William J Paray

July 27, 1945 – February 8, 2013

William “Bill” Paray, 67, a native of Morgan City and a resident of Lafayette passed away, Friday, February 8, 2013 at Our Lady of Lourdes in Lafayette.

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Lela Wiggins Paray of Lafayette; two daughters, Tonya Whitley and her fiancé, Shawn Price, of Lafayette, and Dodie Andrus and her husband, Chris, of Lafayette; four sisters, Carrie Lange, Emily Thibodeaux, Martha Overbay, and Julie Paray; eight grandchildren, Paul “P.J.” Whitley, Tanner Whitley, Madison Whitley, Brinnslee Picard, Tori Andrus, Matt Andrus, Leslie Price, and Katherine Price and one great grandchild, Roman Whitley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Alice Paray; two brothers, Lennis and Harry Paray; and a sister, Alice Paray.

A veteran from the United States Navy, Bill was a wonderful husband and father. He enjoyed the game of golf and took pride in being a top notch salesman. To Bill, his greatest achievement was his children and grandchildren. He was respected by many and loved by all. For a man of few words, Bill often took on the role of surrogate father to many.

The family requests that visitation be observed Sunday, February 10, 2013 from 4:30pm to 10:00pm at Hargrave Funeral Home in Morgan City. Visitation will resume Monday, February 11, 2013 at 9am until time of dismissal at Hargrave Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held for Bill, Monday, February 11, 2013 at 11:00am at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson with Father Donovan Labbe officiating. Interment will follow in the church mausoleum with the East St. Mary Veteran's Funeral Squad rendering military honors.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to each and every person who has assisted the family during Bill’s illness. A special thanks goes to the Kimball family.