CL Ray Obituary

Clarence Luey "Jack" Ray passed peacefully from this life on July 14, 2025, at his home in Butler, Oklahoma, at the age of 84. Jack was born on August 21, 1940, in Butler to Luey and Orpha Ray. He was raised in a strong, hardworking family and received his education at Mountain View and Butler Schools, graduating with the Butler High School Class of 1959. On June 5, 1959, Jack married the love of his life, Frances Fay Gamble, in Wheeler, Texas. Together they built a life rooted in love, faith, and dedication to family and the land. Their union was blessed with two daughters, Jacqueline and Ginger. A lifelong farmer and rancher, Jack took great pride in his work and his connection to the land. He was proud of his family and loved his friends. He was married to Frances for 66 years. He was a great dad to many kids besides Jackie and Ginger. All the kids in the country wanted to go to Jack and Frances's house because Jack lived to make kids laugh and smile. Even when he was busy he would take time to wrestle, chase, scare, or play pranks on any kid who dared to come around. There was no end to the tall tales Jack would tell. Playing pranks was his favorite by far. Several of the neighbor kids chopped cotton for Jack in the mornings while it was cool and every afternoon he would load everyone up and go to the lake for the rest of the day. And yes, he played with the kids in the lake. Jack and Frances were class sponsors for the Class of '81. With Tommy and Jarene McDowell they took eighteen 18-year-olds to Washington DC and New York City for their senior trip. Happy kids was always his mission. Jack faithfully attended the Church of Christ and lived his life guided by those principles. He was preceded in death by his parents, Luey and Orpha Ray; his brothers, Jerry Ray, Tommy Ray, Tim Ray, and Larry Ray; and his sister, Mary Bryum. Left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 66 years, Frances Ray of the home; daughters, Jackie Ray and husband Steve Scheffe, and Ginger Emmons and husband Jimmy Emmons; grandsons, Cody Beard and wife Lacie, and Beau Emmons and wife Toni; great-grandsons, Caden Beard, Dresden Beard, Cole Lundgren, and Owen Emmons; and his adopted son, Dayton Thompson. He is also survived by his siblings, Bill Ray, John Ray, Kenny Ray, and Lois Powers; along with many, many nieces, nephews, extended family, and countless friends who will miss his steady presence, strong handshake, and generous spirit. Jack's legacy of love, faith, and hard work will continue to live on through all who knew and loved him. He was a Hero in many eyes. Funeral services were conducted Monday, July 21, at 10 AM at the Leedey High School Auditorium. Burial followed at Rhea Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Leedey Clinic
c/o Shaw Funeral Home
PO Box 276
Vici, OK 73859