Ray J. Donnaud, 86, of Orange, died Friday, July 22, 2011 at M.D. Anderson in Houston.
Born in Orange on September 1, 1924, Ray was the son of Orange Café owners, Charles and Theolin Donnaud, from whom he learned his work ethic and his skill at cooking barbeque. Like many of his generation, he served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theater. He worked at U.S. Steel as a Boilermaker for 27 years, was a member of the Orange County Historical Society, and was a life member of the V.F.W in Orange.
Pa Pa loved the Lord and served him as a member and volunteer for the Orange Salvation Army. Even in retirement, Pa Pa Donnaud continued to find things that needed his attention. From helping in shop classes at Little Cypress Mauriceville and Orangefield High Schools to cooking briskets for friends and family, Pa Pa was always ready to share his knowledge and skills. He was always happy to help anyone on any project. A carpenter and woodworker, he served as unofficial supervisor during the construction of several of his family?s homes. Pa Pa enjoyed working with his hands, fishing and providing for his family.
Ray was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Danielle Huggins, brothers, Charles and Tommy Donnaud and Alan Leblanc; and sister Esther Pace.
Ray is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sue Donnaud: daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and Mack Smith of Orange; sons and daughters-in-law, Charles and Charlotte Donnaud of Orange, Tom and Nancy Donnaud of College Park; Maryland, and Mike and Cheryl Donnaud of Orange.
He is also survived by his granddaughters, Meredith Seay, Melinda Gipson, Allison Ward, Kerri Arrington, Brandi Donnaud and Mary McKay; grandsons, Walker Donnaud, Travis Donnaud, and Micah Smith; 11 great-grandchildren, Garrett and Grant Morrell, Cooper Ray Donnaud, Mallory Huggins, Dayne Seay, Megan McKay, Mike McKay, Jace Gipson, Lane Gipson, Gracie Donnaud and Parker Ann Donnaud; brother, James S. Donnaud of Orange; and sister, Dolly McRight of Orange.
Funeral Services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 26, 2011, at Claybar Funeral Home Chapel in Orange. Officiating will be Major Elda Flores of the Salvation Army. Burial will follow at Wilkinson Cemetery in Orange.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, at the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Walker Donnaud, Travis Donnaud, Micah Smith, Garrett Morrell, Jason Gipson and Robert Arrington. Honorary Pallbearers will be Charles Burnaman, Norman Bickham and Guy Collins.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, 1950 Martin Luther King Blvd, Orange, Texas 77630.