Pastor Ray Adam Blanchard

Ray Adam Blanchard, 80, a proud Cajun from Houma, Louisiana, entered the gates of Heaven on March 25, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of faith, family, and service. Born March 1, 1945, in New Orleans to Wilfred Jeffries Blanchard and Lillian Arcement Blanchard, Ray was raised in Houma, where he learned the value of saying what he meant. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Ashley Motichek; his parents and siblings, Everett, Joseph, Theresa, Louis, Joyce, Vivian, and a baby brother, John.

At 19, Ray married Nelda Stanley, his devoted wife of over 60 years. Together, they raised six children. The family has grown to include 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Those left to cherish his memories are his loving wife of sixty-two years, Nelda Blanchard of Rosepine, LA; children, Wesley Ray Blanchard and Regina of Rosepine, LA, Jeff Blanchard and Jordan of DeRidder, LA, Lisa Angela Simon and Steven of Sulphur, LA, April Dawn Bevers and Johnny of DeRidder, LA, Amy Rochelle Rodriguez and Tito of Lake Charles, LA, JoAnna Rose Pierce and Tracy of Houston, TX; grandchildren, Billy Ray Collins, Andrew Christopher Burns and Paige, Stephanie Treme and Chad, Kade West and Ashley, Melody Fortner and Winston, Nikki Blanchard, Wesley Blanchard, II and Pauliena, Luke Blanchard, Emerald DesJardins and Gilmar, Karen Henandez and Rocky, Taylor Campbell, Nathan Blanchard, Marcus Blanchard, Autumn Blanchard, Doug Bevers; great grandchildren, Kayla, Anthony, Tryton, Anniston, Scarlett, Oaklynn, Wyatt, Kylee, Elaina, Aria, Dakota, Delilah, Matthew, Chloe, Gia, Gracie and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Ray proudly served in the National Guard from 1963 to 1969, ordered to active duty during Vietnam, standing ready to defend his country. He later served his community as a two term Alderman in Rosepine where the mayor honored his dedication with a key to the town. At 30, he answered a higher calling, dedicating five years to seminary training, earning a Masters of Theology. For 50 years, he pastored churches and preached revivals across the nation, raising funds for missionaries in the poorest nations, a mission born from his humble roots. His booming spirit and generous soul touched lives far and wide, leaving him survived by many family and friends.

A man of deep faith, Ray now rests high on that mountain, his work on Earth done.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 27, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA. The funeral service will be Friday, March 28, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Faith Baptist Church, 6492 1St Street, Rosepine, LA. Pastor Mark Smith and Brother Dennis Carrell will officiate the service. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Andrew Burns, Kade West, Aaron Isbell, Chad Treme, Winston Fortner, Nathan Blanchard. Military Honors and burial will be held following the funeral at Old Cypress Cemetery in Rosepine, LA.