Obituary for Eugene “Ray” White

Eugene “Ray” White was born December 5, 1929, at the Yourman Ranch outside of Wilburton. He went to play in that Heavenly Band on November 13, 2022.

Ray was one of ten children born to Jake and Annie White. He was proceeded in death by his parents and all his siblings. He was also proceeded in death by his only son, David Ray.

Growing up in a large and loving family he imparted that love and devotion to his own family. He married the love of his life, Billie Jane, whom he had known since 1939, in 1994. Marrying Billie Jane he inherited two daughters, Glenda Gabbard and Barbara Edmunds-Kimrey who he loved as only a father could. He was also blessed to inherit three grandchildren: Johnny Blaine Smith, Delana Shey Gabbard, and Lacy Shain Henderson. Yet, the greatest joy was brought with the births of his great-grandchildren: Chrislynn Snow, Haven Girty, Easton Girty, and Cohen Henderson. After their births he was forevermore known as, Pa.

Pa was an adventurer and hard worker. This adventurous spirit led him to California, in his early years, where he would remain until his retirement in 1996 when he and Billie moved back to Wilburton. While in California he worked as a logger in the High Sierras, he enlisted in the US Navy and served in Korea receiving many medals and accolades, ultimately going to college to become a machinist.

He served as his union rep, purchasing agent, and machine shop director before his retirement from Shell Oil. Not one to rest, he was an adamant wood worker building furniture for his family and friends. He also volunteered and was active in the Choctaw Senior Citizens in Wilburton. This participation led him and Billie to travel all over the country seeing amazing things and spending time with amazing friends.

His greatest passion, other than his family, was music. He started to play fiddle and guitar as a young kid and will pick and sing his entire life. When moving back to Wilburton he and some friends would put on a “hoe-down” every week at the Wilburton Senior Citizens’ Center. This brought him much joy.

Ray will be missed greatly, and his family is very grateful for the love, support, and dedication he showed to each of us and to his community.

His services will be Friday, November 18, 2022, at 10:00 am at Waldrop Funeral Home with graveside to follow. Viewing will be Thursday, November 17, 2022, from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm.