he served his country honorably for four years during the Korean War.
James, who was more familiarly and affectionately known as “Ray,” retired as a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service after 35 years, rarely missing a day’s work in all that time. He was ordained a Catholic Deacon in 1977 and faithfully served in multiple parishes for 37 years, retiring from St. Henry’s Catholic Church, where he served since 1986. He was a Fourth Degree member St. Henry’s Order of the Knights of Columbus and served as director of the parish’s St. Vincent de Paul’s charity.
He was a skilled ceramic tile setter, general handyman and jack of all trades, and he would readily lend a helping hand when needed. He loved to barbecue and enjoyed watching football games, especially his beloved New Orleans Saints.
He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Maurine Pappion Granger; three daughters, Denene of Angleton, Texas, Emily of Lancaster, Calif., and Ronette Granger of Baton Rouge, La.; one son, Richard “Ricky” Granger of New Orleans, La.; 10 stepchildren, Eddie Pappion Sr., Gary Pappion Sr., Mark Pappion (Regina), Adrien Pappion, Maura Woods (Derek), Renee Lainez (Donald), Renita Papillion (Jason) and Stephan Pappion of Lake Charles, Anthony (Lena) Pappion Sr. of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Kevin Pappion (RaeAnn) of Lancaster, Calif.; 33 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Sedonia Orsot Granger; daughter, Suzette (Granger) Anderson; brothers, Richard Jr., George and Peter Granger; grandchild, Miriam Sedonia Cates; and great-grandchild, De’Andrea Granger.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 4, from 5-9 p.m. in St. Henry Catholic Church, 1021 8th Avenue , with a prayer service at 6 p.m., and a Cursillo Rosary immediately following. Visitation will resume on Saturday, July 5, at 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass in the church. Burial will be in Consolata Cemetery.
Eternal rest, grant unto him O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.
May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
