Ocie Ray Sr.

Ocie Alvin Ray Sr. was born February 8, 1939, in limestone county to Jody Ray and Myrtie B. Dancer. He was the last living sibling of six children. He attended his early schooling at Moore High Elementary.  His family then moved to Odessa in 1951 where he attended Douglas and Carver Elementary. He then attended and graduated high school from Blackshear in 1960.

Ocie Alvin Ray Sr. was joined in holy matrimony to Mary Elizabeth Thomas on June 20th of 1960. They became life-long loves and displayed a perfect example of what marriage can be. At the time of his death, they had been married for 62 years. Not only was he a devoted and loving husband, but a loving father to four children who were born into this union: Deborah Lynn Williams, Cecilia Ann Williams, Patricia Lanette Winfield, and Ocie Alvin Ray Jr.

Ocie Alvin Ray Sr. started working at Globes Cleaners in 1960. He then began insurance in 1969. He was known as the Insurance man in Odessa until he retired in 2003. After retiring in 2003 Ocie loved spending time with family, playing dominoes, cooking, being by the water, and sharing the love of Jesus.

Ocie Alvin Ray Sr. accepted Christ into his life during his early childhood while living with his grandmother. He would later become a member of Walkers Chapel Church of God in Christ in 1959. He was a faithful member and continued to serve once the church transitioned to Living Vision until his health declined. He exemplified and embodied a devoted servant’s heart. Deacon Ocie served as the church’s Sunday School Superintendent and held this position for many years. Ocie electrified the church with his helping hands, administrator expertise, and signature food for over 40 years.

Ocie Ray accepted his call to glory on Sunday, January 8, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother: Orenzia Mathis; His parents, Jody Ray and Myrtie B. Dancer; His siblings: Gracie Busby, Emma Clark, Della Moorer, L.T Busby, and Heritt Carter; His son: Ocie Alvin Ray Jr Ocie’s memory will be preserved by his wife Mary Elizabeth Ray; 3 daughters: Deborah Lynn Williams (Edward), Cecilia Ann Williams (Randall), and Patricia Lanette Winfield (Joe); 7 grandchildren: Deasharea, DeAndrea, RaCobie, RaCorie, De’Breana, Joe 1, and Edward Jr; 4 great-grandchildren: Justin, Kamren, Kamora, and A’nya; a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.