Clarence Ray Thornburg Sr, 76, passed away August 18, 2026, in Red Oak, Oklahoma.

He was born on January 2, 1950, to Albert and Ethel Thornburg in Independence, Louisiana. He was the youngest of six siblings. Ray spent his childhood in Ponchatoula, Louisiana with his family. He learned how to work and support his family at an early age because his family traveled from Louisiana to Michigan as migrant workers. Ray moved to Andrews, Texas looking for his brothers when he met the love of his life, Cynthia (Dusty) Armstrong. He also met his future family, John and Phyllis Armstrong and Tommy Lynn Armstrong (Dusty’s parents and brother) who changed his life forever.

Ray and Dusty got married on May 31, 1969, in Andrews, Texas. They had four children Michelle, Melissa, Melinda and Ray Jr. They moved from Andrews, Texas to Wilburton, Oklahoma twice where they bought land, worked, and built two houses thirty years apart. Close friends were gifted in both places that will always remain in the hearts of Dusty and her family as Ray held them so dear to him.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Ethel Thornburg. His sisters, Alberts Pruitt and Mary Thornburg (who passed away at birth). And his brothers, Robert, CL, and Alford Thornburg.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Dusty, and his beautiful daughters and their husbands, Michelle and Steve Smith and Melissa and Anthony Rowland, Melinda Golson, and his son, Ray Thornburg Jr. He was also survived by his grandkids who adored and loved him very much, Michael and Courtney Smith, Logan and Jayci Rowland, Emileigh and Tyson Rater, Caleb Smith, Shelby Rowland, Kourtney and Eric Perez, Aimee and Parker Hallmark, Jonah Rowland, Jacob Thornburg, Cole Golson, and Seth Golson. He is survived by his adorable great-grandkids, Hinter, Peighton, Mellodie, and Kodi Smith. Chyler, Chaston, chandler, and Charleston Rater, Ashlynn Smith, Olivia, Mylah, Charlotte, and their soon to be born brother, Henry Hallmark. Ray is survived by his brother-in-law, Tommy and Sandra Armstrong and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Ray has a beautiful family in Louisiana who loved him unconditionally, Frank and Wonda Kendrick, Francis Williams Bass, Jennie and Harry Parke, Debbie Frasier and their Family.

Ray would always repeat what his father-in-law would say, “Me and Maw started all of this” which gave us all a big smile and a warm heart. Ray will be missed by all of us even as we know he is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A memorial service is being held at a later date in Texas. The local services were under the direction of the Waldrop Funeral Home in Wilburton, Oklahoma.