Louis Ray Lefebvre

Louis Ray Lefebvre

Lt. Colonel Louis Ray Lefebvre, United States Army, Retired, age 85, of Flowery Branch, Ga., passed away Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Buck and Maude Lefebvre, and sister, Anne. Mr. Lefebvre is survived by his wife of 60 years, Lela Ann Lefebvre, Flowery Branch; children, Teresa, Beth (Randy), Larry (Donna), Patty (Ricky); grandchildren, Elizabeth (Joshua), Joshua (Katheryn), Zachary (Melissa), Knut Eirik (Sigrid), Thor, Kristine, Nick; great-grandchildren, Jordan, David, Amerae, Caleb, Austin; siblings, Roy, Collins, Louise, Eva Kenny; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was born Dec. 11, 1933, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. He graduated from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. He served in the Army from 1957-1977, was wounded in November 1965 in the Battle of the Ia Drang Valley, which was depicted in the movie “We Were Soldiers,” and was awarded a Purple Heart and Silver Star.

After retirement from the Army, he became a manager for Roadway Express, later a substitute teacher with the Gwinnett County school system, and was very active in the Catholic Church. He had a great love for family and children.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 7, 2019, in the Chapel of Flanigan Funeral Home, Buford, Ga., with Mr. Robbie Cotta officiating. Interment with full military honors will be at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Ga., at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans or Wounded Warrior Project.