Ray was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Adam and Charlotte Aldridge Popec on May 30, 1953. He was a member of Butler Pentecostal Church. In the various churches that he attended in the different places he and Kay called home, Ray served in any area of the church ministry where he was needed. He was especially called to minister to the youth and was utilized as a Sunday school teacher. Ray had many interesting jobs throughout his career. For example, one of his jobs early in his working career was to read water meters for the City of Chicago. While doing this, he was able to see some magnificent homes. He later worked as a foreman at Soldier Field where he met and showed Walter Payton where the locker room was located. Ray was an avid Cubs fan, a love he inherited from his mother. In 2019, his sons, Quentin and Scott, were able to surprise him by taking him to a game between his beloved Cubs and the Astros. He enjoyed Chicago politics and believed everyone should vote in an election. Ray loved all Chicago-style food; such as Chicago-style hotdogs, kluski, and roast beef sandwiches to name a few. He loved to cook for his family and they especially loved his homemade spaghetti sauce. Another hobby was looking for antique furniture and old records at antique shops or flea markets. He had a massive collection of old records and was always on the lookout for more. Ray loved old classic cars and he enjoyed plants, which he scattered around his lawn and house. He was so much fun to be around; always laughing, ready to pull a prank, or watch one unfold! Most of all, Ray ministered to others by his wholehearted hugs that he loved to give to anyone from those he met at Wal-Mart to his church family.
Ray is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Kay Popec; his daughter, Kelly Eaves and husband, Todd, all of Preston, Mississippi; and his son, Scott Popec of Lumberton, Texas. One of his greatest joys was being “Paw Paw Ray” to his six grandchildren whom he dearly loved: Adam Popec, Morgan Popec, Jasmine Popec, Danielle Robinson, Emma Kaye Eaves, and Parker Jo Eaves; and his great-granddaughter, Macie Taylor Robinson. He is also survived by his five siblings: Larry (Laurie) Popec; Kevin Popec; Kathy (Joseph) Pecararo; Jerry Popec; and Gary (Frances) Popec. He was also “Ray Ray” to his precious great-nephews Rhett, Knox, and Tallen, with whom he enjoyed spending time; as well as many loving nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.
Ray was preceded in death by his son, Quentin Popec; his parents; and his brother, Robert “Bob” Popec.
Serving as pallbearers are Todd Eaves, Parker Jo Eaves, Taylor Robinson, Cody Boyd, Mason Boyd, Jodie Blumenfeld, Josh Massey, Jason McArthur, Stephen Goodin, and Able Hernandez.
Serving as pallbearers are Todd Eaves, Parker Jo Eaves, Taylor Robinson, Cody Boyd, Mason Boyd, Jodie Blumenfeld, Josh Massey, Jason McArthur, Stephen Goodin, and Able Hernandez.
Memorials in honor of Ray may be given to Butler Pentecostal Church Building Fund, 3125 Butler Road, Shuqualak, MS 39361.
Services are under the direction of Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
Services are under the direction of Nowell-Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
