Rayford “Pawpaw” Paul Gary
Rayford “Pawpaw” Paul Gary, 87, of LaBelle, died Sunday, August 28, 2022, at Baptist Hospitals of Southeast Texas, Beaumont. He was born on May 15, 1935, to Marie Stutes Gary and Clemance John Gary, in Rayne, Louisiana, and served in the Texas National Guard as a medic.
Ray opened Ray’s Custom Cabinet’s in 1984 until his retirement in 1997. Since then his son, Roland, has taken over the business. Other than being a skilled carpenter, he was a master gardener, master welder, pipefitter, hog farmer, avid storyteller, great husband, daddy and friend, and the BEST PAWPAW EVER! Pawpaw wasn’t well educated, but he taught us all so many lessons in life. His family doctor once said he was a GIANT AMONG MEN! He was. He loved BIG. He fought BIG. His opinion was BIG.
Towards the end of his life, he told multiple family members that he never wanted to be a “rich” man. All he wanted was to provide a good home and life for his family. His family was the most important thing to him, and we all knew that. He said, “It’s a man’s job to provide for his family and to raise his kids to be good people”. He took a lot of pride in the fact that he had done just that. Now Pawpaw, it’s time to rest. You have accomplished your goal. You raised a good family and taught us values that have been passed down to grandchildren and will also be passed on to great grandchildren. Job well done! You will be missed!
Survivors include his children, Sandy Sisk of Lumberton; Roland Gary and his wife, Debbie, of Fannett; and Rhonda Brode and her husband, Eric, of LaBelle; grandchildren, Jimmie (Jennifer), Jessica (Frank), Michael, Jeremie (Kady), Amanda (Josh), Alisha (Brad), Megan (Andrea), Tasha (Josh), Brittany (Robert), and Terra (Eben); and great-grandchildren, Dillon, Lyndi, Josie, Julia, Jay, Joseph, Garrett, Gunner, Gracie, Pacie, Kynlie, Maybrie, Abigail, Kyler, Kayden, Jasper, Dustin, Joshua, Ezekiel, Phoebe, Britton, Harper, Brody, Katie, Kinsley, and Luke.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lillia Gary; three brothers; and one sister.
A gathering of Mr. Gary’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6:00 p.m., Friday, September 2, 2022, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. His cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium, Beaumont.
Memorial contributions may be made to Knights of Columbus #6763, P.O. Box 360, Hamshire, Texas 77622.
Video
Gathering of Family and Friends
Broussard’s Mortuary Nederland
- 505, North 12th Street, Nederland, Texas, 77627,
- September 2, 2022
- 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Rosary
Broussard’s Mortuary Nederland
- 505, North 12th Street, Nederland, Texas, 77627,
- September 2, 2022
- 6:00 pm
Broussard’s Crematorium
- 5150, Stivers Dr, Beaumont, TX, 77705,
Mr Gary was a great man that did lots of work for me in my houses. He always had a story to tell us and when he said he would do something you better believe he would do it. I truly admired his values and his business deals were always fair for everyone! Prayers for all!
Ray was a great friend! Ray was one of the first welders that I worked with in Pipefitters Local 195 and was probably the best welder in 195. I’m sorry for the family with the loss of Ray. I’m going to miss the many talks about politics that we had over the years! I already miss him, but I know that him and Lillia are having a ball in heaven! Loved that man, Ronny Nelson
Sending our prayers and condolences to this beautiful family. Love, Ann & Will
Rhonda,
I am so sorry to hear about your Daddy. I am keeping you in my prayers. Love you!!!! Debbie
So sorry for the loss of your father. ????????????