DEBI DESILVER TERRY
The Express-Star
—
Ray Williams, 92 formally of Verden, Oklahoma, but had lived in Indianola, Okla. for the past eleven years, was called home by the Lord on Monday, July 26, 2010 in McAlester, Okla.
He was born April 20, 1918, to James Randolf and Addie Arlethy (Farley) Williams in Dunlap, Tennessee.
He moved to Oklahoma with his parents in 1938. They moved on a farm where the concession stand is now a Lake Chickasha.
He enlisted in the United States Army on January 31, 1941 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He was proud to be an American.
He was in six major battles while in the military.
He received the Purple Heart, GO Hq 45 Inf Div 44, American Defense Service Ribbon, EAME Service Ribbon with One Silver Service Star, One Bronze Service Star and One Bronze Arrowhead.
He received an Honorable discharge on Sept. 24,1945.
He met and married the love of his life, Verna Mae Choat on October 3, 1946 in Chickasha, and from this union was born three children.
She preceded him in death on Sept. 24, 1999. They farmed together many years.
His greatest love was for his family.
He enjoyed crafts and carpentering, fishing and especially porchin'. Setting on the porch in his chair was the highlight of his everyday, now he's porchin with the Lord. He was a gifted gardener and truly loved the out doors.
He also worked at the Cotton Gin at Muleshoe, Texas, worked nine years at Verden Prairie Gin and worked for Perdue Housing several years before he retired in 1984.
He was a member of New Hope Freewill Baptist Church. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by: two daughters, Linda Whaley and husband, Jim of Indianola, OK, Frieda Mae Robnett and husband, R.D. of Anadarko, Okla., one son, Rick R. Williams of Carmel, Indiana, one granddaughter, Jennifer Zachary and husband, Nick of Elk City, Okla., numerous nieces, newphews, cousins and other relatives and friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Verna Mae, two sisters, Fairy Ewton and Ova Austin, three brothers, Gordon Williams, Iven Williams and Owen Willians.
Graveside service is planned for 11:30 a.m. Thursday, July 29, 2010, in the Verden Cemetery.
Fred Morrison will officiate, and services are under the direction of Smith Funeral Home, Anadarko, Okla.
