John Shifford Ray was born April 17, 1920 to George Arthur Ray and Beulah May (Dalton) Ray in Clarksville, Arkansas, and passed away on September 27, 2017 in Okemah, Oklahoma.

Shifford served in the United States Army during World War II, fighting on the Pacific front in several beach landings and eventually stationed in Okinawa. After his service, he worked as a farmer in the Wetumka area until 1950. He then farmed in California until 1960. After working the land to raise up its crops, he began working in the land in oil fields until 1972. Shifford then returned to Wetumka, where he spent the rest of his working years serving the county of Hughes County.

In addition to his legacy of hard work, Shifford also enjoyed several hobbies. He loved to ride his motorcycle through the mountains and camp in the Sierras. Shifford enjoyed operating heavy machinery, which served him well when he went to work for the county. When he returned to Wetumka, he took up gardening and grew all manners of fruits and vegetables--especially tomatoes and potatoes. Shifford gave most of those harvests away and developed a reputation for his generosity.

Shifford was preceded in death by his parents, George Arthur and Beulah May. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Etta Mae (Crump). He is survived by his two sons, Bobby Ray and Ronald Ray; his three grandchildren, Tamara, Annie, and John; five great-grandchildren; and even two great-great-grandchildren: Peyton and Keegan.

Funeral services for John Shifford Ray will be held on Monday, October 2, 2017 at 2:00pm at the First Assembly of God Church in Wetumka, Oklahoma. Rev. Curt Bellinger will officiate. Interment will follow at the Wetumka Cemetery under the direction of Williamson-Spradlin Funeral Home.