Raymond "Ray" D. Frazier

Raymond “Ray” Davis Frazier, 89, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, November 22, 2025 due to complications from COPD and asthma. Ray lived a life marked by service, devotion and a deep love for his family. A proud U.S. Marine veteran, he carried the values of honor, courage and commitment throughout his life.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Vera Lee James and Margaret and Raymond A. Frazier, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Rose Marie (Ree) Frazier; 6 children, David (Karen) Frazier, Philip Frazier, John Frazier, Scott (Raquel) Frazier, Gina Dasher and Stephanie Ables-Waldrop; 7 grandchildren, Jake (Veronica} Frazier, Haley Frazier, Hannah (Sandeep) Shrestha, Ryan Frazier, Christian (Kaitlyn) Dasher, Kenny Frazier and Jack Frazier. He is also survived by 6 great grandchildren; and 5 sisters, Nikki Sonderegger, Tina (Donald) Rogers, Christine (Rick) Freeman, Marilyn (Bryan) Causey, Mary Margaret (Kyle) Miller.

Ray grew up in Houston, Texas, spoiled by a mother that treated him like a prince. He left home when he was 17 and joined the Marines. He loved being in the Marine Corps; though he never fired a shot, he was stationed at the DMZ in Korea right after they signed the Korean War Armistice Agreement. He saw and lived through much of the devastation and experienced some horrible sights. Ray was honored in 2022 and 2024 at the Marine Corps birthday ball for being the oldest Marine where he participated in a long-standing tradition of sharing a cake with the youngest Marine. When he returned to the States after his service, he went to work for Convair and helped build the missile that put John Glenn into orbit.

After Convair, he worked for General Dynamics in Ft. Worth TX on the F1-11 fighter jet program during the years of the Vietnam War. Ray changed from building missiles and jets to building ships, relocated to Culver City, CA, then transferred to Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Mississippi in 1972. Ray’s talents in writing, directing and especially negotiating contracts with the Navy were quickly recognized and he earned many promotions. As a manager of over 100 people, his goal was to encourage, teach and help his people move up. Many levels of upper management sought his counsel. Every day at lunch, no matter what, Ray, with Bobby Quinn as his partner, played the famous cutthroat “bridge game” he loved and would gloat at winning.

After Ray retired from Ingalls, golf became his passion. He joined the men’s club at Gulf Hills. He and his golf buddy, Ty Westover played 3 days a week, making the dynamic duo hard to beat. Ray won the Men’s club Championship and still strived to beat his own record. “Never count him out” was the saying among his opponents.

When Ray was no longer able to play golf, he traveled with his wife and daughter, Stephanie. Their latest trips included Orlando, Las Vegas, Washington D.C and Branson, MO. Their last adventure was in October, taking the new Amtrak to New Orleans for a day in the French Quarter. Eating out was also on his list as you can tell if you are a Facebook person. His time with his children and family were his greatest treasures.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Friends may visit one hour prior. Burial will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.

There will be a catered reception at the Parish Hall located behind St. Alphonsus Church. Friends of Ray and the family are invited to join at 3:00PM to continue a Celebration of Life for Ray. Those who cannot attend the ceremony at the cemetery please plan to attend the reception.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Raymond "Ray" D. Frazier.