Raymond Ratley, 88, of Nederland, Texas passed away Thursday, September 19, 2013 at his home. He was born August 15, 1925 in Tyler, Texas to the late Coker and Betty McKay Ratley. Raymond served his country proudly in the U. S. Coast Guard and was a Merchant Marine.

Funeral services will be held at Melancon’s Funeral Home in Nederland on Monday, September 23, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Donald Bean and Rev. David Milner officiating. Interment will be held at West Oaks Cemetery in Jasper, Texas at 2:00 p.m. following the funeral service. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Sunday, September 22, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Raymond is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Maxine Hefley Ratley of Nederland; sons, Terry Cooper and wife, Rebecca of Anderson, SC and Dennis Cooper of Winsboro, LA; daughters, Karen Seward and husband Paul of Port Neches and Kanda Wimberly and husband, Keith of Port Neches; sister, Lillian McMath of Lumberton; 15 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; and numerous aunt, uncles, nieces, and nephews.