Ray Harper

Ray Gene Harper, a steadfast servant of the Lord and a beacon of love and selflessness, died Sept. 13, 2024, I Claremore, OK. Born on November 12, 1937, in Eureka, Oklahoma,
He was a graduate of Tahlequah High School before joining the US Army. He returned home working with his brother Johnny with the quarter horses.
He later worked with his brother Leon performing in brick masonry.
As a loving husband to his beloved wife of 54 years, the late Norma (Jo) Keys-Harper, and as a devoted father of two, he instilled in his family the values of hard work and the importance of faith.
He leaves behind a cherished family, including two sisters Shirley Glory and Maxine Ryals; his daughter Laura Henson and her husband Gary, and their blended family of six children. Christy Sequichie and her companion Harve, Randi Wright and her husband Zachary, Mallory Wu and her husband Charlie, Aaron Henson, Lauren Henson and her companion Jill, and Erik Henson and his companion Chassity; fourteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; daughter Regina Barnard and her husband Ron. Their blended family of seven children. Destin Green and her husband Derek; Robert Nichols; Michael Nichols and his companion Chelsea; Kelli Nichols, Andrew Barnard wife Jessica, Ronnie Barnard, Michael Garner-Barnard wife Krista. Eighteen great-grandchildren. His three great-grandchildren named in his honor.
Preceding him in death were his wife Norma, parents, nine siblings, and four great-grandchildren.
A man of God and a Pentecostal Holiness minister, Ray, alongside his wife Norma, shepherded the flock at Keys Faith Mission. His life was a sermon of actions speaking the love of Christ louder than words. As it is written, "We love because He first loved us" (1 John 4:19). Ray embodied this scripture, pouring out love to all who crossed his path. Ray was well-known for reading his bible daily. His bountiful vegetable gardens,. His beloved coon dogs were his loyal companions.
Many nights were spent in fellowship with his buddies, and oldest daughter (Lorie Anne) coon hunting
To know Ray was to know a man who was loving, faith-filled, and selfless. He never met a stranger, and his generous spirit ensured he always had a dollar for his grandchildren as well as an abundance of love for his grandchildren.
In the words of the great evangelist Billy Graham, "My home is in Heaven. I'm just traveling through this world. His legacy is etched not only in the bricks he laid or the sermons he preached but in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.