Nicholas L Rayes

Nicholas L. Rayes peacefully passed away on May 16, 2026.

Born June 2, 1943 to Louis and Anise Rayes in Globe, Ariz., Nick was a graduate of Globe High School, Arizona State University Business School and University of Arizona Law School.

Nick was a very genuine, loving, humorous, selfless and generous man who thrived on helping others. He deeply loved his family, especially children, who always brought him joy. He ensured all the children in his life knew how to drive, teaching them either in his Chevy Silverado or riding lawnmower. He loved playing gin and poker with all the kids, sharing with them all his best strategies.

A native Arizonan, Nick practiced law in Phoenix for 56 years. He was recognized by the Arizona State Bar for his advocacy for consumers. He always dressed impeccably, especially in the courtroom where juries were possibly swayed by his mesmerizing good looks.

Nick enjoyed his dogs, cars - Chevys and Corvettes, and playing basketball with his lawyer buddies at the YMCA and North Phoenix Baptist Church.

Whenever he traveled, no trip was complete without Nick ordering room service. He enjoyed visiting California, Mexico, Cayman Islands, Hawaii, Pittsburgh and Spain.

Nick is survived by his wife of 28 years, Carole Rayes, his beloved dogs Rocky and Chloe, his sisters Roseann Krane and Elaine Rayes Stone, son Greg Rayes, daughter Lisa Rayes Perez (Ron), grandson Nicholas Rayes Perez, niece Jacque Christakis (Kasey, Hudson, Scottie) and nephews Alex Christakis and Tim Krane (Kim, Tobin), brother-in-law John Christakis and an extended family of loving cousins.

Nick was a true gift to everyone who knew him and was a positive influence on so many lives.

"Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May their soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen."

Celebration of Nick’s Life will occur as follows:

Sunday, June 7, Noon

St. Joseph Maronite Church

5406 E. Virginia Avenue

Livestream: Saint Joseph Maronite Catholic Church Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/stjoseph.maronite

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to:

Arizona Humane Society https://www.azhumane.org/

Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute https://giveto.supportbarrow.org/mapc