Mr. Joe Ray Vanicor, age 81 passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 28, 2023. He was born on March 10, 1942 South of Lake Charles to Odile and Milton Vanicor.

On June 24, 1961 he married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Dean Benoit Vanicor. On August 6, 1962 they welcomed one son, Kenneth “Scotty” Vanicor into the family.

Joe Ray was a resident of the Welsh area for most of his life where he was a graduate of Welsh High School Class of 1960, member of the K.C. Council #2855, past Grand Knight, and member of the Welsh Greyhound Backers. He and Bonnie owned and managed Vanicor’s Grocery for 14 years in their community. They were both parishioners of Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church.  He prayed the rosary daily along with praising Charlene Richard for saving his life several times, where he enjoyed visiting her gravesite. Joe Ray also owned Vanicor Builders, a multi generation residential construction business and he was instrumental in organizing “Old Time Rice Threshing” in Welsh.

He had many hobbies which were working in his garden with his tractors, cooking, traveling with his wife, and watching the great grandchildren play sports. 

Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter-in-law, Leona Miguez Vanicor of Welsh; two grandchildren, Clifton “Cliff” Vanicor (Crystal) of Lake Charles and Lauren Bergeaux (Stuart) of Welsh; five great grandsons, Colton Michael-Jace, Collier Joseph-Scott and Camden Matthew-Dean Bergeaux, Grant Henry and Gabriel “Gabe” Scott Vanicor, two sisters, Jeanette Aguillard and Linda Marcantel (James); brother, Glen Vanicor (Denise); and two godchildren, Tracy Leckelt and Shawn Vanicor. 

He is preceded in death by his parents; wife of 59 years, Bonnie Dean Benoit Vanicor; and his son.

The family will welcome relatives and friends at Hixson Funeral Home of Welsh on Thursday, August 31, 2023 beginning at 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. with a rosary to be prayed at 6 p.m. Visitation will resume at the funeral home on Friday, September 1, 2023 at 8 a.m. until the procession leaves for the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Burial will immediately follow at Oaklawn Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Cliff Vanicor, Stuart Bergeaux, Colton Bergeaux, Jamey Vanicor, Brady Nunez and Randy Benoit. Honorary Pallbearers will be Collier and Camden Bergeaux, Grant and Gabe Vanicor.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com for the Vanicor family.