Cleophus Ray Samuels Jr.

Thursday, December 8, 2016  an angel came down from heaven with a still, small voice, called Cleo’s name to release this earthly body of pain and suffering for his new glorified body.    Cleophus “Ray” Samuels Jr. was the first born son to Portia Jefferson Samuels and Cleophus Ray Samuels Sr. in Houston, Texas on February 24, 1953.  At a early age, Ray accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior and was baptized at the Fifth Ward Church of Christ in Houston, Texas. He was a faithful member of Fifth Ward Church of Christ until his death..   Ray’s journey in life brought him through many encounters and many blessings. He was a proud graduated of Jefferson Davis High School, Class of 1971 where he played basketball and football.  After high school he continued his education at the University of Southwestern Louisiana on a football scholarship. Cleo, as his college friends called him, lettered in football at both schools.  He excelled in basketball and football which earned him a place among the Outstanding College Athletes of America. Ray is known for his personable, fun-loving, “never met a stranger” personality.  Over the years at Cy-Fair ISD, Coach Samuels, mentored many young men and touch their lives in a way they remember still today.   In the summer of 1974 on the campus of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette he meet the love of his life, and yes it was love at first site.  After a four year courtship the two became one on February 25, 1978.  From this union was born a daughter, Kellee Nicole and a son, Sean Nicholas. They have one granddaughter Dazjah Rae. Ray instilled in his children the importance of  God first, family and friends.  He set an example of  caring and sharing.  He had a heart made of gold.    Memories will be cherished forever by his loving, devoted wife, Martina of 38 years;  his daughter who is still Daddy’s little girl, Kellee Nicole Samuels;  his son who he so loved with everything he had, Sean Nicholas Samuels; his granddaughter , the apple of his eye, Dazjah Rae Smith; a loving brother, Reginald C. Samuels, of Houston, Texas; mother and father-in-law, Janet and Landry Askins Sr.; of Baton Rouge, La; a brother-in-law Maurice (Tara) Askins of Baton Rouge, La; one sister-in-law Celita Askins of Baton Rouge, La, his god child Rhori Oliver, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, countless friends and neighbors who were blessed to know him.   Ray was preceded in death by his parents: Cleophus Ray Samuels, Sr. and Portia Jefferson Samuels.In honor of Ray’s memory in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the UL Athletics GridIron Memorial Scholarship Fund UL Lafayette Foundation P.O. Box 44290 Lafayette, LA 70504