Funeral services for Ray McManus, will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Gilbert, under the direction of Dennard Funeral Home and officiated by Dr. Bobby Ensminger, Thursday May 25th at 2 p.m. Visitation will be held from 12:30 until time of the service. Interment will follow at South Central Cemetery in Wisner.Ray was born May 21, 1926, to the union of Callie and Louie McManus and passed to his eternal life May 22, 2023 at the age of 97. He grew up when times were hard and embarked on a life with his childhood sweetheart that would span 74 years. He served in the United States Army in WWII in Company B, 302nd Infantry Regiment, 94th Infantry Division. Upon his return home, he trained in the carpentry trade and built many homes and commercial buildings over the years ending his career at age 80. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and in earlier years, served as Sunday School Superintendent, taught Sunday School, Training Union, and Bible School.He was an avid deer hunter and outdoorsman. His love for Blue Grass & Gospel music led him and his wife on many excursions to the mountains and fiddling contest in Nachitoches; he was a self-taught mandolin player. He held education in the highest regard and encouraged his children to be their best at whatever they chose to do. His children sought his council in everything because he seemed to always have the best advice.He worked tirelessly to be a good provider for his family. He always raised a fine garden and shared with all, the fruits of his labor.Those who knew him will remember him for his ability to spin a humorous tale. Anyone can tell a funny story but he could tell any story funny. He will remain in our hearts and live on in the images of his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great- great grandchildren. His love for his family was unconditional and what he considered his greatest accomplishment. He often told people that if he'd known how great his children would turn out, he would've ordered up a dozen.He was preceded in death by his loving wife and partner, Audrey, beloved son, Wesley, his parents, twin brother Roy, and siblings, David, George, Lane, and Glydia, and son-in-law, Ty Britt.Left to carry on his legacy are his devoted daughters, Sandra McManus, Winnsboro, and Susan Britt of Gilbert. One special grandson, Kevin Bass and wife Leanne, granddaughters Stacy McManus, Monroe and Jennie Dawsey and husband Cory of Ruston. Great grandchildren Stephanie Knox (Grady) and Ethan Ray Bass (Avery), Eden, Everly Rae, and Emersyn. Great -great grandchildren Kolten Grae, Lily Rhae, Abi Laurae, Raylan, Kayson McKrae and Weston, bonus grands, Beth Ann (Toby) McVay, Tristan, Brandon, and Ella, as well as a host of friends and relatives.Serving as pallbearers are Bill Moroni, Ken Moroni, Ethan Bass, Kolten Bass, Cory Dawsey, Bill Kirksey, Grady Knox, and Roger Sanders.Honorary pallbearers are: Ted Holder, Boatner Holder, Billy Currington, Gary Martin, Danny Richardson, Donald McManus, Big John Moroni, Big Bill Moroni, and Wayne Sanders.The family wishes to thank Drs. Combetta, Atkins, Cotter, and Richard, and the nursing staff at Winnsboro Rural Health Clinic, ER, and 3rd floor. We appreciate the special bond that Jasmine and Chris created with our Dad.Memorials may be made to the South Central Cemetery Fund.Online registration/condolences at www.dennardfirstnational.com
Visitation

Calvary Baptist Church

Calvary Baptist Church

South Central Cemetery