Raphael Thomas “Ray” Verucchi Jr.

Published 12:02 am Monday, July 2, 2012

MADISON — Services for Raphael Thomas “Ray” Verucchi Jr., 74, of Madison, who died Saturday, June 30, 2012, will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Madison

Burial will follow in Canton Cemetery in Canton under the direction of Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home.

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. today at Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home in Ridgeland and 10 a.m. until service time at the church Tuesday.

Mr. Verucchi was born on Aug. 1, 1937, in Natchez, the son of Emma and Raphael “Fink” Sr.

Mr. Verucchi graduated from Cathedral High School Class in 1955. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force, but was discharged shortly after because of his eyesight. He later attended Copiah-Lincoln Community College, Hinds Community College and Mississippi College.

Mr. Verucchi worked for Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company in Natchez until his retirement in 1976. He and his wife then relocated to Madison so he could attend the Addie McBryde Rehabilitation Center. Mr. Verucchi served on the Madison Board of Aldermen for eight years and established the Beautification Committee and the Christmas parade. He was also instrumental in starting the Madison Police Department and building infrastructure at the Madison Fire Department.

Mr. Verucchi was a member of Ridgecrest Baptist Church and was very involved in Christian ministry. He was loved by all who knew him, and he loved all whom he knew.

Mr. Verucchi was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers, Eddie and Billy.

Survivors include his faithful wife of 38 years, Jaunita Raybon Verucchi, of Madison; daughter, Pam Weatherly, and husband, Barry, of Baton Rouge; grandson Chase Weatherly and fiancé, Tori Crawford, of Baton Rouge; granddaughter Faith Phillips and husband, Alan Phillips Jr., of Denham Springs, La.; sister Linda McKinion of Brandon and five nephews and one niece.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Every Village, a ministry for the people of South Sudan. Donations can be mailed to Every Village, attention: Nathan Bogue, 2100 West Loop South, Suite 600, Houston, Texas, 77027.