Ray was born in New Orleans in 1923. He later became a standout two- sport athlete earning All-SEC and Honorable Mention All-American honors in football at Tulane University. Midway through his college career, Ray answered the call to serve his country as Ensign on the Battleship New York in WWII’s Pacific Theater Battle of Okinawa where they conducted 76 consecutive days of action where the New York fired preinvasion and diversionary bombardments, covered landings, and provided close support to advancing troops. He as on board when a kamikaze grazed the ship, demolishing her spotting plane. He and the crew returned to Pearl Harbor to get ready for the invasion of the Japanese Islands.
After the war, Ray returned to his studies, graduating from Tulane. During this time he became an NFL draft pick of the Detroit Lions but chose to begin his career with Noble Drilling Corporation. On a business trip to Tulsa, he met the love of his life, and they married and had five children.
Ray was 101 years old at his passing. A true hero and a great representation of our nation’s greatest generation.
May 30, 2025 — 10:30 AM
7501 S Choctaw Rd
Choctaw, Oklahoma 73020
Ride Captain:
Timothy Adams
xafman@scglobal.net
405-822-1057
Instructions:
Stage at 10:30 and have briefing at 10:45. KSU at 11:00 AM depart for FGNC
This is a continuation of the mission in January that escort was postponed due to a snowstorm. PGR presentations were made in January. This will be an escort only. Meeting family at the EZ Go on I-40 and Choctaw Rd at 10:30 AM and leaving at 11:00 AM for Ft Gibson National Cemetery. Services scheduled for 1:30 PM. Need flag support from PGR.
Flags will not be provided.
Large Bike Flags will not be needed.
Water will not be provided, please bring your own.
Submitted by: Timothy Adams
Oklahoma Sr. Ride Captain
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