Ray Donald Jernigan Sr.

Ray Donald Jernigan Sr. passed away July 10, 2024, at home in Durant, Ok. He was surrounded by family, including his wife, sons, and grandchildren. Ray entered this world on March 20, 1936. Being born in Achille, Ok, to (Jack) Ernest Jernigan & Viola (Clevegel)Jernigan. He graduated from Blue, Ok. in 1954. Following high school graduation, Ray was employed by Dallas News, and Chrysler Motor Co. After relocating to Los Angeles California, he worked at International Paper Company where he met the love of his life, Judith Wise. They were married in 1962 and remained so for 62 years.
Ray and Judy had made their home in Whittier, California. Together, they had three sons: Ray Jr, David, and Wayne. In 1981, Ray moved back to Durant, Oklahoma, bringing his wife and three sons back to his home state.
Ray was a man of great wisdom & character. He revered God & always honored Him, living his life showing the fruits of the spirit of love, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Ray was a devoted husband & father. He spent many hours guiding his sons to become the men that they are today.
Ray loved the outdoors. One of his greatest pastimes was enjoying the woods & hunting deer and turkey. He was also an incredible marksman with a keen eye for game. He would spot a squirrel nestled amongst leaves in the far reaches of lofty trees after we had all satisfied ourselves there was nothing up there. Though Ray loved & respected nature, his greatest joy was time with his family whom he led by example and with love. He was always impartial and fair - appropriately distributing affection and discipline to his sons, as well as their friends, if needed. Ray was liked by everyone & loved by many. Ray will be deeply missed by family & all that knew him.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Jack & Viola Jernigan; his brothers, Ernest Jernigan & Keith Jernigan.
Ray was survived by his loving wife Judy Jernigan of the home, children Ray Jernigan Jr. and wife Lisa Jernigan of Durant, David Jernigan and wife Diane Jernigan of Durant, & Wayne and Victoria Jernigan Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Eleven wonderful grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren and numerous extended family and friends.