Joe Grayson

In the book of James the Bible akins life to that of a vapor, appearing for a little time before vanishing away. It is during that period of time where we meet those who have made indelible impacts on our lives. Joe Grayson was one of those individuals.

 Joe was born on February 2, 1950 to John and Pauline Hardbarger Grayson and grew up in the Adair county community of Beaver Gap. He was called home on September 13, 2024.

 Joe graduated from Cave Springs school and after attending Haskell Institute in Lawrence, KS for two years he heeded the call to serve his country, enlisting in the United States Air Force, serving from 1970 to 1974. Among various duties, his primary role consisted of being a fire protection specialist. This role was crucial in helping to ensure safe arrivals and departures of many military flights. He was honorably discharged in 1974 with the rank of Sargent. His service allowed him to travel the world, even to serve in Korea for over a year.

 In 1971, while in the Air Force, Joe married Diana June Sumka. For 39 years, with Diana by his side they embarked on many adventures together across the United States, attended gospel singings, and gardened at their home in Beaver Gap.

 Those who knew Joe knew he loved God and was never afraid or ashamed to show it. He was also willing to share the word of God, even pastoring at Pleasant Valley Holiness Church in Adair county for many years.

 His love for the Lord was unwavering and so was his love for his family and many friends. In fact, Joe loved gatherings. Whether it was a hog fry, gospel singing, birthday dinner, or just visits with family and friends, you always knew Joe was there when you heard his laugh. A laugh that was both distinct and contagious.

 Joe was also gracious and hospitable, making everyone who met him for the first time feel at home. In fact, every time one saw Joe, he always had something funny or good to talk about. One of his favorite pastimes was visiting with his numerous nieces and nephews to share stories, many of them about older ways or experiences he had during his life.

Joe was also proud of his culture and did his part to preserve and perpetuate it by becoming a certified instructor and teaching the Cherokee language to all who wished to learn.

Last but not least, Joe had a competitive streak, which was all in good fun. Whether it was a game of horseshoes or other older games such as the rubber ring toss, he could always throw and score with the utmost precision and accuracy that could make the most experienced player go back and up their practice time!

 Joe will be dearly missed by all who he met, mentored, taught, visited and laughed with but his lasting legacy will continue to live on for generations through all who knew him.

 He was preceded in death by his parents John and Pauline Grayson, wife Diana Grayson, brothers Alex Grayson, Tommy Grayson, sister Louise Turtle, half brother Johnson Grayson, four infant brothers and sisters, nieces Shirley Martin and Carolyn Snead, nephew Randy Snead.

 He is survived by a very loving family that includes his brother John Grayson Jr. and wife Kathy of Broken Arrow, OK, four sisters Liz Guthrie of Tulsa, OK, Sarah Burris of Tahlequah, OK, Dora Grayson of Stilwell, OK, and Marilyn Cochran and husband Paul of Stilwell, OK, five nieces and seven nephews along with a host of great and great great nieces and nephews, one special son Zechariah Howard of Stilwell, OK, and many friends.