Joseph Ray Loper, a resident of Mobile, Alabama, passed away Monday, May 10, 2021, at Mobile Infirmary Medical Center. He was 88 years old. Ray was born July 16, 1932 in Fruitdale, Alabama. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War as a medic. After spending time and raising a family in Miami, Florida, Ray moved back to Mobile, Alabama, where he enjoyed returning to his birthplace in Fruitdale and brought “the farm” back to life. He spent his 70th birthday in the same room he was born. Ray retired from Bellsouth after working 35 years as a construction supervisor. He worked hard, he played hard, he loved hard, and he lived hard. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Edward Ray and Ruby Loper; and brother, Tommy Loper. Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 69 years, Bettie Loper; children, Kim Loper (Kevin), Richard Loper, Cheryl Chapman (Bobby), and Darryl Loper (Suzy); grandchildren, Robbie, Kerry, Ashley, Ami, Tommy, Emili, Richard Jr., Jennifer, Darren, Jason, Jonathan, Lauren, and Rachael; twenty-five great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; and other relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends from 10am until the 11am funeral service Friday, May 14, 2021, at Deer Park Community Christian Fellowship Church. Burial will follow in Deer Park Cemetery. Freeman Funeral Home – Citronelle, Alabama
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