Nathan H. "Buck" Ray, a resident of the Civit Community, was born April 9, 1925 in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma to James William and Mary Elizabeth (Cheatwood) Ray. He passed away February 19, 2004 at home at the age of 78 years.

"Buck" was a veteran of World War II and served his country in the United States Navy. He was married to Emma L. (Miller) Ray in Gainesville, Texas on August 20, 1948. They were blessed with 4 children and raised them in the Civit and Walker Communities. He worked for Kerr-McGee as an Electrician and retired after 34 years with them.

Mr. Ray has made the Civit Community his home all of his life. He was a member of the Grace Baptist Church and has served as a Deacon for many years. Buck loved his wife, family, church family, cattle ranching and held a special place in his heart for the Civit Community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 6 brothers, 4 sisters and a grandson-in-law David Vandever.

Surviving family include his wife of over 55 years, Emma L. Ray, of the home; 4 children, Natha Ray of Arapaho; Carolyn Sue Ray of Oklahoma City; Gail Arrasmith and her husband Jim of Denton, Texas; Larry J. Ray and his wife Stacy of Byars; 10 grandchildren, Angela Gibson, Shanna Vandever, Tommy Gibson, Maggie Oliver, SSgt. Jimmy Arrasmith, Stephanie Isaac, Emily Ray, Pam Arrington, Christy Ray and Andrew Arrasmith; 11 great-grandchildren; and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law Billy and Veronica Miller of Wichita Falls, Texas.

The family's greatest memory of him is how much he loved his wife, family and friends.

Funeral services will be held Monday, February 23, 2004 at 2:00 pm at Stufflebean Chapel officiated by Pastor Ernest Friedl and Rev. Mike Boswell. Burial will be at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery under the direction of Stufflebean-Coffey Funeral Home. Visitation has been requested by the family for his many friends to be Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm and Monday at 9 am until 1:30 pm. A special private time on Sunday has been reserved for the immediate family.