Ray Allen Jeter SR

RAY ALLEN JETER, SR., son of Travis Woodrow and Virgie Mae Walker Jeter, was born November 28, 1944, in Rolla, Missouri and departed this life February 25, 2023, at his home in Richland, Missouri, at the age of seventy-eight years.
Ray was raised on the family farm in Hazelgreen, Missouri and attended Hazelgreen Methodist Church. He was baptized at Sellers Creek.
He attended school in Stoutland and graduated from Stoutland High School with the class of 1963. After graduation, he attended Southwest Baptist University for a period of time. He made friends easily and treasured each friendship.
On August 22, 1964, Ray was united in marriage with his forever love, Sue Carlson. Together Ray and Sue shared fifty-eight years, six months and three days of triumphs and tears, laughter and memories, while raising their two sons, Ray and Rick. Ray and Sue loved each other completely and unconditionally.
Ray worked hard to provide for his family. He became a certified welder at Tulsa Welding School, an accomplishment he was very proud of. He carried his welder's card in his pocket at all times. For many years he owned and operated Ray's Welding and traveled all over the United States welding. He also welded farm machinery and heavy equipment for locals. He took great pride in his work and earned much deserved respect from members of the community.
When he wasn't working, Ray enjoyed spending time on the farm. He loved his goats and chickens. Recently, he enjoyed time with his new puppy, Molly-Dolly. He enjoyed Sunday NASCAR races, which would ultimately turn in to Sunday afternoon naps. He loved his morning coffee crew and hated if he had to miss a day. He was known for his pocketful of butterscotch candies and handing them out to everyone. He had an incredible sweet tooth and could out eat any kid when it came to cakes and candies. When his boys were young, he also enjoyed coaching their baseball and basketball teams.
However, of all the many things he treasured in this life, his family was his greatest accomplishment. He was so proud of each of them and celebrated their successes.
Ray leaves to celebrate his memory, his wife Sue, two sons, Ray Allen Jeter, Jr. and his wife April and Rick Jeter and his wife Ronni, all of Richland, MO; two grandchildren, Jeremiah Travis Jeter and his wife Alexa and Chelsea Meghan Lane and her husband Todd; two great-grandchildren, Calvin Jeter and Trey Lane; many others that called him "Grandpa Ray;" other relatives and countless friends.
Those preceding him in death include his parents and one brother, Dave Jeter.
Our lives are better because of Ray. He loved limitlessly and made those around him feel special. It is now up to us to make sure his legacy continues. He will be forever missed.
Celebration of Life for Ray will be Friday, March 3, 2023,
from 5:00-7:00 PM at Beulah Baptist Church (18044 S MO 7 Richland, MO 65556)
Memorials have been suggested to Waynesville Career Center for a welding scholarship.
Donations can be left at or mailed to Shadel's Colonial Chapel, 1001 N. Lynn or P.O. Box 948, Lebanon, MO 65536
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