Ray Hester, age 87, a long time resident of Okmulgee, veteran of the United States Army, and a minister,passed away, Monday, July 6,2015 in Tulsa, OK.

Elder Ray L. Hester was born May 22, 1928 to Cal and Ruth Hester. Ray attended Beggs Public Schools and graduated from Wheatly High School. While in high school Ray was very athletic and his favorite sport was track and field.

Ray was a handsome young man and was known by his peers and family as "Sonney-Boy".

In 1946 Ray was destined to serve his country so much, he and his friend Edward decided to change their age in order to join the armed forces.

Ray enjoyed sharing many fond memories of his service days in Japan. While stationed in Japan he learned to drive an Army Utility Truck.

In 1953, Ray was united in Holy Matrimony to Lois M. Huffman. To this union four daughters were born, Dian, Denise, Dolores and Kimberly. Ray is the proud father of seven children with Alice, Ray Jr. and Linda.

In the early 50's Ray moved to Detroit, MI; and was employed as a truck driver for King Auto Parts. He was later employed with General Motors Powertrain Division in Warren, MI. Ray was always a persevering and zealous worker. He had an entrepreneurial spirit and established Hester Janitorial Service during the 60's. He maintained his business until he retired in 1987, after 38 years with GM. Soon after retirement, Ray and Lois relocated to their beloved state of Oklahoma. Once settled in Okmulgee, OK; Ray was born again in Christ in October of 1988. He was baptized in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and he received the precious gift of the Holy Spirit. He became an active and vital member of Praise and Worship Apostolic Church. Ray served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon and Elder. Ray loved to witness and share the love of Christ and many souls were blessed by his life.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Cal and Ruth Hester and sisters, Carolee Hester and Charlene Tharp.

He leaves to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy, his loving children, Alice (Neal) Washington, Ray (Gwen) Hester Jr., Linda (Kenneth) Jones, Dian (Curtis) Lowe, Denise (Grady) Coleman, Dolores (Spencer) Graddy, Kimberly (Dietrick) Haley, his grandchildren, Ray III, Lawrence, Juan, Kenneth, Jason, Curtis Jr., Andrea, Janine, Lauren, Maury D., Marcus, Matthew, Michelle, Bryant and Brionna, Shavonda, 22 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren, 1 brother, Billy Joe and two sisters, Lois and Betty Jean and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, saints and friends.

Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, July 13, 2015, 11:00 a.m. in the Greater Praise and Worship Ministries, 1316 E. 4th, Okmulgee, Ok. Interment following in the Okmulgee Cemetery.

Visitation Sunday, July 12,2015 beginning at 2 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Arrangements entrusted with House of Winn Funeral Home.