Ray Coley

(From Buchanan Funeral Home)

Ray Coley, 83, of Monett, MO, passed from this life to his eternal home in Heaven on Saturday, June 22, 2019, in Ft. Smith, AR.

Ray was born on July 2, 1935 in Altus, AR, son of the late William and Nellie (Little) Coley. Ray graduated from Wister High School, Wister, OK, with the Class of 1954. He then served his country honorably in the United States Air Force from 1954-58. After returning from his duties in Alaska, Ray furthered his education at Poteau Community College, Poteau, OK, obtaining his Associate of Arts Degree in 1960 and then earned his Bachelor’s of Science in Education Degree from Southeastern State College, Durant, OK, in 1962. Ray began teaching Sixth grade in Pierce City that same year. He later taught at Camdenton, Jasper and retired from Jane, MO. During his years in education, he also coached Boys Basketball. Following his retirement, Ray worked part-time as a Courier for First State Bank of Purdy.

Ray was a member of New Site Baptist Church in Monett and the Missouri State Teachers Association. He enjoyed painting, listening to gospel and country music, gardening, taking care of his yard, watching basketball, eating ice cream and spending time with his friends at McDonalds. Ray was an outgoing and entertaining man who never met a stranger.

On May 9, 1959, Ray Coley and Rene Newby were united in marriage in Wister, OK. To this union, they were blessed with two children. Together, they shared over fifty-seven years together until her passing in 2017.

Ray is survived by his son, Kevin Coley and his wife Kara, of Monett; his daughter, Sheila Buck and her husband David, of Verona; seven grandchildren, Miles Coley, Korry Melby, Jacob Witt, Joshua Boucher, Jantsen Boucher and wife Ashley, Jessica Buck and Kristen Buck; seven great-grandchildren, Tatum, Anthony, Noah, Kelby, Eli, Ryker and Zayden; his twin brother, Ralph Coley and wife Regina, of Readyville, TN; his sister, LaJean Kay, of Scottsdale, AZ; and his brother-in-law, Gary Newby and wife Georgetta, of Poteau, OK.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and two brothers, Roger and Aaron Hugh Coley.

Funeral services for Mr. Coley will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, June 29, 2019 at New Site Baptist Church with Reverend Aaron Weibel and Pastor Rocky Harris officiating. Interment and military honors will follow at Oakdale Cemetery, Monett. Visitation will be held from 6-8:00 p.m. Friday at New Site Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to New Site Baptist Church in care of the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, 301 Euclid Ave, Monett, MO.