Derrel Ray Giddens

Derrel Ray Giddens, better known as Ray, was born December 1, 1944, in Davis, to the late Carol and Omagene (Hampton) Giddens. He died Wednesday, December 28, 2022, in Oklahoma City, at the age of 78 years. Ray and the former Ms. Barbara Ann Parks were married on September 11, 1967, in Gainesville, TX.

Ray grew up in Dougherty, graduating from Sulphur High School, Class of 1963. Following high school, he served four years in the United States National Guard. He then spent some time working for David Foster Chevrolet, prior to spending 41 years working at the Kerr McGee Refinery in Wynnewood, retiring in 2006.

Ray was an avid fan of horses. At an early age, he and his father began breaking and training racehorses. Throughout his 65+ years in the business, Ray became known as quite the horse trainer, and was fortunate enough to win numerous horse races.

In his spare time, Ray enjoyed watching OKC Thunder basketball and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Barbara; one daughter, Vicky McCartney and husband, Sandy of Davis; two sons, Rick Tillison and wife, Sharon of Davis, and Jerry Tillison and wife, Lisa of El Paso, TX; six grandchildren, Chris Stewart, Melisaa Sumrell, B.J. Wright, Jerry Tillison, Noah McCartney, and Rebecca Tillison; five great-grandchildren, Sophie, Luka, Kane, Jack and Eli; one sister, Jenene Clary and husband, Billy of Sulphur; one brother, Sammy Giddens and wife, Carol of Moore; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by one brother, Ronald Giddens, and sister-in-law, Anita Giddens.

Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at the Dougherty Baptist Church, with Pastors Alan McCoy and Willard McCartney, Jr., officiating. Interment followed at the Dougherty Cemetery.

Services are “entrusted to” HALE’S FUNERAL HOME, DAVIS Online condolences can be offered at halesfuneralhomes.com.