According to Courtney Granger:

I can’t believe I’m about to make this announcement. It is with great sadness and a shattered heart that I say this. Our beloved friend and brother, Ray Abshire has passed away unexpectedly. I’m speechless right now, so I don’t have the words to say the right things at the moment. Please keep his wife Peggy and sons Travis and Brent in your prayers.
Funeral arrangements:
Delhome Funeral Home in Lafayette
Wake is on Friday, 12-7pm
Rosery at 7pm
Saturday: 8am-1pm
Service at 1pm at funeral home on Saturday.

How sad for him and his mission to promote our music in the traditional way He will always be remembered.

This is such sad news to read and we all lost a living legend.
His family lost one of the nicest man I ever met in Lafayette and I
give them my sincere condolences and all the strenght they need.
On his website stands something about the real deal and that's what he was.
I'm filled with sadness.

not much more need be said,R.I.P. Ray Abshire may you join the band in heaven

Sad news! Such a good guy and ambassador for Cajun music! I saw him at Mamou Mardi Gras back in his days when he was playing for the Balfa Brothers, and he was always so reverent about them. Glad to see that he got to travel and feel the love for Cajun culture around the world!