Ray Donald Douglas

Ray Donald Douglas, affectionately known as “Ray Buck,” was born on May 27, 1944, in Cheek, Oklahoma. He peacefully departed this life on February 7, 2026, at 1:38 AM in Ardmore, Oklahoma, leaving behind a legacy defined by love, laughter, and dedicated service.

Family and friends will gather to honor Ray’s life at the New Zion Missionary Baptist Church on Monday, February 16, 2026, wearing shades of blue.

Dad was a proud graduate of Turner Schools in the Dunbar Community. His professional journey began at the Iron Foundry, subsequently advancing to Uniroyal before dedicating many years to Love County District 3. His career culminated at the State Highway Department, where he made significant contributions to the community until a medically induced retirement followed an unfortunate accident resulting in a frontal brain hematoma.

Dad was known for his kind-hearted nature. Friends and loved ones regarded him as one of the kindest souls, always ready to lend a helping hand and bring smiles with his sharp wit.

In 1964, dad married my mom, Willie L. Halstied and two children were born to this union. His daughter Dinah LaDale, born with a birth defect, lived from June 7 to June 13, 1964, at the Oklahoma City University Hospital. His second daughter, Wanda LaGayle, was born on December 8, 1965.

Dad’s family remembers him as a cherished father and grandfather. He is survived by his daughter Wanda LaGayle Douglas, granddaughter Angelic Destiny Gurrusquieta, and great-granddaughter Alana Love Abram, all of Ardmore; two nephews he helped raise after his baby brother Donald died, Arian Douglass and Tory (Susan) Douglass. His love extended beyond immediate family to include “bonus children” Claudette Coker, Christie Fields, Victor Fields, Cederick McCane, Sonja (Sammie) Brown, Kim McCane, Cathy Walker, and Larrissa (Tyrone) Lott, along with numerous bonus grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by his brother, Lewis Cecil Douglass of Marietta, Oklahoma, as well as cherished relationships with brothers-in-law Perry Halstied and Hayze Halstied, and sister-in-law Dorothy (L.J.) Lornes. Ray was a beloved friend to Foncella Downing and Aurora Maldonado of Ardmore, and his impact resonated widely, including among his extended family at Love County’s State Highway Department and the New Zion Missionary Baptist Church Family.

Daddy loved playing dominos, and would go to the senior nutrition site every day at 6:00 am to play with Sam Duggins, Eddie Sampson, and Robert Goff Sr. He had a passion for the Great Outdoors, enjoying hunting squirrels, rabbits, and quail with his brother-in-law, Perry Halstied. He also loved fishing, cherishing long days spent by ponds, the Red River, or Lake Texoma.

His culinary skills were renowned among family, particularly his mouthwatering ribeye steak, often served with sliced white bread, an onion, and grape jelly. Ray’s jovial humor, especially his playful teasing about their family name – “because they are Dougl-ASSes, we’re not” – are memories that will be cherished by those who loved him.

Daddy was preceded in death by his mother, Evelyn Gaines Douglass; father, L.C. Douglass; daughter, Dinah LaDale Douglas; sister, Sammie Vivian Douglass Lornes; three brothers, Robert, Earnest, and Donald Douglass; sister-in-law Lovetta B. Halstied Douglass; brother-in-law, Frank Lornes; a bonus daughter, Priscilla Douglass; and Willie L. Halstied Kirk, the mother of his daughters.

The life of Ray Donald Douglas was woven with both joyful and challenging experiences. His humor, kindness, and resilience will be honored in a Celebration of Life service on February 16, 2026, at 11:00 AM at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Marietta, Oklahoma. Visitation will take place on February 15, 2026, at Kirk Funeral Home in Ardmore from 1:00 PM to 5:45 PM, with family visitation from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

As I reflect on Daddy’s life, I express gratitude for the years spent together, filled with love, laughter, and shared experiences. He fought the good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith, leaving behind a legacy that will forever live on in the hearts of those he touched.