Ray Garner

Leroy “Ray” Garner was born to Raymond Cecil Garner and Bertha Gladys (Eaton) Garner on August 29, 1944, in Pawnee, Oklahoma. At 79, he passed unexpectedly on July 4, 2024, at his home doing what he enjoyed and where he was most content. He was one of seven children: Harold, Lois, Lloyd, Carl, Wayne, Ray, and Melvin. They grew up in a home full of practical jokes and love for sports.

He graduated high school in Pawnee and shortly after married his sweetheart Sandra Cook and moved to Berryhill, where he began his family and started working at Flint Steel. However, he found a lifelong home when he moved to Mannford and, along with his wife Sandra, raised their five children. Lonnie and Amy Garner, of Jenks; Donnie and Aimee Garner, of Mannford; Lance and Amy Garner, of Mannford; Jeff and Rachel Garner of Mannford; and Brenda and Shawn Quinton of Sapulpa. His grandchildren include Shila, Tyler, Cade, Patrick, Luke, Sullie, Audree, Grayce, Seth, Noah, Elizabeth, Troy, Mathew, Anna, Jack, Daniel, Caroline, Mason, and Evan. He also has a growing tribe of great grandchildren. 

Ray’s life centered around his children: Lonnie, Donnie, Lance, Jeff, and Brenda. There was nothing he loved more. He devoted his life to being the best father he knew how to be by providing for them and instilling his love for sports, especially baseball, in each of them. Teaching and coaching them in some capacity was how he connected and spent time with them. He was a man of few words off the field, but on the field, he wanted to share his understanding and love of the sport with anyone willing to listen and learn. This led to countless nights at the “4 Diamonds”, suppers out of the concession stand, and late nights working in the garden after games. A tradition passed down to his children and grandchildren. Also passed to his family, Ray strongly believed that “his name was his word” and if he said it, he meant it. Although he was not outspoken, he had a strong moral compass and believed that the only thing worth stealing was a base! 

When Flint Steel closed, Ray found work at Webco where he worked until he retired in 2005. Those that worked with him grew to depend on him as a source of consistency and dependability. His work ethic was one that his children and grandchildren carry on today. Much of his time was spent gardening and attending the events of his nineteen grandchildren. There was rarely an event that he missed and his was a face in the crowd that they all counted on seeing without fail. Often, his input was what they sought after the game if they wanted to learn what they could have done better or differently. At family events, he was the first to arrive, and often the last to leave. He could be counted on, without fail, to be present and offer help in any way needed. 

After retirement, he also enjoyed spending time with extended family in Pawnee. He loved a good game of dominos, cards, going fishing, or just reminiscing about times past and loved ones no longer present. He valued family above everything and would have gladly given his last dollar or breath to anyone in need. 

He was proceeded in death by his parents Cecil and Bertha, and brothers: Harold of Pawnee, Lloyd of Tonkawa, Carl of Grove, and Wayne of Pawnee, and his sister, Lois Garner Skidgel of Pawnee. He is survived by his youngest brother, Melvin and Sharon Garner of Broken Arrow, and sister-in-law Mary Jo Garner of Grove. He is also survived by his children: Lonnie Garner, Donnie Garner, Lance Garner, Jeff Garner, and Brenda Quinton, his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all. 

A public celebration of his life will be held at Lake Church in Mannford on Thursday July 11th at 10:00 am followed by a private graveside service at Masham Cemetery in Pawnee at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you “pay it forward” and help a young athlete in need by purchasing needed shoes and/or equipment as you see an opportunity.