Raymond James Sullivan Jr.

Raymond (Sonny) James Sullivan Jr., age 90, of Lake Charles, passed away peacefully on September 1st, 2026 surrounded by family.

Ray was born on March 28, 1936 in Orange, TX to Raymond J Sullivan, Sr. and Medora Bourgeois Sullivan. He was a loving Son, Husband, Father, and Grandfather.

Ray loved the Lord. His response to others when they were concerned about something, say ‘Pray, Come Holy Spirit’. His heart’s desire and one of his last prayers with family and friends was for unity, praise and worship between people of different Christian faiths. He was a devoted Catholic and an active member of St. Margaret's Church for over 40 years. He ministered there as an Usher, Greeter, facilitator of Bible studies, recorded mass on cassette, and brought communion and cassettes to shut-ins. His group of ushers met together for years in weekly fellowship at area restaurants. In the last few years, he faithfully watched daily Mass on EWTN.

Ray grew up in Vinton, LA. As a young man he enjoyed hunting, camping, jeeps, racing, and working on old cars with his friends.

He proudly served in the US Marine Corps at Pendleton Marine Corps Base in San Diego, CA from 1956 to 1958. He served in the Reserves until 1962.

His career began in Orange, Tx as a city policeman. He began a sales career with National Life Insurance. He moved into automobile sales in Lake Charles in the 70’s. He co-owned Louis-Ray Chevrolet dealership in Vinton, LA. He finished his sales career in boat sales.

As an adult he loved boating and canoeing in the local waters and offshore fishing in the Gulf. Ray began bicycling in the late 80’s and rode thousands of miles, including rides across the states of Louisiana, Missouri, and Vermont. He was a member of the local Lake City Cyclist group and served as president. He worked with local and state officials in bicycle safety education for the community. He was instrumental in getting Share the Road bicycle signs and bike paths on local roads.

Motorcycling became his passion after he was no longer bicycling. He was proud of two long rides he made from Lake Charles with Eric Newman across Texas down to Big Bend National Park and to Roswell, New Mexico and the other to Eureka Springs and Harrison, Arkansas.

And most of all enjoying coffee with Trudy Blue-Eyes, while sharing stories of their best times had through their life together with family and friends.

Ray loved his family dearly and he will be deeply missed and forever remembered by them. He is survived by his loving wife Trudy Sandifer Sullivan, daughters Dina (Blane) Bourgeois and Julie (Shanon) Salsbury, grandchildren Reagan Bourgeois (Nicholas Briscoe-Fiancé), Myles Bourgeois, Rhett Salsbury and Bella Salsbury, his sister-in-law Jolene McCain (Vernon deceased). First cousins Jan Bourgeois (raised with Ray like a sister), Bobby Bourgeois, and Wiley (Buddy) Sullivan, Jr.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, first cousins Betty Bourgeois Louviere, Alvin Bourgeois, and Betty Sullivan Fountain, and his lifelong friend, Farrell Perdreauville.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Christ the King lay ministers of communion, the Guardians doctor and staff, Christus St. Patrick's 4th floor Staff and Harbor Hospice doctor and staff for the compassion and care they provided.

Farewell to his biking friends Alain Newman, Eric Newman, Pete Tucker, Lynn Carbo, and Father Henry Mancuso. Father Henry was his pastor at St Margaret Church and remained a lifelong friend.

A visitation will be held on Thursday September 3, 2026 from 9:00am to 11:00am at Johnson's Funeral Home a rosary will be recited at 9:30am. Funeral services will follow at 11:00am with Father Aubrey Guilbeau officiating, and burial will be at Highland Cemetery.

Ray will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Christ the King Catholic Church building fund.