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Alfred "Ray" Smothers, of Chandler, Oklahoma, passed away on Thursday, August 24th, 2023, in Stroud, Oklahoma at the age of 89. Ray was born on July 6, 1934 in Chandler. He was the son of Yulise Andrew and Rosa Lee (Yarbrough) Smothers. Ray married Ella "Mae" Thomas on September 4, 1955 in California. The couple, both originally from Oklahoma, met while living in California. Together, they had five children and moved back and forth between Oklahoma and California many times. Ray and Mae were happily married for more than 68 years.
Ray was known for his hard work. He started picking cotton at a very young age, leaving school to help his parents in the field. Ray also worked construction for several years, where he was part of the construction crew that built Mercy Hospital on Memorial Road in Oklahoma City. Ray drove a saltwater tank truck for B&C in Stroud for 27 years until his retirement. When he wasn't working, Ray enjoyed being outdoors. He loved to fish, squirrel hunt and to enjoy a hot cup of coffee on the front porch. As a young man, Ray enjoyed making music, even playing in his own band.
Ray was known for his fun spirit. When his children were growing up, they never had Friday. Instead, they had "Cracker Jack Day'." Each Friday, Ray would come home with five boxes of Cracker Jacks. As a grandfather, he kept baby Tootsie Rolls in his shirt pocket. Ray never met a stranger. He could have a long conversation with anyone and enjoyed making new friends. Ray was loved and revered by his friend and family and will be greatly missed.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter and son-in-law, Kay and Ronnie Wilkson; six brothers, Jack Smothers, James Smothers, Henry Smothers, Leo Smothers, Glen Smothers and Chris Smothers and one sister, Mary Smothers.
Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of more than 68 years, Mae Smothers; his children, Butch Smothers and his longtime companion, Tony Carter, of Chandler, Andy Smothers and his wife, Jean, of Sparks, Vickie Henninger and her husband, Joe, of Stroud and Janet Hicks and her husband, Billy, of Wellston; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren and host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.
A memorial service will be scheduled at a later time.
Services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service of Chandler. An online guestbook is available at www.parksbrothers.net.
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