John Ray Peyton Jr.

Lafayette - John Ray Peyton, Jr. passed away Friday afternoon March 28th, 2025, at the age of 70 at Lafayette General Hospital in Lafayette, LA, after a long battle with cancer. Ray, as he was known to family and friends, was born in Urania, Louisiana on October 18, 1954, to John Ray Peyton, Sr., and Helen Yvonne Herrington Peyton. He was older brother to Christie Kay Peyton and Julie Peyton Sanders, with whom he would remain close throughout his life. He spent the first part of his life in North Louisiana, but by his middle school years, the family moved to Lafayette, LA, near the town of Broussard. Ray attended Ovey Comeaux High School where he played center on the football team, and worked as a life guard during the summer at the neighborhood pool. That was where he met his first wife, Denise Voiles, whom he would later marry and have his only child, Ami Michelle Peyton-Kleiner. Ray was a friendly person, who loved social gatherings and making new friends. He showed early promise in disassembling and rebuilding mechanisms, and followed his father into the oil field as an adult. He worked for Franks Casing Crew for many years at the home office and on rigs, both stateside and over seas. Later in life, Ray also made it his mission to, and obtained, a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s of Business Administration, from The University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Ray was an avid patriot and joined KBR after the tragic events of 9/11 to serve several years in Iraq as a civilian alongside members of the military. As he said, “I can’t let my daughter (a soldier) risk herself if I’m not also willing to”. His daughter has always been very proud of him for that. He enjoyed telling colorful stories about his travels and adventures, entertaining his friends and family, and enjoyed being the life of any party. He often expressed that his favorite place to visit was the beautiful country of Thailand. He enjoyed swimming, shooting, and visiting with his friends at various gathering places. Most recently his favorite has been Caffe Cottage, and he loved his friends there. Ray was a very generous person, his love language was giving gifts, and he loved to help people. Ray also spent his spare time researching and posting about the history of Louisiana, and writing poetry and short stories, some of which can be found on his Facebook page. Ray loved the Lord and was happy to share his faith. Ray will be deeply missed, but we rejoice in the promise of eternal life in Christ as he was confident in his salvation. Ray is survived by his daughter Ami Peyton-Kleiner and his grandchild Ink Peyton-Kleiner Insler, as well as his loving siblings, Christie Peyton and Julie and Scott Sanders, with whom he was very close. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Kellie Hebert Rogers, Doug Rogers, Neil and Mitra Angelle, Katelin Jumonville, Hallie and Andrej Durasinovic, Patrick and Michelle Jumonville, and Austin Tedesco, as well as several grand-nieces and nephews. Also by his beloved cousins Sonja Peyton Comeaux, and Janene and David Hamner and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents Johnny and Helen Peyton, and grandparents George Oscar Peyton and Dollie Ford Peyton of Jena, LA, and Robert George Herrington and Jewel Gregory Herrington of Urania, LA. Ray was also preceded in death by his best friend of many years, who he considered a brother, Bill Laughlin, and his son-in-law of 24 years Stephen Norman Insler. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.