Donald Gerald Ray, DDS's Obituary
Donald Gerald Ray, DDS passed away Easter morning after a month long battle. He was born on January 9, 1938 to Dr. Raymond G. Ray, MD and Pauline Boutwell Ray, RN and was raised as “Little Doc”. He grew up in Tulsa and married Lynn Markley Ray in 1959. They moved to Kansas City where they both finished their educations in the dental profession at UMKC School of Dentistry. The family returned to Tulsa in 1965 and they raised 3 daughters – Kimberly Ann Ray Cobb, Melinda Jan Ray Burkhardt and Holly Donelle Ray Newton. In 1974, Don joined with 7 other dental colleagues to form one of the first group dental practices in Tulsa. He loved woodworking and crafted furniture for his own home as well as for his daughters, friends and family. He volunteered at Neighbor for Neighbor Dental Clinic, Habitat for Humanity and served at his church, First Christian, Disciples of Christ. Don is survived by his wife & daughters above, 9 grandchildren – Connor McCoy, Logan McCoy, Kiernan Cobb, Hayley Haka, Malorie Newton, Trevor Newton, Elizabeth Newton and Preston Burkhardt and his great-grandchild – Audrey Newton. To honor Don’s life, there will be a visitation at Floral Haven from 5-7PM this Friday, April 5, 2024 and a private burial for friends and family on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 3PM. A Celebration of Life will be held at Harvard Avenue Christian Church on May 25, 2024 at 1PM. In lieu of flowers, to honor Don’s life, please send donations to Habitat for Humanity, Tulsa or the charity of your choice, just let us know which one!
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