Mr. Ray L. Mattox

On December 22, 1952, Ray Lavern Mattox was born to the late Ed Mattox and Bernice Morris in the city of Leesville, Louisiana. Ray was surrounded by love, with his parents and his grandparents - the late Rev. Prince Morris and Minnie Morris - playing major roles in his life. The first time that Ray left the home where he was born, was to attend his christening at The Greater Bethel AME Church in Leesville. Ray always valued family and was very active in the church. As a young boy he especially enjoyed taking part in activities such as their weekly fish fry, weiner roast, roller skating and hula-hoop contests. Ray took great pride in having a relationship with God and learned to pray at a very young age. He became known as a prayer warrior in our family praying daily for anyone in need. Since neither of his parents drove his grandfather had the pleasure of teaching him and Ray quickly developed a love for road trips. He often reminisced about driving his mother and ladies of Bethel Church to attend out -of-town AME church conferences, and church services. Ray had an incredible memory recalling details decades later including ministers and the key points of their sermons at conferences. Ray began his education at Vernon Elementary and continued at Vernon Junior High School. During his freshman year at Vernon High School he played football with the Vernon High Lions. In 1969, Ray transferred to Leesville High School where he graduated in 1970. After having a number of odd jobs, Ray started his career working as a Journeyman at Cleco Electric Utility Company of Leesville, where he worked until 1997. Ray married his life partner, Jackie Franklin, June 1, 1991. They moved to Atlanta, Georgia in July 1997, to start a new chapter in their lives. On June 1, 2025, they celebrated 34 years of marriage. On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, our Heavenly Father, in his warm and caring way, saw that Ray needed rest and lovingly gathered him in his arms carrying him to glory. Ray’s passing has left a profound void in our hearts and in our family, but we are grateful for the cherished memories that he left with us. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Jackie Mattox, his children: Chevonne Anderson (Stan) and LaShaunda Skakel (Shawn) of Atlanta, GA, Tamaiya Mattox of Ohio, Kayla Stevens of Leesville, La., Desiraye Evans of Houston, Texas, two sisters, Vernita West (Herman) Los Angeles CA, Sharon, KK Johnson (James) Denver Colorado, a number of nieces and nephews,10+ grand and great- grand children and a host of relatives, friends and loved ones. Ray Lavern Mattox’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, deep love for family, and a generous spirit - his prayers, kindness, and wisdom left an indelible mark on all who knew him, and his memory will continue to inspire for generations to come. 

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