Mr. Dreyer Lucas

August 8, 2013

Raymond Dreyer Lucas, 85, died Thursday, August 8, 2013 at his home in West Point. He was born January 2, 1928 in New Orleans, LA to Rudolph John Lucas and Catherine Dreyer Lucas. Ray Lucas graduated from Alcee Fortier Catholic School for boys and attended Louisiana State University. His studies were interrupted as he enlisted in the Army during WWII. After serving his time in the Army, Mr. Lucas finished his education with an engineering degree from LSU. Upon graduation, he movedto Lafayette, LA where he managed General Gas. Another move sent him to Ruleville, MS to serve as general manager of Ruleville Grain Elevator. In 1955, Mr. Lucas moved to Clarksdale, MS where he managed the Jonestown Grain Elevator and Peanut Corporation for 23 years. Upon moving to Clarksdale, he met and married Bobbie Jean Cockerham, and together they raised 5 children: including four daughters, Larke Landis (Jim) of Germantown, TN, Evie Smith (Danny) of Columbus, Stacy Crenshaw (Jim) of Memphis, TN, Kelley Smith (Jon) of Memphis, TN; his son Perry Lucas (Beth) of Columbus; 11 grandchildren; Carter Landis, Catherine Landis, John Lucas, Elizabeth Lucas, Welch Parker, Lindsey Parker Robertson (Taylor), Bailey Crenshaw, Bryan Crenshaw, Lucas Crenshaw, Reid Smith and Mary Dreyer Smith and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death was his wife, Bobbie, a Grandson, Thomas Marklin Parker, and his sister, Norma Lucas Bissel. While in Clarksdale, Mr. Lucas was a congregant of St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church and a member of Jonestown Lion's Club, Clarksdale Country Club, and the John Birch Society. He also served as President of Mississippi Feed & Grain Association as well as a Director of Mid-South Grain Shippers Association. Mr. Lucas was co-founder of Tom Soya Grain Company, which made the first barge shipment of cargo on the Tenn-Tom Waterway since the Steamboat Era. He was instrumental in helping establish Lee Academy in Clarksdale. He resided in West Point and was an active member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church by serving on the Parish Council and other committees. He also visited shut-ins for many years. His hobbies included poker club, fishing, and traveling the world. A Memorial Mass will be held, Saturday, August 10, 2013, 11:00 a.m. at the Immaculate Conception Church in West Point with Father Robert Dore officiating. Calvert Funeral Home of West Point is in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be at the church Saturday, 10:00 a. m. until 11:00 a.m. There will be a family graveside service later at Friendship Cemetery in Columbus, MS. Memorials may be sent to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 617 E. Main Street, West Point, MS 39773 or the charity of your choice.