March 5, 1941 – August 10, 2024
In the quiet early morning of August 10, as he was peacefully sleeping, Ray Holden heard his Heavenly Father call him home. At the age of 83, Ray’s work on earth was ended, and he entered Heaven’s Gate to meet his Lord and Savior and to be reunited with loved ones who had gone on before. Ray was born to Esco and Mary (Pittman) Holden on March 5, 1941, in Beggs. He was big brother to his four younger sisters. There are many funny stories of their adventures together. Times were not always easy, but love abounded.
Ray graduated from Nuyaka High School, and later attended vocational school. He entered the United States Army in 1963, where he served stateside during the Vietnam Conflict. Following his military service, Ray embarked on a professional career that included roles as a welder, shop inspector of companies that made oil field equipment, and positions in quality control at Fluor Daniels and Bechtel. His meticulous work ensured the highest standards were met in every project he undertook.
Ray met Paula, his wife of 14 years, in church. She became the love of his life along with his tractor. Kacie, his adopted daughter, kept him young at heart and laughing all the time They shared a special bond that will never be duplicated. He also loved his dogs, Katie, Scout, and Pepper, and tolerated Paula’s cats. He would have kept getting more dogs if his house had been as big as his heart, but three was the limit.
One of Ray’s favorite jobs as a young man was running a county road grader. His love of moving dirt continued through his entire life. He was never happier than when he was on his tractor working on the yard, mowing grass, or clearing trees and around the creek behind the house. He also liked to use his mechanical skills working on and restoring new and old cars. Ray liked to stay busy.
Ray’s life was dedicated to caring for his family, and to the service of his church, community, and country. His love was unconditional, and his deeds were done quietly without need of recognition. He believed in second chances, and was always willing to give the benefit of the doubt. Kind, fair, unselfish, a man of integrity, and true to his word, all described his character. Ray was a dedicated Christian who loved his church, and was always eager to lend a hand anywhere he was needed. He enjoyed the fellowship of the Methodist Men’s Ministry and was a great asset to their many projects.
He is survived by wife Paula of the home; children Rodney Holden and wife Beverly of Beggs, Amanda Bumpus and husband Jeff of Beggs, and Kacie Holden and Tyler Winters of Tulsa; sisters Vera Tucker of Beggs, and Ella Dunagan of Eufaula; eight grandchildren, one great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, August 15, 2024, at Okmulgee First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Diana Northcutt officiating. Viewing will be held Wednesday, August 14, 2024, from 1-7 p.m., with family visitation from 5-7 p.m. at McClendon-Winters Funeral Home Chapel of Okmulgee.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mc-Clendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Ray’s Tribute Page at www.mcclendon-winters. com.
