William "Red" Mitchell McAnelly Jr.'s Obituary
William "Red" or "JR" Mitchell McAnelly, 86, of Broken Arrow, passed away unexpectedly on November 23, 2024.
William was born in Davison, Arkansas to Missouri (Young) and William McAnelly on January 16, 1938. He was one of ten children. He attended school in Tulsa and after graduation in 1957 he enlisted into the US Navy where he was a fireman on the USS Hamner. He was honorably discharged on April 3,1961 and was transferred to Naval Reserve for the next few years.
William worked as a Union Carpenter for many years and enjoyed driving race cars in his early life. You would often find him either watching westerns or wrestling on the TV. In the summers, he loved to grow Cherokee purple tomatoes. He enjoyed good banter and would often tell people to "go to the house" or "your attitude is terrible". He was feisty and stubborn yet honest in his ways.
William is survived by his wife, Charlotte, of 40 years. One daughter, Maclyn Acuff and two sons, Jeff McAnelly (wife Lisa) and Tracy McAnelly (wife Courtney). Sister Betty Sallee and brother, Billy Ray McAnelly. William has seven grandchildren: Jacob McAnelly, Rachel McAnelly, Rian McAnelly, Ashlie McAnelly, Brandon McAnelly, Bryson McAnelly, and Brittani DeVore. William also has five great grandchildren: Isabella McAnelly, Noah McAnelly, RaNell Parks, Paxtyn McAnelly and Bane DeVore. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
William is preceded in death by his parents, Missouri, and William; one son, Blain McAnelly; brothers, Charles McAnelly, Marion McAnelly, Danny McAnelly; sisters, Murtabell Catcher, Joyce Staton and Dorothy McAfee.
Services will be held at a later date. Please keep checking back for service information.
What’s your fondest memory of William "Red"?
What’s a lesson you learned from William "Red"?
Share a story where William "Red"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William "Red" you’ll never forget.
How did William "Red" make you smile?

