“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Bro. Raleigh Odell Lucas Sr., affectionately known as Mannie Boy, Paw Paw, Paw Mannie, R.O. and Gumbo, was born Sept. 2, 1919, in St. Louis, Mo., to the late Thelma M. Virgil and Stanley Lucas. During his younger years, he lived in New Orleans, and later moved to Bogalusa, with his mother and grandmother, Ella Virgil Wilson.

Bro. Lucas graduated from Central Memorial High School and later attended Sullivan Vocational School’s Bogalusa campus, receiving a degree in brick masonry. He was later employed with Crown Zellerbach Paper Mill, where he retired after 34 years. He was the first black graduate of Sullivan Vocational School’s Bogalusa campus.

Bro. Lucas was a faithful member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, where he served as Steward Emeritus, Trustee, church treasurer, and senior choir vice-president. He was a former member of the NAACP and served as Special Deputy of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Department. He was the recipient of the 2011 Humanitarian Award for the Washington Men’s Club. He has been active in many other civic, political, and religious movements in and around the State of Louisiana and the United States.

Being a Prince Hall Mason, Bro. Lucas was a Royal Select Mason and the highest degree as a 33rd Degree Mason. He was Prince Hall Mason for 61 years. He has served as Worshipful Master, District Deputy Grand Master 44 years, and Honorary Past Grand Master, Past High Priest Emeritis, Honorary Grand High Priest. He was awarded the 2nd District State of Louisiana award, the John G. Louis Jr. Humanitarian Award. He received his Lifetime Membership as a Prince Hall Mason in 1997. He was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Heroines of Jericho, Cyrene, Royal Arch Mason, Knights of Templer, Eureka Consistory #7 – New Orleans, and Platta Temple Shriners #15. He attended almost 60 Grand Lodge sessions and gives thanks to God, his family and the Grand Masters he has served under during his lifetime.

Bro. Raleigh Odell Lucas Sr. was married to the late Helen Magee Lucas and is proud father of four sons, Charles (Gloria) Lucas (deceased), Raleigh (Diane) Odell Lucas Jr., Larry (Mary) Lucas Sr., and Wilbert Lucas; and two devoted daughters, Lazette (Larry) Watterson and Ruth Lucas. He also has one devoted granddaughter he reared, Pamela S. Lucas. His legacy shall be carried on through his 15 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren. His joy and happiness came when he is surrounded by his grandchildren, who are the loves of his life. His final joy was his latest great- great granddaughter, Ryleigh Ryan Watterson.

The visitation will be Friday, Aug. 25, from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m., at Cook-Richmond Funeral Home. A family gathering will be Friday, Aug. 25, from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Bogalusa High School auditorium. Masonic rites will take place from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the BHS auditorium. The funeral service will be Saturday, Aug. 26, at the BHS auditorium.

His quotes:

“May the work I’ve done speak for me.”

“Business is cold blooded.”

“When you are good to people, God will bless you.”

“Birthdays are good but getting close to God is better.”