Joseph B. "J.B." LeRay, Jr.

With great sadness, we wish to inform you of the passing of our beloved husband, "Poppy" and uncle, Joseph B. (J.B.) LeRay Jr., 74, who lost his extraordinary 8 month battle with esophageal cancer on January 25, 2021. Born in Baton Rouge to J.B., Sr. and Verdi LeRay, he moved to Pasadena, Texas, in 1954, where he completed his formal education, then joined the U.S. Navy in 1967, with the unique honor of being sworn in by his father. After deployment to Vietnam, he returned to Pasadena ultimately marrying the former Yvonne Stroud in 1969. They then moved to New Iberia in August 1972, planting their roots. A true entrepreneur, he and Yvonne owned and operated several businesses, the last of which were the Clean Scene Washeteria and the Cool Scene, retiring in 2013. When his children were growing up he was very involved in coaching and volunteering at various sporting events, especially baseball. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed fishing and deer hunting. J.B. is survived by his wife of 52 years, Yvonne, and his three children, Tiffany (Ryan) Romero, JoB (Charlie) LeRay, and Casye LeRay; five grandchildren, Payten and Cooper Romero and Roux, Lochie and Finn LeRay; his sisters Juliet Christa, Linda O'Nave and Debi Crawford; his sister-in-law Diane Stroud; 7 nieces and nephews; numerous "greats"; and his cousin/best friend Milford Johnson. He is proceeded in death by his parents, J.B., Sr. and Verdi LeRay, and his in-laws Rocky and Doris Stroud. A celebration of his life and humorus personality will be held at a later date, with his final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery, Washington, D.C, where he will join his father-in-law and fellow veterans. Pellerin Funeral Home, 502 Jefferson Terrace Blvd., New Iberia, LA 70560 (337-365-3331).