Ray Gene McKerley

Funeral services for Ray Gene McKerley, 81, of Bixby, OK, were held Thursday, December 10, 2020 at Johnson Funeral Chapel in Sperry, OK. Pastor Randy McKerley officiated, and burial was in Osage Gardens Cemetery in Skiatook, OK. Casket bearers were Kyle Cissell, Jeffrey Cissell, Anthony Cissell, and Tim McKerley. Honorary Casket bearers were David Prestridge, Jay May, Mike Taylor, John Smallwood and Jeffrey Prestridge, Jim Johnson.

Ray was born June 28, 1939 in Coalgate, OK to Thomas Jefferson and Margie Elener (Lewallen) McKerley. He passed away December 4, 2020 in Stroud, OK.

Ray graduated from Oklahoma State University with a Master’s in Poultry and Horticulture Sciences. Ray loved all kinds of plants and flowers. He worked for Clifton Landscape from 1974-1982, and owned and operated his own business, Arbor Verde from 1982-2006. He was employed with Lowe’s in Bixby from 2008 up until his passing. He was a longtime Methodist church member. His biggest passions were fishing with his best friend, Jim and watching just about anything sports wise.

Ray is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joyce McKerley; children, Margo Cissell, Robyn McKerley, and Craig McKerley; grandsons, Kyle Cissell and wife, Sarah, Jeffrey Cissell and Anthony Cissell; great-grandson, Zachary Cissell; two adopted grandsons, Michael and his best tv buddy, Maddix; sisters, Vivian May, Margaret Burns and Mary Howell and husband, John; brothers-in-law, Dan Boland and wife, Norma, Mil Boland, A.C. Boland and wife, Nancy, and Jerry Boland and wife, Flora; and a host of many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Alfred McKerley; one niece, Lori Boland, one nephew, Jeff May; father-in-law, Clarence Boland and wife, Bessie; and brothers-in-law, John May and Buddy Burns.

Arrangements and services were entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home, Sperry.

Online condolences to the family can be made at johnsonsperry.com.