Growing up in Cotton Valley, Ray enjoyed playing sports and was fortunate enough to meet his High School sweetheart that would later become his loving wife and mother of his children. In adulthood he would become a devoted Christian, loving father and doting husband. Truly elated to be involved in family and church life. His quick wit and humble nature helped him become an effective leader and it showed in his little league coaching and eventually in his managerial position in the oil and gas industry. There was no job too big or too small for him and he was always ready to help troubleshoot and remedy any problem. He enjoyed life and felt truly blessed and highly favoured to have his dream job and time to work on his many hobbies. Loving the outdoors, he was an avid sportsman, he loved training horses and loved building things with his hands. He lived a full life and his legacy lives on in the things he built and the lives he touched.
Ray was preceded in death by his sister, Virginia “Mickie” Bethea, nieces, Krista Callaghan and Holly Yager, his great grand daughters Sophia and Lillian Lemmons, and his parents. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 47 years, Deborah; son, Jeremy Bethea and wife Shanan; daughters, Angela Lemmons and husband Gene, and Jessie Mansfield; grandchildren, Stephen Lemmons and wife Karlie, Derek Lemmons, David Lemmons, Alexis Powers, Bryan Lemmons, Carson Mansfield, and Case Garner; great-grandchildren, Gracie, Logan, and Nolan Lemmons, Braelynn and Adalynn Cook; brother, Louis Edwin Bethea, Jr. and wife Bettie; sister, Barbara Yager and husband David; sister in law Vickie Cox and husband Glynn; along with a host of nieces and nephews.
We will celebrate Ray’s life on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Haughton. The family will receive friends on Tuesday evening, March 16, 2021, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home. Ray will be laid to rest at Hill Crest Memorial Park.
