WILLIS RAY BAPTISTE, JR.

Willis Ray Baptiste Jr. departed this life on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at 1:37 at Ochsner Westbank at the age of 73. He was a native and resident of New Orleans, LA. “Rabbit”, as he was affectionately called by family and friends was a graduate of Lincoln High School in Marrero, LA. Willis retired after 25 years as a certified pipe welder with Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 60 in Metairie, LA.  Loving and devoted husband of 34 years to Ann Andrews-Baptiste. Beloved father of Mae-Ling Sekela Baptiste of Atlanta GA, and Brittany Nicole Baptiste. Grandfather of Devin Emile Baptiste and Genesis Parker Booth. Son of the late Willis Ray Baptiste, Sr., and Lorraine Francois Baptiste. Grandson of the late Nathaniel Francois, Wallace Baptiste, Sr., Willie Mae Francois, and Malicia Baptiste. Brother of Diane (Joseph, Sr.) Fennidy, Adrienne Jones, Renee (Carl, Sr.) Castille, Reginald Nathaniel Baptiste, Cornell Baptiste, Sr., and the late Kelvin Roy Baptiste, Arcenia B. Whitten, Debra Jean Baptiste, and Valerie Lenice Baptiste. Nephew of Gwendolyn Wilson, and the late Phillip Baptiste, Sr., Wallace Baptiste Jr., Willie Baptiste, Antoine Francois, Louise Baptiste, Gloria Baptiste, and Willa B. Taylor. Son in law of the late Clarence Andrews, Sr., and Mattie Clay Andrews. Brother-in-law of Clarence Andrews, Jr., James Albert Andrews, Betty Jean Brown of Bronx, NY, Bertha Lee Andrews, Della Mae (Donald Ray) Ross, Tina Marie Andrews, Lora Anne (Robert) Gibson, and the late Willie Lee Andrews, also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Relatives and friends of the family also pastors, officers, and members of Fischer Community Church, and neighboring churches are invited to attend the Celebration of Life at Fischer Community Church 1737 L. B. Landry Ave. New Orleans, LA, on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at 10:00a.m. Bishop James Nelson Brown officiating. Visitation will begin at 8:30a.m. until service time at the above-named church. Interment: Lakelawn Cemetery New Orleans, LA. Arrangements by Davis Mortuary Service 230 Monroe St. Gretna, LA. To view and sign the guestbook, please go to www.davismortuaryservice.com.

DUE TO COVID-19 PANDEMIC ATTENDANCE WILL BE LIMITED. IT IS MANDATORY EVERYONE ATTENDING WEAR A FACE MASK OR SOME TYPE OF FACE COVERING.