Harold Winford Ray of the Haw Creek Community was born August 5, 1950 in Heavener, Oklahoma to Philemon and Elva (Lord) Ray. He went home to be with the Lord on February 12, 2026 in Fort Smith, Arkansas at the age of 75.

He is survived by:

His wife:

Christina Ray of the home

Three daughters:

Leslie Terry and husband Joseph of Wister, Oklahoma

Zaliah Ray of the home

Carla Ray of the home

Two sons:

Calvin Smith and wife Jackie of Howe, Oklahoma

Philemon Ray and wife Ashley of the Haw Creek Community

Special daughters-in-law:

Diana Ross and Lorisa Pearl

19 grandchildren

34 great-grandchildren and 1 on the way

1 great-great-grandchild

Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other loved ones, and a host of friends whom loved him very much

He was preceded in death by his parents; one daughter, Gayla White; one son, Carl Smith; two sisters Maxine Luce and Gayla Heflin; two brothers D.L. Ray and Eddie Ray; and one granddaughter, Kassandra Thurman.

Harold was a long-time resident of the area and mechanic on small engines. He attended Heavener High School and was a member of Haw Creek Fire Department. Harold loved fishing, hunting, westerns, and spending time with his family. He loved to be in the outdoors. Harold will be greatly missed.

Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, February 16, 2026 at the Big Creek Baptist Church in Heavener, Oklahoma with Brother Philip Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Ray Family Cemetery under the care of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers will be: Darrel Smith, Harold Smith, Carl Ray, D.L. Ray JR, Joseph Terry, and Martin Ray

Viewing will be from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sunday and 9:00 a.m. until Noon, Monday at the funeral home.

The family will visit with friends on Sunday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the funeral home.