Clarence Ray Gaddis

October 2, 1940 - January 17, 2021

Heaven's gates opened wide when Clarence Ray Gaddis, entered on January 17, 2021, in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Clarence was born October 2, 1940. He was the fifth of six children born to parents, Elder Joseph Jackson Gaddis and Ida Dean (Wilson) Gaddis. Clarence, affectionately known as Ray, was introduced to Christ at a very early age. He was blessed to grow up in a home with parents who placed great value in a personal relationship with God and stood strong on their religious beliefs. Ray continued those beliefs in adulthood and was a member of Mount Olive Church of Christ in Tishomingo. Ray grew up in Tishomingo and remained there his entire life. He attended Booker T. Washington primary school and Tishomingo middle and high school. Upon completion of high school, Ray later married the love of his life, Henrietta Brown on July 8, 1969. Ray worked for the City of Tishomingo most of his adult life and ended his career with Tishomingo Public Schools. He also had his own lawn care service. Ray was the hip uncle to his nieces and nephews. He was the uncle they all loved to hang out with. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, attending their athletic events. He always looked forward to the calls from his sister, Bettye Williams and his grandchildren. Although Ray is no longer with us, his memory and legacy will be kept alive through family and friends he leaves behind. With great anticipation, Ray is welcomed into his heavenly home by his parents, Elder Joseph Jackson Gaddis and Ida Dean (Wilson) Gaddis and four brothers, Owen Willie, Joseph Jr., Roosevelt and LeVern Sr. His wife Henrietta (Brown) Gaddis, one daughter Rayshell Leigh Johnson, one niece, Kristie Rae Gaddis, and three nephews Franklin Williams, LeVern Jr. and Michael James Gaddis Leaving to cherish his memory are his children Christene Hudson of Ada; Justin Gaddis of Tishomingo; a sister, Bettye (Gaddis) Williams of Washington, DC; grandchildren McKenzie Hudson, Clarissa Johnson, Meosha Mitchel, Jerian and Khalel Gaddis; two great grandchildren Presley Grace and Mia Faith; his nephews and nieces, Lovie Gaddis Duncan, Larry Gaddis, and Sharon Gaddis, all of Kansas City, KS; Mary Jo Hopgood; Debbie Gaddis; Gwen Watson; Lavone (Jimmy) Hall; Dana Gaddis, Reverend Teron V. (Janice) Gaddis, and Brent Gaddis, all of Oklahoma City; Jeannina Williams of Washington D.C.; cousin Jean Jackson of Denver, CO; cousin Norvell Lamey of Gainesville, TX; a dear close friend Jerry Thompson of Oklahoma City and many other family members, long-time friends, neighbors, and his church family. Special recognition to the wonderful, professional and caring staff at the Blue River Healthcare, Inc. Tishomingo Nursing Home. At Ray’s request, his family has selected cremation and there are no services scheduled at this time.