Jesse Orval Ray

 

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.