Jimmy Ray Lackey

Jimmy Ray Lackey, born to Robert Ray Lackey and Floy Dell Lackey on March 25, 1947, Jimmy lived in several places before settling in McLoud, Oklahoma, with the one and only love of his life, Ila Geradine Lackey.

He loved her an awful bunch, and they were married on July 30, 1966. Together, they shared nearly 60 years of marriage.

Jimmy was drafted into the United States Army and served in Vietnam. He began in artillery and later became a cook, dedicating himself to caring for many men and boys on the front line.

While in Hawaii on P.T. for vacation, he met his son LaDell and his wife, Jerri. LaDell wasn’t too happy taking up his spot. Over time, they learned to get along, share Momma, and became close.

After his military service, Jimmy worked at Tinker Air Force Base, where he advanced into management and remained until his retirement in 2002. He dedicated 37 years of service before returning home to care for his wife.

Jimmy and Ila built their home on five acres outside McLoud, moving in on Thanksgiving Day, 1980.

A devoted member of Minneha Free will Baptist Church, Jimmy faithfully served as a Sunday school teacher for more than 50 years, taught the adult class, and was a deacon. He was known as a dependable handyman, always willing to take care of the church whenever needed.

He was preceded in death by his dad, Robert Ray Lackey (Joe); mother, Floy Dell Lackey (Sweetie); brothers, Hershel Lackey (Steve) and Charley Max (Chuck).

He is survived by his children, LaDell Ray Lackey and wife; Lloyd Lee Lackey; and daughter, Lorrie Annette Neely and husband, fourteen grandkids, twelve great-grandkids, with one on the way.