Name: Centuries Memorial Funeral Home & Park
Address: Shreveport, LA

My step-dad introduced me to Ray when they were both working together at FabSteel in Waskom in the early seventies.  He took me in to his gym in 1974 and I worked with him and Vic Burns for about 3 years.  Back then that was about the entire stable.  I owe much to that man who provided me the discipline to stay the course.  Because of him I still hit the bags daily after some 40 years.

Thank you, Ray, and RIP.

Ray to me was someone to look up to he himself was trained by the best as a fighter. He was a person that pull no punches when talking with you on any subject. When I first went to the gym on East Texas street, he personally came back to the dressing room and made me get out in the gym area and workout I weighed 80 pounds soaking wet. It was people like Ray who inspired me until the day I finally gave it up 25 years later. My hat's off to Ray thanks for sharing him all of those years. May God bless.

"Dorothy, I am so sorry about your loss.  I will keep you in my prayers.  Again ... I'm so very sorry.  Judy Coughlin (Sarasota, FL)

Dorothy, Lisa, Chelsea and Paxton,

May you always remember Ray's strength and determination to stay the course, and his achievements in life. Always a true winner.  May he always be remembered by those he inspired and trained to be winners in all areas of life.  Truth, Honesty, and working tirelessly to the finish line.as the bells rang and the fight was called.  An awesome leader, trainer, husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all who had the opportunity to know him.  He will be missed, however his memory lives on.  GOD BLESS EACH OF YOU AND COMFORT YOU AT THIS TIME.  THE CLOUDS

Dear Dorothy, I am sorry for your loss.  Ray was a great man, very caring and inpriring to so many young men.  You and your family will be in our prayers.

Mrs. Paxton and Ms. Lisa, we are so sorry for your loss. Coach gave my son a chance when the others wouldn't. Please know that your family is in our prayers.


The gloves are hung up for the last time.....a knee has been taken....Ray Paxton, your arms are the ones raised and declared the winner.....you won and changed the lives of so many young men....because of you, they will be winners in life...Prayers for the family of this special silent hero...he never ever wanted attention for himself...when we along with Mayor Keith Hightower declared it Ray Paxton Day, Ray was grateful, and humble.. he only wanted to shine thru the young men that he devoted his life to helping.....
 He always wanted to remain in the background....yet keeping his guys in line.....
 What a hero he was and always will be to so many....
Lisa, Mrs. Dorthy, Paxton and Chelsea, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.  May your precious memories bring you peace and comfort in the days to come.  He was so loved by so many

Sorry to hear about Ray's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Mrs. Dorothy
When I heard about Ray's passing, I could not believe it! Ray was a good man and he gave me lots of opportunities in boxing. I am happy that I had the privilege of knowing Ray. My best memory of Ray is of him always being there for me during my boxing career and as a friend that was always there with advice and a lot of laughter.  And yes he was and still is that Father figure that mentored me after my Father passed. I will always remember my days and weeks at the gym with Ray and how much fun we had.  I would like to tell you that I always loved you and Ray.  My life was truly changed knowing him! I always admired how he helped and mentored the youth in the neighborhood. "Charles The Great Scott"

Lisa, 
So sorry for Your Family's loss.  You are in our Thoughts & Prayers.

Dorothy,
So sorry to learn of your loss.  I'll keep you and your family in my prayers.  Take care of yourself.
Janice Laird

We will miss you Ray me and little Jay.  You were a big influence to us and everyone that knows you. Love you , Ray Jody Gauthier and Little Jay.

Dorothy,
I am so sorry for your lose. You, Lisa and the children are in my prayers. May the Lord give you comfort as only He can during this time. I miss you at LSUS.

Dorothy,

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers that God will grant you strength and comfort during this difficult time.  Cherish all the precious memories you shared and through these your loved one lives 
on.

Faye Lampkin
LSU-S
Admissions and Records

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Praying for you and your family Ms Lisa. May God wrap his arms around each of you!

The Final Salute

Brothers in Arms, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged Hand Salutes as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another. 

This Hand Salute is the last that we shall render to Ray Thomas Paxton our Brother-in-Arms.   To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Ray.   And to Ray it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country while serving in the U.S. Navy and for a life time dedicated to the Boxing Profession.  Ray, we commend you for your honorable service. You are a true patriot, who served with honor and distinction. You upheld the finest qualities of an American patriot warrior: courage, commitment, generosity, sacrifice, love and devotion to family and country.  You were a true friend.  We bid you a sad farewell.  You will be dearly missed from among our ranks.  Be at Ease.  Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,061 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion and the 233 veterans of VFW Post 2238 in Shreveport, Louisiana, we extend our sympathies and our condolences to Ray's family and loved ones.

Stephen J. Lavery, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 South Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

James Mazariz, Commander, VFW Post 2238
1245 Gary Street, Shreveport, LA 71101

I'm so sorry for your loss. I know a Great man will surely be missed.

May his memory continue inspire others to be positive mentors and role models to the youth!

Very sad to hear we lost Ray. When I was a teenager looking for something more constructive to do, I entered Paxton's Gym and it was a time that changed my life. I fell in love with the sport, worked in it for years and have a wealth of friends from across the world because of it.  I always really appreciated Ray's insights and his concern for the youth that entered his doors. Great men are marked by their impact, and Ray's was tremendous. This city lost an icon. My condolences to his family.

Dorothy, so sorry for your loss.  I can't even imagine.  Sending prayers your way for you and your family.

Boxed with Ray on the YMCA Boxing Team in 1964 under Irish McNeil.  He was a good boxer and a lot of us were in awe of the big guy.  Didn't keep up with him after I got out of the Navy and never realized how accomplished he was as a coach. RIP Ray and prayers and good thoughts for his family.

Ray always told me "you got a lot of tools son" use em' before I'd fight, his little sayings have always been with me. Our hearts and prayers are with you.
Mark and Jill Peters

OBITUARY

Ray Thomas Paxton

December 14, 1940 – May 8, 2015

Centuries Memorial Funeral Home & Park

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