Obituary for Ray Parris

Ray Parris – Veteran

(November 16, 1923 – April 20, 2016)

Ray Howell Parris, age 92, resident of San Antonio, TX, formerly of Ponca City passed away April 20, 2016. The family has requested no public viewing. A Rosary will be held at 7pm, Monday, April 25, in the Chapel at Trout Funeral Home & Crematory with Deacon Dick Robinson officiating. A funeral mass will be held at 10am, Tuesday, April 26 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Kevin Ratterman officiating. Ray will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Ponca City. Casket bearers are Frank Lessert, Jim Stingley, Bill Stingley, Christopher Platt, Jose Cervantes, and Carl Casey. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

Ray was born November 16, 1923 to Mose Parris and Prudie Howell Parris in Mineral Springs, OK. He was raised in eastern Sequoyah county, graduating from Muldrow High School in 1942. After high school, Ray was drafted by the U.S. Army, serving as a paratrooper and member of a mortar squad with the 11th Airborne in the South Pacific during WWII. Upon returning home with an honorable discharge, he met JoAnne Stingley and they were married in 1948 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ponca City. They celebrated over 50 years of marriage before her passing. Ray enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, fishing, and gardening. He also loved traveling and spending time with his family and friends. Ray retired from Conoco after 35 years as a pipefitter and electrician.

Survivors include his beloved children: Jim Parris and wife Cruz of Rio Rancho, NM, Teresa Parris and companion Dr. Jaime E. Gumbs Solano of Ponca City, and Marilyn Garcia and husband Jorge of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren Jamie Parris-Arguello and husband Mario of Rio Rancho, NM, Jason Parris of Rio Rancho, NM, Rebecca Platt and husband Bill of Ponca City, Rachel DeRoin and husband Justin of Ponca City, and Robert M. Monger LCPL USMC; and six great grandchildren.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his wife JoAnne, and son Don Parris; sisters Inez Patterson, Lucille Brooks, and Claudine Box; and brothers Claude and Bill Parris.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the State of Texas Kidney Foundation, 45 NE Loop 410, Ste 255. San Antonio, TX 78216.

Source: Trout Funeral Home