Jerry Ray Rather
July 1, 1942 - April 17, 2026
Jerry Ray Rather, 83, passed away Friday, April 17, 2026, in Claremore, Oklahoma. He was born July 1, 1942, in Santa Rosa, California, to Jimmy R. Rather and Emma Lou (Bailey) Rather.
Jerry was raised in California and graduated from Vallejo High School. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for four years, where he worked as a firefighter while stationed in England. During his time in the service, he also served as a motorcycle policeman in the United States and was recognized as an excellent marksman, receiving awards for his expert marksmanship.
Jerry met the love of his life, Patty Lue Copeland, while she was working as a waitress. The couple was united in marriage on April 10, 1971, in Vinita, Oklahoma. They shared 51 wonderful years together before Patty preceded him in death on December 13, 2022.
Throughout his life, Jerry lived in several places, including Fresno, California, where his father owned a fishing store and worked as a fisherman. Jerry and Patty later moved to Virginia, where he worked in shipyards as a welder. Eventually, they made their home in Oklahoma, living in Claremore before settling in Tulsa. Jerry dedicated many years to his career as a welder, working for John Zink Company, GE Raney in Tulsa for 8 to 10 years, and Yuba Heat Transfer.
A man of strong faith, Jerry was a longtime member of Word Fellowship in Chouteau, where he faithfully served as a greeter. He was also a member of the NRA.
Jerry enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies and interests. He was an avid gun collector and deer hunter and loved spending time fishing, especially with his son, Stephen. He found great joy in studying and discussing the Bible and cherished time spent outdoors. Jerry also enjoyed reading hunting magazines and working in his shop, where he rebuilt and resold firearms. He had a special love for trucks and took pride in restoring and painting vehicles, often favoring an army green color. He was also known for his fondness for stopping to enjoy a hamburger for breakfast.
Jerry will be remembered for his generous and giving spirit. He often went out of his way to help others, whether by providing food or even giving away vehicles to those in need. Though quiet in nature, he was a man of deep love and faith, always praying for his family and their future. He had a great sense of humor, enjoyed telling jokes, and was a source of encouragement to those around him.
Jerry is survived by: 1 daughter: Michelle LaBenz of Nacogdoches, Texas; and 1 son: Stephen Rather and wife Amy of Locust Grove, Oklahoma; 5 grandchildren: Veronica Holt and husband Todd, Nathan LaBenz and wife Lauren, Dylan Rather-Tugmon, Kyle Rather-Tugmon and wife Kayla, and Danny Rather; 3 great grandchildren: Landry, Emmie Holt, and Oliver Labenz; 2 sisters: Sharlene Good and husband Al of Arizona, and Darlene Barry of California.
Numerous other relatives and a host of friends
He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Patty; and one brother: Eugene Dale Rather.
Graveside services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Hogan Cemetery in Locust Grove, Oklahoma. Reverend Danny Tugmon and Terri Tugmon will officiate. Services have been entrusted to Locust Grove Funeral Home. Memories, condolences, and tributes may be shared at www.locustgrovefuneralhome.com.
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