Ray L. Wilkins

Funeral services were held for Mr. Ray Lamar Wilkins, age 84, at First Baptist Church, 406 W. Main Street, Homer, LA, on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., Rev. Brian Thurman, officiated. Interment followed at Arlington Cemetery in Homer, LA. 

Visitation was held at the Rose-Neath funeral Home, 405 East 5th Street, Homer, LA from 5:00-7:00 p.m., on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

Ray was born October 12, 1939, in Homer, LA, to Ed B. and Clarice McLellan Wilkins. He entered into rest on August 11, 2024, in Minden, LA. Ray enjoyed spending time outdoors & playing with neighborhood friends growing up. At Homer High School he was a member of the Homer Iron Men & was named as a high school All-American. Following high school, he played football for one season at Texas A& M, then decided to join his brother by another mother Fred David Miller at LSU for his final three seasons. Ray was a running back for the Go Team that won the 1961 SEC Championship, were Orange Bowl Champions in 1962 & Cotton Bowl Champions in 1963. Ray received his bachelor’s degree in forestry in 1963 then joined the US Forest Service. He fought wildfires in the Western USA on numerous occasions. He served in the LA National Guard earning the exemplary marksmanship award. Ray married his true love Patricia in 1965 & they eventually returned to Claiborne Parish to raise their family. Ray was co-owner of two forestry firms before his retirement. Ray loved to work in his garden, raising & training quail hunting dogs and spending time with his grandchildren. Ray loved his church & church family. Poppa Ray was proud to say he was a lifelong member of the cradle role. He loved the Lord and read his bible daily.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Strahan Wilkins; parents, Ed Wilkins & Clarice McCellan Wilkins; and brother Donald Wilkins.

He is survived by his daughter, Wendi Barnette & husband John of Minden, LA; two sons, Len Wilkins & wife Tina of Minden, LA, and Gary Wilkins & wife Lora of Katy, TX. Grandchildren of Poppa Ray are Josh & wife Baleigh Wilkins, Shelby Wilkins, Ashlyn Wilkins, Ray Barnette, Jake Wilkins, Abigal Barnette & Gracelyn Barnette. Great Grandson Luke Wilkins. Brother Glenn Wilkins & wife Joyce, sister-in laws Prudy Wilkins and Gayle S. Gordon, brother-in-law Jerry Strahan; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends especially his Homer High Classmates of 1958.

Ray’s family would like to express their gratitude to special friend Sandra Talley, the ladies of Southern Ingenuity, Passages Hospice & the Columns of Germantown for the care and compassion shown him during his final days.

Pallbearers were Josh Wilkins, Jake Wilkins, Ray Barnette, Roger Zachary, Brian Pepper & Connor Humphreys.

Honorary pallbearers were Andy Bryan, Billy Wayne Taylor, and Ray’s First Baptist Church of Homer Sunday School Class.

In lieu of flowers honoring Mr. Wilkins, his family suggests memorials be made to First Baptist Church of Homer, LA, Claiborne Academy Foundation (Haynesville, LA), LSU Athletic Foundation (Baton Rouge, LA) or the charity of choice. 

 Rose-Neath Funeral Home

Homer Chapel (318) 927-6110