Raymond "Ray" J. Lepine Sr., 85, of Slidell, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 13, 2023, in Slidell. Ray was born January 22, 1938, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Robert and Louise Mayer Lepine. During his lifetime, he resided in New Orleans, Chalmette, and Slidell, LA.; Bay St Louis, and Purvis MS.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Joan Perret Lepine; his brother, Robert Lepine; and his sister, Joyce Miller.

He is survived by his two sons, Raymond "Ray" Lepine Jr. (Kim), Barry Lepine Sr.; four grandchildren, Raymond Lepine III, Kristy Watson (Clay), Barry Lepine Jr., Cory Lepine; two great-grandchildren, Wyatt Watson, Aubrey Ann Watson; sisters, Margaret Fields, Louise Pagano, Delphine Pagano. A host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Ray was a proud Navy veteran who served our country until 1957. He always spoke fondly of his experience in the service and loved to reminisce about his time in Japan. After completion of his service, he was anxious to get home to marry the love of his life, Joan. They wed in January 1959 and went on to build a beautiful life with their sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Ray retired from Tulane University Medical Center in 1992 as their chief electrician after 17 years of service. Ray loved to tend to his yard and garden and took much pride in his work. He also loved to travel and visit area casinos, but above all else, he loved spending time with his family. They were his world, his pride and joy, and as he would always say, his heart.

Ray was a kind, genuine soul who left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was the first one to greet you with a smile and a hug, and he never knew a stranger. He will be deeply missed here on earth, but we have peace and comfort knowing he's been reunited in heaven with his true love, Joanie.

The family would like to extend its sincerest gratitude and appreciation to Ray's medical teams at Ochsner, Slidell Memorial Hospital, and Visiting Angels.

"God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be, so he put his arms around you, and whispered, 'Come to Me'"…

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 21, 2023, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 400 Westchester Blvd, in Slidell.

Visitation will begin at 10:00am, followed by the funeral mass at 12:00 noon.

Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery in Slidell.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to Holy Cross School New Orleans or Tunnel to Towers Foundation