Raymond Esquivel Gutierrez

Raymond E. "Jr." Gutierrez, 78, of Bay St. Louis, Mississippi and formerly of Marshall, died at Ochsner Medical Center-Hancock in Bay St. Louis on April 14, 2021.

Ray was born in San Antonio, Texas on January 9, 1943 to Raymond R. and Mercedes (Esquivel) Gutierrez, one of eight children ultimately born to the couple. Ray came to Marshall with his family as a child. Initially the Gutierrez family worked in area farm fields as laborers. Ray attended school until the 6th grade when he left school to devote his time to working with his family to support each other. Ray's education came from his family and his life experiences which created a hard-working capable man.
As he grew older and lived in the Marshall area he first owned and operated a Clark Gas Station in Battle Creek then owned and operated his own drywall company. Later he moved to Indiana where he owned and operated a Mancino's Restaurant.

Ray left the restaurant business to move to Bay St. Louis to help a friend by working with him in his construction business. He has lived there for many years. He currently worked as a Supervisor/Foreman for Shoemake Painting. Ray continued working because he enjoyed it! His 30 painters and laborers he worked with respected and liked Ray, a rare combination.

He loved living in Bay St. Louis, where he was part of a regular diverse breakfast group. He was fondly called "Mr. Ray" there. Ray loved golfing with friends with whom he took yearly golf trips to different locations. According to "Mr. Ray's" friends in Bay St. Louis, he will be remembered as a man who would always be there to help and was very giving. Ray's favorite beverage was Miller Lite. Ray loved his yearly trips with his siblings to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. There he enjoyed time with his family and the local culture.
Ray was a true American patriot who loved and supported his country. He enjoyed political discussion sometimes to the discomfort of his family when he would join in on a nearby conversation with people he didn't know!

He is survived by his children, Rebecca Gutierrez, Michael J. Gutierrez, Michelle Glaub and Summer Herwarth; his step-children; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister Rita (Dennis) Gutierrez Kares, and brothers Ruben Gutierrez, Roy "Bully" (Rita) Gutierrez, Robert Gutierrez, and Rudy Gutierrez; nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his son Danny Gutierrez, his brother Richard and sister Julia.

A memorial visitation will be held in Marshall at Kempf Family Funeral and Cremation Services, 723 US HWY 27 N. on Saturday, July 10 from noon to 2PM when Ray's children will be in Marshall and present,  and 4PM to 6PM when his siblings will be present.  .

Ray's family suggests you remember Ray with a memorial contribution to Wounded Warriors Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org .

To leave a message for the family please visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com .