Marvin Ray Bailey, 84, of DeRidder, La., passed from this life on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2021.

Marvin was a cattleman, a family man, and a friend. He was born Nov. 29, 1936 to Elmer and Elizabeth Bailey. He grew up in Rosepine and graduated from RHS in 1955.

He married Merle Goodwin on Nov. 19 of that same year. He worked in various positions from a police officer to a pulpwood driver until he went to work for Boise Southern in 1972. He worked his way up to lead in the Receiving Department where he stayed in that position until his retirement in 2002.

During the better part of his life, Marvin was involved in raising beef cattle, rodeos and trail rides. He was part of the DeRidder High School Rodeo Association and the Cattleman’s Association. He traveled and cheered as his children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren participated in various events in the rodeos and other sports.

Many weekends were filled with friends and family gathered for trail rides and good food and fun. After his retirement, Marvin could be found most days in the hay fields or with the cows.

Marvin’s family has always been very important to him. With unexpected illnesses and deaths, the family has been through a lot of ups and downs. What started with three children has grown into six grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Family holidays and birthdays were great fun and Marvin enjoyed every minute of them. To his friends, he always had a ready smile, a handshake, and a hug. He will be missed immensely by everyone who knew him.

Those left to cherish his memory are his son, Tony Bailey and Lela of Rosepine, La.; daughter, Pam Hooks and Duff of DeRidder, La.; daughter-in-law, Pam Bailey of DeRidder, La.; sisters, Fay Culpepper of Shreveport, La., Pat Willis of DeRidder, La.; grandchildren, Holly, Landis, Reagan, Morgan, Samantha and Colton; great-grandchildren Shianne, Michael, Elaine, Luke, Cody, Gage, Addie, Allison Jade, James Cy, Faith Rea and Adrianna; great-great-grandchildren, Emmett and Olivia and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Merle Bailey; son, Paul Bailey; grandchildren, Cody, Hope; parents, Elmer and Elizabeth Bailey; brother, Dub Bailey; sisters, Wanda Miller, Wilma Calcote, Agnes Womack, Guynell Johnson.

Visitation will be held on Monday, Sept. 6, 2021 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, La. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021 also at Myers Colonial Funeral Home. Pastor Zale Lewis and Pastor Kenneth Gibson will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in DeRidder, La.

Services are under the direction of Myers-Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, La.