Obituary for Claud Raymond "Ray" Brisco
Claud Raymond (Ray) Brisco, 94, went to his forever home on Thursday, January 5, 2023. He was born June 26, 1928 in Fort Smith, AR, and was a beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, friend, and U.S. Army Veteran.
Ray was predeceased by his parents, Robert Vester and Mozel Brisco, a brother Kenneth Charles Brisco, and a son, Daniel Ray Brisco. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 70 years Zelma (Sally) of the home; four daughters: Joy Ragsdale (Joe) Fort Smith, AR; Rachel Ball (Gary) Tulsa, OK; Cindy Wheeler (Brad) Fort Smith, AR; Becky Grist (Ed) Honobia, OK.; two brothers: Robert Eugene Brisco, Lavaca, AR; David Paul Brisco (Charlotte) Alma, AR; a sister, Mary Lucille Gabel, Red Oak, OK; eight grandchildren: Bradley Chase Wheeler, Brandon Shane Wheeler, Sarah Pearre, Eli Hartley, Shawn Ragsdale, Zachery Ragsdale, Jason Grist and Jeremy Grist; sixteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
A member of Albert Pike Christian/Crossview Christian Church for 66 years, Ray was faithful in his service to the Lord, serving the church as Teacher, Elder, Bible School Superintendent, and Chairman of the Board. There was no job that he considered beneath him, and he always made himself available to anyone in need, displayed by innumerable random acts of kindness throughout his life. Most importantly, Ray instilled in his family, by example, the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Pallbearers: Gary Ball, Brad Wheeler, Chase Wheeler, Shane Wheeler, Eli Hartley, and Christian Wheeler
Honorary Pallbearers: Chris Pearre, Shawn Ragsdale, Zach Ragsdale, J.D. Gipson,
Larry Brisco, David Brisco Jr., Shawn Brisco, Kenny Ray Brisco, Tommy Knox, Steve Moses, Clarence Becker, Kenny Houston, Cecil Todd, Dr. Don Ott, Randy Weece, and Terry Benton
The family will visit with friends on Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 pm at Ocker Funeral Home.
Funeral Service will be at Ocker Memorial Chapel, 700 Jefferson Street, Van Buren, AR,
Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 12:30 pm.
Burial at the Fort Smith National Cemetery at 2:00 pm
If you wish, contributions may be made to Revival Fires Ministry, PO Box 1008, Branson West, MO 65737-1008.
Ray was predeceased by his parents, Robert Vester and Mozel Brisco, a brother Kenneth Charles Brisco, and a son, Daniel Ray Brisco. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 70 years Zelma (Sally) of the home; four daughters: Joy Ragsdale (Joe) Fort Smith, AR; Rachel Ball (Gary) Tulsa, OK; Cindy Wheeler (Brad) Fort Smith, AR; Becky Grist (Ed) Honobia, OK.; two brothers: Robert Eugene Brisco, Lavaca, AR; David Paul Brisco (Charlotte) Alma, AR; a sister, Mary Lucille Gabel, Red Oak, OK; eight grandchildren: Bradley Chase Wheeler, Brandon Shane Wheeler, Sarah Pearre, Eli Hartley, Shawn Ragsdale, Zachery Ragsdale, Jason Grist and Jeremy Grist; sixteen great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
A member of Albert Pike Christian/Crossview Christian Church for 66 years, Ray was faithful in his service to the Lord, serving the church as Teacher, Elder, Bible School Superintendent, and Chairman of the Board. There was no job that he considered beneath him, and he always made himself available to anyone in need, displayed by innumerable random acts of kindness throughout his life. Most importantly, Ray instilled in his family, by example, the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.
Pallbearers: Gary Ball, Brad Wheeler, Chase Wheeler, Shane Wheeler, Eli Hartley, and Christian Wheeler
Honorary Pallbearers: Chris Pearre, Shawn Ragsdale, Zach Ragsdale, J.D. Gipson,
Larry Brisco, David Brisco Jr., Shawn Brisco, Kenny Ray Brisco, Tommy Knox, Steve Moses, Clarence Becker, Kenny Houston, Cecil Todd, Dr. Don Ott, Randy Weece, and Terry Benton
The family will visit with friends on Tuesday evening from 5 to 7 pm at Ocker Funeral Home.
Funeral Service will be at Ocker Memorial Chapel, 700 Jefferson Street, Van Buren, AR,
Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at 12:30 pm.
Burial at the Fort Smith National Cemetery at 2:00 pm
If you wish, contributions may be made to Revival Fires Ministry, PO Box 1008, Branson West, MO 65737-1008.