Rev. J. W. Ray was born May 28, 1937, out in the country near Chandler, Texas and died on February 10, 2017 in Durant, Oklahoma surrounded by family and friends at the age of 79.

He was saved at the age of 12 years old, taught Sunday School at the age of 14, and was called to preach at the age of 16. The First Baptist Church of Halletsville licensed him to preach the Gospel on April 13, 1955. He pastored his first church, Vienna Baptist Church as a Senior in High School. He preached for over 60 years faithfully sharing the Good News. He began pastoring in Lamasco Baptist Church and preached in Hugo, Oklahoma City, Switzerland, Germany, Noble, Coalgate, Rattan, Ringling, and for many years at Little Cedar Baptist Church in Antlers, Oklahoma until a stroke kept him from continuing although he still managed to study his Bible, write sermons, and speak briefly on occasion to the Little Cedar membership. During his ministry, he also traveled outside the country to Germany, France, Italy, Greece, England, Japan, Hong Kong, China, and many other countries. 
Rev. Ray took advantage of any opportunity he could to continue his education through the years and served many years on committees for the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma. He was often called upon to give parliamentary advice to nearby pastors or associations.

J. W. received his BA Degree from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas and his Master of Religious Education and B. D. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas where he met Frances Ann Gist in the library who was a teacher at the time working on her Master's Degree. They married on February 10, 1967 and were married for 38 years until her death from ALS in 2005.

Bro. Ray, or "Preacher" as some called him, is survived by his two children, Brook Ray and wife Beth of Omega and Carrie Gosnell and Husband Joey of Durant. He enjoyed spending time with his granddaughters, Rylee Frances Gosnell and Parker JoAnn Gosnell of Durant. He is also survived by one grandson, Dakota Ray of Guymon, who is training to be a pilot at the age of 16. He was so proud to hear about any of Dakota's accomplishments. J. W. also has three step-grandchildren, Steven Parker and Kirsten Parker of Oklahoma City, and Zachary Parker of Omega. that he always enjoyed seeing at Christmas. He is also survived by long-time special friends Cindy and Zachery Krou of Duncan and Byron Hedgecock of Antlers.
Whether you knew J. W. as "Mr. Ray" or "Preacher" or "Brother Ray," you knew he loved telling stories, hunting, fishing, taking care of horses and sheep, and gardening. He loved sharing his garden vegetables with others and felt blessed to be able to do so. He always enjoyed taking his produce to the county fair to win ribbons but also to the local grocery store to show the owners how his produce looked better. 
J. W. wrote two books: "The Other Side of I Do" after his wife died and "The Shepherd's Thinking and Meditation" after he suffered a stroke. He always encouraged learning and receiving an education to his children and those he met.

The family would like to express their appreciation to those who helped care for him and prayed for him, especially in the past two years. Since Bro. Ray loved to see church growth and led many church building projects through the years of his ministry, any memorials may be given to your church's building fund at his request.

Family night will be held 2-4 PM Sunday February 12, 2017 at Burkhart Funeral Service of Antlers. Funeral Services will be 10 AM Monday February 13, 2017 at Antlers First Baptist Church and interment will follow at Darwin Cemetery.

You may view J.W.'s memorial video at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/carrie.gosnellm2