Bernard Ray Grappe

MARCH 13, 1939 – NOVEMBER 14, 2020

Bernard was born on March 13, 1939 and made his way to heaven on November 14, 2020. He will be greatly missed. 

Bernard was the son of the late Lee Earl Grappe and Bessie Banks Grappe. Bernard was born a twin to Lenard who died at birth. He was also brother to the late John Lee Grappe, Willie Douglas Grappe, Clyde Lee Grappe, Fred Joseph Grappe, Freda Grappe, Geneva Marie Russell, and Frank Wayne Grappe. He is survived by his siblings, Charles Louis Grappe, Wilson Francis Grappe, Thomas Earl Grappe, Irene Patricia Nichols, and Doris Inez Foshee. Bernard was dad to Wanda Johnson, Leonard Grappe, Joseph Grappe and the late Kelly Lightsey. He was also blessed with six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. Bernard was also preceded in death by his life partner, Betty Jean Hardy and is survived by her children who he dearly loved, Nick, Gerald “Slick”, and Dale Hardy and their families. 

Bernard was quite the character. You might say he was one-of-a-kind. If you ever spent time with Bernard, it is safe to say, you made some lasting memories. From the stories he shared, to the pranks he played, to the love he conveyed, he will be long remembered. 

He was a longtime resident of Haughton, Louisiana. He was a hard worker and skilled diesel mechanic. Before his retirement, he worked for Halliburton and as an independent contractor for other companies related to the oil and gas industry. Bernard had his share of hardships in life but he chose to focus on the good times and found joy as a gardener, fisherman, cattleman, and horse tamer. Bernard loved western films. It seemed he could watch them day and night. Perhaps, this was his way of reliving his youth as an extra and stuntman in the John Wayne movie, “The Horse Soldiers.” All of us are born with special gifts. Bernard was exceptional in working with wild Mustangs. Bernard was also charitable and loved repairing old bicycles that he would pick up at a rummage or estate sale with the intention of giving to a child who didn’t have one. 

Bernard loved spending time with his family and friends. He would get so excited when anyone came to visit him. He also wanted you to leave his place feeling loved and often gave you a parting gift. It might be a trinket from an estate sale or tomatoes from his garden, something simple just to remind you how much he appreciated the visit. His parting words were always “I love you” and “Come me see me, anytime”. 

Bernard was also very good at orchestrating a fish fry at his house. He would set the date and then if you were invited you would also likely find yourself bringing the fish cooker, the oil, and the fish, which would then lead to you frying the fish. He just wanted everyone to be together for a good time. He was a master of pranks. 

It was just last year about this time he was out deer hunting and living well. A lot can happen in a year. He fell recently and had to have his hip replaced. While recovering at a rehab center, he contracted Covid-19. This virus does not play, it attacks you when you are at your weakest. It first attacked his digestive system, then brought on pneumonia and a blood clot which led to a heart attack. Shortly, thereafter, his organs began to fail. He quickly lost his battle with Covid-19. While we are all saddened by his sudden departure, we are comforted in knowing he was victorious over death and now lives on forevermore with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

Services celebrating the life of Bernard Ray Grappe will be held at 2:00 p.m. on November 17, 2020 at Southern Methodist Church, 4206 Hwy 80 in Haughton. Interment will follow at Haughton Cemetery. Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. prior to services.

Pallbearers will be Christopher Johnson, Timothy Johnson, Justin Redwine, Wiley William Lindsey, Jr., Clifton Lee Lindsey, and Rufus Courville.