Merle Ray Corey

August 26, 1942 – June 21, 2024

Merle Ray Corey went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, June 21, 2024 at the age of 81.

Ray was born on August 26, 1942 in Oklahoma City the son of Orville and Edaline (Green) Corey. Ray had one brother, Charles Corey. Ray's father passed away when ray was 13 years old. He always missed having a father in his life, leaving the home at 16 to be on his own going to high school and working several jobs. He enlisted in the U.S. Marines in January 1964. After basic training, he received an honorable discharge and returned home to finish college. Ray graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma in 1967.

Ray was a member of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity and Sooner Sky Divers. He loved all music, John Wayne movies, reading all books especially Louis L'Amour. Ray's father played football at OU, so he and Curtis loved cheering for the Sooners. He also loved working out at the gym until he turned 80.

On May 1, 1971 Ray married the love of his life, Gail. In 1972 he became a "Dad" to Chad and two years later, Curtis. In 2006 his first grandchild Dax was born. Two years later came Corbin. One year later came Morgan and he proudly took on the name, "Papa". They were the light of his life!

Ray ran the Corey Company managing the reinsurance program for the Oklahoma City Archdiocese and Recyclers Insurance for Salvage Yards across the U.S.. In 1990, Ray, Larry Wilson and Alan Greene started Pull-A-Part Auto Parts.

Ray had many friends and business associates that he left an encouraging impact on. He loved telling stories of his life experiences. Gail had a hand signal she used to tell you if it was completely true or exaggerated and how many times he had told the story.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Orville and Edaline Corey; and Gail's parents, Bertha and Hubert Mitchell.

He is survived by his wife, Gail of 53 years this year; his sons, Chad and Curtis; his grandchildren, Dax, Corbin and Morgan; his brother, Charles "Chuck" Corey.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, July 8th, 2024 at the Vondel Smith Mortuary North Chapel, 13125 N. MacArthur Blvd.

Memorials may be made to the: Toby Keith Foundation, 818 NE 8th, Oklahoma City, 73104