Joie Ray Dewitt

Joie Ray Dewitt, life-long Hominy, Oklahoma resident, passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2017, at Pawhuska Hospital in Pawhuska, Oklahoma at the age of 96 years.

Joie Ray was born on December 2, 1920, in Hominy, to Elmer Franklin and Icy Pearl (Croy) Dewitt. After graduating from Hominy High School, he met the love of his life, Betty Jo Perry, and they were united in marriage on June 20, 1943 in Prue, Oklahoma.

Joie Ray entered the military and became a Staff Sergeant in the US Army during WWII. He was a member of Battery "A" 537th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Automatic Weapon Battalion which landed in Normandy on June 14, 1944 to give support to the Field Corps and Divisions that had landed on "D" Day. December 16, 1944. Joie Ray and his battalion participated in The Ardennes Campaign, which was also known as "The Battle of the Bulge" and as such, served under General Patton. He also served in the Rhineland Campaign, and also in Northern France and in Central Europe. For his service to his country he received the following medals and decorations: A Bronze Star Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Ribbon, Silver Service Star American Theater Ribbon and the WWII Victory Ribbon.

Joie Ray returned from the war and began pursuing the second love of his life, ranching; which also enabled him to enjoy calf roping, cutting horses and raising and training bird dogs. Joie Ray was also a member of the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ, in Hominy.

Joie Ray is survived by his wife, Betty, their 3 children: Janeen Stuart and her husband, Larry, Perry Dewitt and his wife, Terease, Craig Dewitt and his wife, Lisa; 8 grandchildren: Kerri Carter, Mike Stuart, Bridget Edwards, Brooke Green, Cody Dewitt, Summer Dewitt, Jared Stuart and Corbin Dewitt; 10 great-grandchildren; 2 nieces: Kara and Teri; 2 nephews: Mark and Jay, and also numerous cousins.

Joie Ray was preceded in death by: his parents and 3 brothers: Walter, H. C. and Elmer,Jr.

Graveside services were held 11:00 AM, Wednesday, January 11, 2017, at the A. J. Powell Memorial Cemetery in Hominy, with Pastor Larry Stuart officiating. Honorary Pallbearers were: Tom Burch, David Wilson, Joe Hood, Nick Hood, Dale Crenshaw, Felix Nance, John David Isreal, Bill Walls, Chuck Hall, Gary Fry, J. R. "Bob" Priest and Lafe Burnett. Musical Selections were: "Amazing Grace", and "In the Garden". Vocalists were: Hal Barbee and Kevin DeLong. Burial followed services.

Powell Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences and memories may be left in the guestbook at PowellFuneralService.com.