J Raymond "Ray" McClure Jr.

J Raymond "Ray" McClure, 81, of St. Gabriel, LA, passed away on February 4, 2024, surrounded by his wife and children. Ray was born on March 15, 1942, in Liberal, KS. Ray was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and friend.

Ray was preceded in death by his father, J Raymond "JR" McClure; his mother, June Willis McClure of Liberal Kansas; and sister Carol Jean Evans of Plains Kansas.

Ray is survived by his wife of almost 30 years, Angie Samson, as well as two former spouses, Gail Hughes McClure and Jill Johnson, and his seven children: J Trenton McClure (Carol), Cassel Villarreal (Bill), Wendy Turner (Charles), Jesse McClure (Abby), Nicholas McClure (Lacey), Patrick McClure (Amanda) and Cecile McClure (Jacob). He was also a cherished grandfather to 9 grandchildren: Alexa, Jase, Aurelio, Claire, Charlie, Rhoda, Ruby, Colter, and Wyatt.

Ray was a devoted family man who loved his home in St. Gabriel. His life was full of his children’s sports games and events. He carried his camera or video recorder everywhere so he could record his children at every stage of their lives. He was a great partner to his wife, Angie. Their partnership created a loving and busy home for the family. He was supportive of his Angie, helping her as she built her veterinary practice. Their home is a gathering point for all the family including the children and grandchildren. His family and friends enjoyed his sense of humor delivered in unwavering tone. It was also the home of all the loving pets, including horses, dogs, cats, and fish. His favorite horse was Rose Proof, the most successful thoroughbreds that he bred and raised.

When Ray was home, he spent much of his time working on his small farm and fixing things such as his barn, fence, tractor, car, his kids’ cars, the house. He loved to fix things. When he was not fixing things, he enjoyed watching his favorite sporting teams, LSU women’s basketball and LSU football. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife Angie, enjoying many vacations in the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and visiting family elsewhere in the USA and Canada.

Although Ray lived in Louisiana for over 45 years, his roots are from Kansas and Colorado. He spent his early childhood in Denver, Colorado. His family moved back to southwest Kansas in the 1950s to operate the family cattle ranch in the Cimarron River Valley, near Liberal, Kansas. This is where he became a passionate horse lover.

Ray had an extensive educational background. He graduated from high school in 1960 from Kismet, Kansas where he was a superior athlete in track and field and basketball. He entered the US Army as a young man and spent 6 years in the reserves. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Zoology (1966) and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (1970) degrees from Kansas State University. He did a rotating internship and residency in large animal surgery at the University of Minnesota and obtained a Master of Science degree from the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine in Veterinary Surgery and Radiology and was a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Throughout his career, Ray made significant contributions as an Equine Surgeon. He was a member of the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine Large Animal Surgery. In 1977 he joined the faculty of the School of Veterinary Medicine at Louisiana State University as an assistant professor. He retired from LSU as a full professor in 1998 and was awarded Professor Emeritus status. Dr. McClure was a great teacher and mentor to the students, interns and residents and was known for his quick wit and dry sense of humor. Dr. McClure was definitely ‘one of a kind’. Ray was active in organized veterinary medicine including the American Veterinary Medical Association and served several years on the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association (LVMA) Board of Directors and as LVMA President in 1992. His expertise and dedication to the field were highly regarded.

Ray's presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His legacy as a skilled veterinarian, and devoted family man will be remembered lovingly. Please join us in celebrating Ray's life and honoring his memory. Funeral arrangements include a visitation for Ray will be held at the St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 3625 LA-75, St. Gabriel, LA, 70776 Monday, February 12 at 10 am followed by a Mass at 11 am with entombment and reception afterwards.

In lieu of flowers please consider donations to one of Ray’s favorite charities, the Special Olympics.