The stats are: Born January 10, 1943, at St John Hospital, Tulsa Oklahoma, went peacefully to Heaven February 8th, 2026, at 83 years of age.

Those do not describe the Man.

Ray grew up in the Tulsa area, attended Tulsa schools graduating in the 1st class of Nathan Hale high school in 1961, forming friendships that lasted a lifetime. He was noted as the student baking the best German chocolate cake the Home ec teacher had ever had. And he did not like chocolate.

Ray's interests centered around automobiles. His first was a 1946 Ford which along with succeeding Fords could be seen at the Tulsa drag strip. A 1941, 51, more than one 57, 58, and others. One memorable, 'THE' 1957 Ford Ranchero, Candy Apple Red (from blue & white overnight for reasons recalled by family) was a familiar sight on Admiral Blvd. Having a 'heavy foot', clutches & transmissions needed frequent replacement and in addition to payments to the City of Tulsa (speedometers rarely worked), the hobby proved expensive. Also new engines - including a crated one of the first 406 s in Tulsa. His lifelong friend Winston Deeds got the 427.

To support the activity, Ray began working at Sipes Food Markets where he met a girl, Claudette, with whom he would spend the rest of his life. Their courtship was brief or eternal depending on your perspective, totalling 64 years at the time of his passing. This union blessed him with 2 children, Vincent & JoVonda, both of whom he adored, and later a very special grandson, Victor Ray. He was involved in coaching their little league baseball and softball teams, assisting with Y Indian Guides & Bluebirds, cheering them in bowling leagues, and applauding concert performances. He welcomed their friends. He was involved in Special Olympics and the Down Syndrome Association of Tulsa and any activity he could support his Buddy (shadow?) Victor. Ray was the ultimate family man attempting to provide whatever was needed or wanted. Once during a late rush to complete an assignment, typewriter ribbon was needed. Concerned he might not get the right kind he returned with a typewriter! He accepted (tolerated) chickens, rabbits, dogs/puppies, cats/kittens, gerbils, a shetland pony (in the backyard) most at the same time! He was at home in the kitchen and each Christmas prepared mystery pancake breakfasts, making family members guess what ingredients were in them. They were topped with homemade syrup, always a different color.
In addition to Sipes, Ray worked in and managed Tulsa area grocery stores, Construction as a heavy equipment operator, Couch Excavating and Brazeal Masonry and the Aerospace industry, working for Rockwell International, Helicomb International and retiring from The Nordam Group as a composite, non-composite bonder.

Ray worshipped His Lord and Savior at Our Savior Lutheran Church for a lifetime, involved in various groups and activities forming lasting relationships with members, recently joining Christ the Redeemer.
Ray was a multiple gallon blood donor. He enjoyed bowling, watching OSU football, preferred Road Trips over 'traveling', especially on his motorcycle, ("'I said motorcycle - of course it's a Harley Davidson"). With Jacci Claudette on behind they enjoyed foliage tours, several trips to Sturgis Motorcycle Rally in South Dakota, taking a different route each time. On one such trip he saw the prototype of the perfect collaboration of 'the best'. Harley Davidson & Ford! F150 truck. One was ordered immediately upon his return home. Arriving almost a year later, the 3rd of 3 allotted in this area was delivered. It still resides at home, being driven shortly before his hospitalization. They participated in the Annual Toy Run at Christmas (one year it was so cold, actually sleeting, their eyelashes froze.) and the grocery store, becoming creative with how to get the purchases home. He was a Charter Member of The Tulsa Classic Car Club, owning a 1940 & 1934, (acquired before Vince was born & presently housed in the garage awaiting final touches in the latest rebuild) FORD, and enjoyed planned activities & trips. He enjoyed a good steak, footlong corndogs at the fair, peppermint candies, and Scotch. He preferred Levi's with creases starched to weapon sharpness and cowboy boots. More recently he could be found at Casinos, favorites were Indigo Sky (overnight stays fun for Claudette and frequently Victor) and Hardrock. He generously shared his winnings, on one occasion (anonymously) making certain ladies could attend the LWML National Convention.

As a birthday gift, Ray surprised Claudette with a trip to Las Vegas and tickets for Elvis' comeback special tour in the late 60s. Later taking the entire family to concerts in Tulsa.

Ray and Claudette coordinated the Ministry Work Center #73 of Lutheran Braille Workers housed at Christ the Redeemer. Books of the Bible are produced in Braille to be shipped worldwide.

Ray preferred staying out of any limelight and was borderline shy.

Strength comes in various forms. Character, physical, (Ray once carrying an electric organ up an outdoor staircase because Claudette selected a spiral staircase when they added a 2nd story, surviving a brain tumor & heart attack), convictions and an inner faith that Blessed Ray's life.

Memories include taking the kids on Amusement park rides at early ages. Jodi on Zingo at 4. He slid down The Bullet at Big Splash at age 60 plus - following a heart attack. He could out-skate, roller and ice, the best of them. He was not a fisherman but always caught the biggest fish, including on the deep-sea fishing trip he took.

Greeting Ray in Heaven, parents, Zelpha & Doug Stephens, beloved son-in-law John Nowlin, and beloved brother-law-Jim Bollinger, nephews John Bollinger and Mitchell James.

Already missing him terribly but celebrating his Victory are his cherished wife Jacci "Jac " Claudette, son Vincent Ray Brown, daughter JoVonda Kay Brown Nowlin, grandson Victor Ray Brown, brother-in -law Joe Bollinger, nephews, nieces, great nieces and nephews, and a host of friends.

Viewing will be 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 11th at Moore's Eastlawn Chapel 1908 S. Memorial Dr., Tulsa, Oklahoma with visitation from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Funeral Service will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 12th at Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church 2550 E. 71st St., Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Pallbearers are Victor Brown, Joe Bollinger, Harry Pratt, Winston Deeds, Jacob Bollinger, Noah Petersen.
Honorary Pallbearers are Jeramy Bollinger, Josh Bollinger, Neal Petersen, Moke McGhee, Robert Wayne Cox, Craig Bollinger.



Moore Funeral Home - Eastlawn Chapel 918-622-1155