Lonnie Ray Loard was born at home on April 29, 1945 to Clifford Earl Loard and Fineva DeShane Loard near Wilson, OK. He was the youngest of three children. He spent his early years living on ranches, but moved to Ardmore, OK, where he went to school. He graduated high school, where he made many lifelong friends. In 1963 Ray married Ellen Williams, and they spent 61 years together.
In 1968 Ray graduated from Central State College, now known as the University of Central Oklahoma, with a B.S. in Business. It didn't take long before he realized he should be a salesman. Ray spent much of his career calling on Walmart and Sam's Club. He rose to Regional Manager with WearEver-Proctor Silex managing salesmen who worked in five states.
Ray and Ellen had two children, Kelly Elizabeth Loard Riney (Ron) and Gretchen Lyn Loard. In time they had three grandchildren: Lauren Elizabeth Castelli (Cameron), Cameron Timothy Riney (Jessica), and Nathaneal Blake Riney. His greatest joy in life was spending time with his grandchildren. By the grace of God, he lived long enough to welcome two great-grandchildren: Aiden Clark Castelli and Calvin Ray Riney, both born in 2023.
Ray is preceded in death by his daughter Gretchen, his parents, sister Mary Nell Rainey, and brother Bruce Dean Loard. He is survived by his wife Ellen, his daughter Kelly, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his nephews Kirk Loard, of Georgia, and Brandon Loard, of New Mexico, and his nieces Vicky Woodburn and Debbie Rainey, both of Lawton, and a large number of cousins.
Ray will be missed beyond comprehension by his wife and family as well as many of his dear friends.
In lieu of flowers, if you desire to make a memorial contribution, please consider Alzheimer's Association, Henderson Hills Baptist Church, or Tunnel to Towers.
A graveside service will be held Wednesday, May 29, 2024, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Gracelawn Cemetery in Edmond, OK.