Preston Ray Friedley Sr.

BOSSIER CITY, LA – Services celebrating the life of Preston Ray Friedley, Sr. will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at Hill Crest Memorial Chapel with Bryan Reed of The Simple Church officiating. Interment will follow at Hill Crest Memorial Park. Visitation will be Monday, July 31, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Ray was born on October 27, 1931 in Memphis, TN and passed away on July 27, 2017 in Shreveport, LA. Ray was never one to shy away from hard work. Even during his 25 years in the Army, including tours in Korea and Vietnam, he always seemed to have a second career. He and his first wife, Virginia, were owners of a motel, wrecking yard, numerous restaurants, Sippy machines in many area schools, and sold vegetables and fruits on the side of the road, which led to them purchasing a convenience store. He also guided his sons into the business of selling Tyler roses on the side of the road during their high school and college years. Ray then decided to pursue a career owning and driving an 18-wheeler. Finally, he found something he loved to do as much as he loved the Army. In 1981, he opened R & R Roofing Company, which is still in operation today. He achieved his goal to be the best and most honest roofer in the area. Even running a roofing company didn’t keep Ray busy enough, as he began to accumulate rent houses.

Besides his love for his family, Ray’s other passion was his New Orleans Saints. His happiest Saints moment was when he realized they were going to win Super Bowl XLIV. For one of the few times in his life, Ray was speechless.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Austin James Sr. and Annie Laurie Friedley, his first wife of 38 years, Virginia Louise Cox Friedley, his daughter Kerry, and his brothers, Austin James Jr., George, and Ed.

Ray is survived by his wife, Billie Jean, his sons, Preston Friedley Jr. & wife Debbie, Paul Friedley & wife Janie, daughter, Karen Nesser & husband Ken, and his stepson, Beau Dykes. His seven grandchildren are Casey Shelton & husband Jason, Tish Carmack, Paul Friedley, Jr., Katie Davis & husband Justin, Courtney Friedley, Wesley Ross & wife Kim, and David Ross. Ray also leaves behind eighteen great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Ray and Virginia also fostered many adolescents and positively impacted their lives, which included Roger Rawls and Rodney Fortmann.

Pallbearers will be Paul Friedley Jr, Wesley Ross, Jason Shelton, Cameron Washington, Roger Rawls, and Transkei “Tudor” Ivory. Honorary pallbearers are Rodney Fortmann and Willie Gray.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.hillcrestmemorialfh.com.