Jesse Orval “Hoppy” Ray passed this life
on Dec. 14, 2009.
He was born on June 7, 1925, in Picher,
Okla., to William Perry and Maggie
(Mathis) Ray. He married Rita Lou
Woodworth in Columbus, Kan., in 1946.
She preceded him in death on Oct. 1,
1995.
He was also preceded in death by four
brothers. He served in the U.S. Navy
during World War II aboard The Escort
Carrier CVE USS Manila Bay as a gunners
mate in the Pacific Theatre. He was a
miner, retired from B.F. Goodrich, was a
Lions Club member, past mayor of Picher,
historian of the Picher Mining and
Military Museum, served as County
Constable for many years, authored three
books on Picher history, past Commander
of the Picher American Legion and
founder and musician of the Pickers and
Grinners Band.
Survived by two sons, Steven L. Ray and
wife Sandy, and David P. Ray and Paula;
two grandsons, Steven L Ray II and wife
Delores and Darrin R. Worley; four
great-grandchildren, Bryan D. Ray, Cindy
Nelson, Stephanie Foley and Steven L.
Ray III, and four
great-great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be Thursday,
Dec. 17, 2009, at 2 p.m. at the G.A.R.
Cemetery in Miami, Okla. The Rev. Robert
Cody will officiate. Military rites will
be conducted by American Legion Post No.
147 Funeral Detail.