Rickey Allen Ray

Rickey Allen Ray, of Ardmore, Oklahoma, was born April 5, 1950 in Idabel to Robert Allen and Nedra Naomi (Tribble) Ray. He went home to meet his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, in Duncan. He was 71.

The family will receive visitors on Sunday, January 16, between 2:00-4:00PM at Whitt Funeral Home (Duncan). Services are scheduled for Monday, January 17, at 1:00PM at Chisholm Trail Church of Christ (Duncan) with Leonard Keele and Pastor Mike McCord officiating. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens (Lawton). Arrangements have been entrusted to Whitt Funeral Home.

Rick graduated from Eisenhower High School (Lawton) with the Class of 1968. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Cameron University, Master’s degree from Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and his PhD in Education/Psychology from Kennedy Western/Oklahoma State University. He married the love of his life, Mary Cathey, on August 23, 1969 in Lawton. He began his education career in 1973 and spent 32 years teaching at Tomlinson Junior High, coaching football and wrestling, serving as high school counselor and principal at McLoud High School, Assistant Superintendent at Choctaw-Eastern Oklahoma County Vo-Tech School, Deputy Superintendent at Ardmore-Southern Technology Center; and lastly at Murray State College in Tishomingo as a grant writer for two years, retiring in 2005.

He loved to play golf and in 2014 attended the Masters tournament with his son, Aaron, and brother-in-law, Marshall. He would counsel with people who needed advice. He loved OSU football and held a season ticket. He loved the Lord and would read and study his Bible. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed playing with his children and grandchildren.

Rick is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary; son, Aaron and wife Melissa Ray of Duncan; grandchildren: Rylan and Rizden Ray; sisters: Rita and husband James Mansel of Elgin, Judy and husband Ken Wiser of Oklahoma City; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Tabitha Ray-Barton.

Memorial donations can be made online to MD Anderson Hospital in Houston at gifts.mdanderson.org.

Online condolences can be made at www.whittfh.com.

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