Raymond James Arnold

Raymond James Arnold Obituary It is with profound sorrow that the family of Raymond James Arnold announces his passing on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, at the age of 83.
Ray was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. Ray's life was a testament to service, both to his country and to the family and friends whom he cherished above all.
Raymond James Arnold was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on September 22, 1942, to Clarence and Bonnie Arnold. Ray was the oldest of four children. Ray's family had family ties through his mother's Cherokee heritage, leading back to ancestors who endured the Trail of Tears.
Raymond graduated from Capitol Hill High School in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 1960. Around 1959, Ray began working at the Holiday Lanes bowling alley, where he set up bowling pins and maintained the machinery. It was at the Holiday Lanes where Ray met Kathryn (Kathy) Ann Allen. Ray (age 23) and Kathy (age 17) were soon married at a church located at 59th and Western in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in May of 1965. The couple later divorced in September 1979. Throughout their marriage, Ray also worked at Sears and Richardson Steel before joining the military.
Though Ray loved bowling with a passion, and traveled frequently with Jamie and Darin to tournaments. His favorite role eventually became that of a grandparent and great-grandparent. He treasured his time with them and loved being their PaPa Ray.
Ray's friends were key in his life, starting with his bowling buddies, Leo Fusciardi, Charles Reese, Audie O'Rouke, and Jerry Beavers, whom he faithfully saw weekly at his various local bowling leagues.
In 1983, Ray met one of his dearest and closest friends, Sharon Smith. The two met at a church singles group, and even though they never married, the love they shared never wavered. Sharon's dedication and devotion to Ray and our family have always been such that we genuinely consider her a part of our family.
Raymond James Arnold joined the Air Force Reserve in 1964 and served for 33 years as a part of the Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard. Ray's basic training was at Shepard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas. Ray traveled to numerous countries during his service, such as Panama, Colombia, Argentina, Great Britain, the Azores, and several other South American countries. Ray retired from the 137th Air Lift Wing as a Master Sargent in January of 1997.
Ray will always be remembered for his organizational skills and specific ways of how he liked things done. We will always remember him saying, "What are you doing? Let me do that, don't do that". Ray's daughter-in-law, Sunshine, was truly the Ray Whisperer and always had a way of getting him to do things even his sons couldn't get him to do. Sometimes she used her art of gentle persuasion, and other times tough love, which only she could use.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Bonnie Arnold, and his sisters, Judy Shay and Kay Dodge, of Oklahoma City.
Ray is survived by his sons, James (Jamie) Arnold and wife Kristin, of Cleveland, OK., and their children Andrew Dougherty, wife Jennifer Dougherty, and their child, Killian, of Broken Arrow, OK., Jared Arnold, of Blanchard, OK., Addison Bausley, and husband Jack Bausley IV, and their children, Averie and Jack, of Sapulpa, OK.
Darin Ray Arnold, wife Sunshine, of Norman, OK., and their children, Zachary Ward, and wife Rhema Ward, of Destin, FL., Myriah Esparza and husband Jose' Esparza, and their child Miko, of Dallas, TX., Zane Arnold, of Norman, OK.
Ray is also survived by his younger brother Wayne Arnold, of Oklahoma City, OK.
Ray's final thoughts were of how much he loved his family and friends, and how grateful he was for the many years they spent together. Though we mourn his passing, we are comforted knowing he is now reunited with loved ones.
Friends and family are invited to attend the viewing on Friday, October 17, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at John Ireland Funeral Home, located at 120 South Broadway, Moore, Oklahoma 73106. Funeral Services will be held at the Funeral Home on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Internment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the Jamison Cemetery in Jacktown, OK. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Raymond, please visit our floral store.