Ray Thomas Cater, 87, passed away on December 23, 2017 in his home at the Chateau Montclair. He was born in Magnolia, AR on June 15, 1930, to the late Luther and Bernice Cater of Haynesville, LA.
Ray lived a long and full life, and passed away peacefully while resting last Saturday afternoon. He was a devout Christian who persevered through many personal hardships as a result of his deep faith. Ray was a loving husband, father and grandfather and embraced life to the fullest. His greatest joy and passion was spending time surrounded by his beloved family and friends, and working as a pipeline superintendent on projects all across the United States and around the world. He frequently referred to himself as the "All American Pipeliner."
Ray will be missed dearly and will always be remembered for his numerous pipeline stories, nose sugars and his wonderful blessings before meals. His family and friends are at peace knowing that he is with our Lord and his beloved wife, Nelda.
Ray is survived by his three children, Steven Clyde Cater and his wife Kathryn Gallagher of Flushing, MI; Starla Cater Ruello and her husband Robert (Rocky) Ruello of Madison, MS; and Kevin Lee Cater and his wife Rachel Nadler Cater of Cypress, TX; his eight grandchildren, Kristin Rachel Cater, Rachel Ruello Corkern (Christopher), Scott Kevin Cater (Elizabeth), Renée Ruello Posecai (Julian), Michael Zachary Cater (Courtney), Daniel Timothy Cater (Hannah), Robin Alysse Ruello, and Ryan Patrick Cater; his six great-grandchildren, Levin Emerson Tuma, Austin Michael Cater, Ben Jamison Leisure, Cody Dwayne Cater, Nash Andrew Stevens and Heidi Laura Cater.
The family would like to give special acknowledgement and thanks to the incredible staff at the Chateau Montclair for their compassionate and attentive care for Ray. They cared for Ray as though he was their own family member. They have become our extended family who helped us get through many difficult times for which we are truly thankful and blessed.
Visitation will be held at Smith's Funeral Home Chapel in Taylor, AR, on Friday, December 29, 2017 from 10:00 - 11:00 A.M., followed by a Celebration of Life service. Interment will be at Taylor Cemetery following the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Ray T. Cater to the Alzheimer's Association Louisiana Chapter, 3445 N Causeway Boulevard, Suite 902, Metairie, LA 70002. (www.alz.org/louisiana) Online registration is available at www.aosmithfuneralhome.com.