Raymond John Guidry Sr. of Nederland, Texas, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 22, 2025. He was the youngest of five children, born on September 20, 1937, to Wallace and Carmen Guidry in Broussard, Louisiana. He led a life rich in experiences and accomplishments. After surviving polio when he was 14 years old, he became a standout athlete. He graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic High School in 1955, where he excelled in sports, theatre, and academics. He received the Best Actor award in a state competition during his senior year. His flair for the dramatic, sense of humor, and fun-loving personality were evident to all who knew and loved him.
Upon graduating high school, he discerned the priesthood by entering a seminary for two years and then pursued higher education. He graduated from Lamar University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. He went on to become a proud graduate of the University of Houston School of Pharmacy. He retired after working 35 years as a pharmacist.
He met Gloria, the love of his life, in Houston; they married and spent 62 wonderful years together. Raymond and Gloria welcomed 3 beautiful and competitive children, whom he loved to coach in basketball, baseball, softball, and tennis. He was an avid gardener, had a great love of music, and a beautiful singing voice. He played the guitar and delighted in making up songs impromptu for the neighborhood kids. He spent many years singing in the choir at St. Catherine and St. Charles Catholic Churches. Raymond was known for his solo rendition of the Ave Maria. Upon retiring, you could find him cheering on his beloved Nederland Bulldogs or the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. He found immense joy and was incredibly proud of his grandchildren and great children. He was cherished by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Gloria, his two daughters, Gina Hale (Greg) of LaBelle and Becky Guidry (Roland) of Nederland; his grandchildren, Alissa Guidry (Eli) of Vidor, Trace Barnett (Ashley) of Nederland, Kiersten Lochridge (Landon) of Pearland, Nathan Guidry of New Braunfels, and Joshua Lamb (Morgan) of Boerne; eight great-granddaughters, Niyah, Na’omi, Livie, Landry Kate, Violet, Blace, Scarlett, and London; and many nieces and nephews.
Raymond is preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Carmen Guidry; his son, Raymond Guidry Jr.; and his siblings, Marie Gonsoulin, Wallace Guidry, James Guidry, and Henry Guidry. A visitation will be held at Melancon-Livingston Funeral Home in Nederland, Texas on Sunday, January 26, 2025, from 5:00 – 8:00 pm with a Rosary at 6:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will take place on Monday, January 27, 2025, at 10:30 am at St. Charles Catholic Church in Nederland, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made to St. Catherine Catholic School, 3840 Woodrow Dr. Port Arthur, Texas 77642 in his honor.
Pallbearers: Trace Barnett, Nathan Guidry, Joshua Lamb, Landon Lochridge, Elijah Daigle, Brent Guidry, Kurt Guidry, and Jim Laughlin.