Calvin Ray Russell Obituary (1948

Calvin 'Ray' Russell, 66, painlessly and peacefully passed from this world to the next early Sunday morning, October 11, 2015. His family was by his side as they felt Ray's spirit escape from his broken body into the arms of Christ to be held forever and calmly at peace. Ray, the first born son of Calvin and Yuvon Carnell Russell, was born on December 15, 1948 in Konawa, OK. He spent his youth in the country near Stratford, OK always enjoying the outdoors with his family, friends and grandparents. This love of the outdoors stayed with Ray his entire life. Ray graduated with the 1967 class of Sulphur High School. He attended Murray State College in Tishomingo (MIT) and completed his college career at Oklahoma State University. During his time at OSU, he was in ROTC in preparation for active duty in Vietnam. With much regret, he did not complete this goal due to the timing. However, Ray served many years in the Army Reserves, and completed his Army career as a Major. Ray's love of the outdoors was well-served in his career as an Environmental Specialist . He worked many years in the oil industry and finished his career with the Osage Nation in Pawhuska. He retired in December 2014. Ray also completed EMT and paramedic training and volunteered with the Keystone Fire Department and worked part-time for EMSA 1995-2001. Ray married Dana Rice on August 1, 1987, in Westport, OK . They lived in the Lake Keystone area for 28 years. In 2005, Green Acres became their home away from home where Ray could play on the land and hunt to his heart's content. Sadly, health constraints took over, but he NEVER gave up on his projects. The tree house and planting of his deer crops are ready for the hunt right now. He had been reminded that the best tree house ever is yet to come. He is now there watching all of God's creatures. Ray accepted Christ at a young age and has been 'forgiven' . He was a member of Broadway Baptist Church in Sand Springs. Ray loved the Fall season and was extremely passionate about deer hunting. He also enjoyed fishing, primitive bow and arrow making, shooting, genealogy, flying, boating, panning for gold, fixing things, being a handyman, 4-wheelers, cars, researching any and everything on the Internet, watching OSU football, reading , listening to gospel , classic country and 60's rock and roll, and talking with friends. His desire for two sons who would become close friends became a reality with Garrett and Dalton. His love for his family is generous and strong and in his later days... watching for them to come through the door always made him the happiest. Ray is survived by his wife of 28 years, Dana; his sons Garrett and Dalton; his mother, Yuvon of Stratford, OK; his sister, Vicki of Norman, OK; his nephew, Derek, niece, Keeli, Uncle Marvin of Oklahoma City and numerous cousins. He is preceded in death by his father, Calvin and brother, Brian. Services for Ray will be held at the Dillon Family Legacy Chapel, Sand Springs on Thursday, October 15, 2015. He will be peacefully laid to rest at McGee Cemetery near Stratford in the Russell family plot. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ray's memory to the RoseRock Hospice or Spinal Cord Tumor. org.