Raymond Leon Marie

New Iberia – A Mass Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, for Raymond Leon Marie, 69, who passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2024, in Muncie, Indiana.

Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Rev. Mark Miley will be the Celebrant.

Visitation will be held on Friday, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, at Pellerin Funeral Home, and will continue Saturday from 8:00 mam until 10:30 am.

A rosary, led by the Men’s Rosary Group, will be prayed at 6:00 pm on Friday evening.

Ray discovered in his early thirties that his health issues were caused by a progressive illness, but in true fashion, he decided that he was going to live his life to the fullest. 

He was fully engaged as a husband, father, and community member. He coached Tee-ball and Little League baseball for Mickie’s teams, and frequently volunteered at Mickie’s schools.   

He was a proud member of the Optimist Club, serving as President and chairing various committees involving high-school students. He embodied the Optimist Creed, especially, “Promise yourself to be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.” 

He was an advocate for teens throughout most of his life.  He was instrumental in creating the first Teen Court in New Iberia, where teenagers were provided their own venue for due process, outside of the criminal justice system.  He was also a Core member of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Life Teen program. Here he shared his faith and humanity with teens and parishioners alike.   

Ray had a dry wit and was extremely creative, as evidenced by the many imaginative endeavors he engaged in over the years.  Humorous invitations, elaborately planned themed parties, scavenger hunt Christmas presents, a board game, and an autobiography are just a sampling of the many things he engaged in throughout his years.   

He was an excellent father and husband who showed his love freely. Never once did he complain or pity himself while dealing with his declining health. He was quick to smile, slow to anger, and his optimism was contagious.   

He was Daddy-O to his son, Uncle Ray or Ray-Ray to his numerous nieces and nephews, and self-proclaimed Gray-Ray to his two grandchildren.  For the last three years he got to watch his grandchildren grow up, and got to hear their voices frequently in his home.  Though often in his bed when they would come over, his grandchildren were quick to run in with an enthusiastic “Hi Gray-Ray!”, before launching into their latest adventures or climbing onto his bed to play a board game.   

To his wife, he was simply the love of her life.     

Survivors include his wife, Georgia Breaux Marie; son, Raymond Bradley "Mickie" Marie, II (Tracena); granddaughters, Celia Bradlie Marie and Amelia Ava Marie; brother, Brian Marie (Marcelle); sister, Maureen Marie; and a sister-in-law, Annie Marie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Bradley Marie and Muriel Abshire Marie; and a brother, Michael Marie.

Pallbearers will be Jason Breaux, Jerrod Breaux, Chuck Verret, Drew Verret, David "Chip" Breaux, and Matthew Breaux.

His family would like to thank Drs. George Cousin, Tim Himel, and James Rose who kept him functioning well enough to move to Indiana to live the last 3 years of his life right down the road from Mickie and his family.   

The family is also grateful for the excellent staff at Ball Memorial Hospital in Muncie, Indiana as Drs. Charles Routh and Rajeve Mehta.   

He will be missed by all those who loved him, but the joy he instilled in others will always remain.