Ray Rainey

Ray Rainey, age 86, of Muskogee, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Born November 20, 1938, in Appleton, Arkansas, to parents Woodrow Lyle and Myrtle Irene Rainey, Ray's life was marked by love, dedication, and passion. Ray attended public schools and graduated from Muskogee Central High School. On November 20, 1959, he married the love of his life, Debbie Faye Long. The couple shared a beautiful journey of 66 years together, filled with love and commitment. For over 30 years, Ray worked for Love Bottling, where he retired as the route manager. His career was marked by hard work and loyalty, earning him the respect of his colleagues and friends. He also had a trucking company, R - R Trucking for a number of years after retirement Ray had a passion for dirt track racing, spending many years driving his race car at Thunderbird Speedway, Tri-State, Crawford County, Tulsa Speedway, and Enid Speedway. He served as the promotor of Thunderbird in the 1980’s. His dedication to the sport was recognized in 2009 when he was inducted into the Oklahoma Racing Hall of Fame. Ray began his racing journey in 1959, and it remained a significant part of his life. Ray was preceded in death by his father, Woodrow Lyle Rainey; his mother, Myrtle Andrews; and his stepfather, Glen Andrews. He is survived by his loving wife Debbie of the home; his daughter, Ranae Bumgarner and husband Chuck; his son, Greg Rainey and wife Laura; his granddaughter, Jill Rainey Jordan and her husband Erik; his grandson, Charles Bumgarner II of Tahlequah; his great-granddaughter, Penny Rainey Jordan; his great-grandson, Charles Bumgarner III; his brother, Gary Dean Andrews and wife Suzy of Muskogee; his step-granddaughter, Kendra Deaton and husband Tyler of Bartlesville; his step-grandson, Buck Kennedy of Wagoner; along with other family members and friends. Ray's legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched. A memorial service celebrating Ray’s life will be held at 2PM on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Southeast Baptist Church with Pastor Ron Dean officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Paws, 4321 E Hayes St, Muskogee, OK, 74403.

Ray Rainey

November 20, 1938 - May 18, 2025