Clarence Ray Gillespie

Mr. Clarence Ray Gillespie, a lifelong Sallisaw resident, died peacefully on February 24, 2025, after a very lengthy illness, surrounded by his loving family who had cared for him in the home. He was 80 years, 11 months, and 2 days old.

Born on March 22, 1944, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Ray was the son of Mrs. Bessie Lou McGowan and Mr. Clarence Hyrons "C H" Gillespie. His father was serving honorably in the United States Air Force, stationed in England during World War II as a tail gunner at the time.

In 1965, Ray united in marriage with Donna Marie Steele at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sallisaw, where they were devoted members. Their enduring marriage of over fifty-nine years was built on love and faith.

Ray dedicated his early education to Sallisaw Schools, culminating in his graduation from Sallisaw High School in 1963. He cherished his memories and friendships from school, actively participating in reunions over the years, including his 60th reunion.

He proudly served in the 122nd Air National Guard Unit of the United States Air Force in Fort Smith, Arkansas, from 1964 until 1970.

With a commendable thirty-year career at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Ray made significant contributions as a highway inspector and asphalt specialist for the Engineer’s office in Sallisaw. His dedication to his profession led him to pursue further education at Oklahoma State University, where he took several engineering courses.

Outside of his professional life, Ray was passionate about horses, breeding, raising, training, and racing both Quarter Horses and Thoroughbreds across Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Louisiana. His enthusiasm for coon hunting was equally notable; he bred, raised, trained and competed with hounds in sanctioned hunts nationwide.

Above all, He loved his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was a devoted family man. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Donna; his daughter Dawn and son-in-law Jeff Edwards or Roland, OK; granddaughters Ember of Roland, OK and Jade and her husband Anthony Verge of Fort Smith, AR; son Shawn and grandson Evan Gillespie of Sallisaw, OK; granddaughter Sarah and her husband Jimmie Lemmons, and great-granddaughter Avery Mae of Pryor, OK; son Clinton and daughter-in-law Robbie Cato of Vian, OK; grandson Tyler and his wife Tara, along with great-grandsons Noah, Carter, and Tyson of Vian, OK; two sisters Gayle and her husband Greg Holdburg, and Shelly and her hsuband Edo Guidotti of McKinney, TX; and many other relatives and friends.

A Funeral Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated by Father Jeff Polasek, at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, located at 2110 N. Dogwood, Sallisaw, OK, on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM. All family and friends are invited to join the Celebration of Ray's remarkable life.

The family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to Allied Home Health and Hospice Care for their compassionate support during this time.