Ray Joseph Fontenot, of Orange, passed away peacefully on January 9, 2023, at his home.

Ray was born on his family farm on January 5, 1921, in Washington, Louisiana, to parents, R.S. and Ada Brignac Fontenot. He attended and graduated from Washington High School. Ray proudly served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army Air Corps until 1946. He then went on to work at Dupont Sabine River Works in Orange, he retired after 34 years. Ray was a member of the Knights of Columbus Hall #1680 in Orange, as well as a loyal and faithful member of St. Mary Catholic Church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 21, 2023, at St. Mary Catholic Church. Officiating will be Reverend Antony Paulose. Burial will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Orange.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, January 20, 2023, at Claybar Funeral Home in Orange.

He is preceded in death by his parents, wife of 70 years, Virgie Jones Fontenot, sister and brother-in-law, “Willie” Fontenot and Leo Lauzon, and brother, James Fontenot.

He is survived by his grandson, Paul R. Hebert, daughter and son-in-law, Belinda Fontenot and Johnny Cormier, and sister-in-law, Janet Fontenot.

Special thank you with appreciation to Southeast Texas Hospice, friend Patricia Daleo, and care giver Teina.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Southeast Texas Hospice of Orange at https://www.setxhospice.org/donate/ or St. Mary School Fund at 2600 Bob Hall, Orange, Texas 77630.