A phenomenal basketball player, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Ray O. Salter, left this earth Friday night, November 17, 2023 in the arms of Jesus and is now praising Him in Heaven. He was born March 4, 1939 in Florien, LA to Howard and Ahline Rice Salter.
Ray attended Florien High School where he was active in sports and excelled in basketball. He proudly wore the jersey #55 for the Florien Black Cats and helped lead them to victory many times. He was named most valuable player, all tournament and all-state. In 1958, Ray was named to the National High School All-American Team by the Wigwam Wiseman of America and was awarded a collegiate scholarship.
The courtship of Ray and Bonnie began in 1958 at Florien High School and moved to a beautiful union of marriage in 1960 that would last over 63 years.
He served his country in the United States Army National Guard as active duty and reserved duty for 8 years. He rose to the rank of Sergeant and Squad Leader.
Ray worked as sales manager/vice president for Kennedy Saw Mills, Inc. in Shreveport responsible for all buying and selling of lumber. He was recruited to American Creosote Works in Pensacola, FL as the area manager of a 5-state area. His later years were spent providing maintenance for Cornerstone Hospital. Ray was a people person outgoing and friendly. He made friends easily. He loved this aspect of his career and never met a stranger. He enjoyed helping others.
He loved fishing, watching sports, especially basketball, football and wrestling. He always enjoyed family gatherings, cookouts and catching up on everything going on in their lives. He loved to give Daddy/PawPaw advice and being the foreman of projects around the house. As the kids were growing up, he took them to the park and taught kite flying, softball and basketball. He taught them how to drive and many life lessons.
He was a Baptist by faith, who loved the Lord and looked forward to his Sunday School Class led by Bruce Hardcastle. He loved and appreciated every member and getting to be with them in class and other events. He joined Summer Grove Baptist Church in 1978.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Bobbye Sellars; and a brother, Philip Salter.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Bonnie Underwood Salter, daughters, Venita Beth Hernandez (Raymond) and Kayla Christian (Randy), one son, Marcus Ray Salter (Gojka), grandchildren, Richard Salter, Chris Salter (Laura) and Joshua Sidell, 4 great grandchildren, Andrew Salter, Ellie Salter, Lorelei and Serenity Sidell.
He is survived by 2 brothers, Gene Salter and Stanley Salter, one sister, Diane Anthony. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.
A visitation for Ray will be held Friday, November 24, 2023 at 10 am with funeral service following at 11 am. Graveside service will follow. Centuries Memorial Funeral Home and Park, 8801 Mansfield Rd., Shreveport, LA 71108. Honoring him as pallbearers are Bruce Underwood, Richard Salter, Christopher Salter, Joshua Sidell, Patrick Karr, Troy Futch, Winfred "Sparky" Weldon and Todd McClendon.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital for Children or to the charity of choice.
