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Graybeal
Forrest “Ralph” Graybeal, 84, of Buncombe Creek, Okla., passed away Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019, at his home in Buncombe. He was born Jan. 7, 1935, in Huntington, W. Va., to the late Forrest Otis Graybeal and Virginia Brown Graybeal. Ralph was raised in Huntington where he attended school. In 1950, he joined the United States Army and served till 1953. Ralph later joined the United States Navy where he served from 1953 to 1972.
He married Ruby Eileen Luker on Dec. 15, 1956, in El Centro, Calif., and she preceded him in death on Feb. 18, 2005. Ralph worked for the United States Postal Service in El Centro, and Mansfield, Ohio.
He moved to the Lake Texoma area where he was the local locksmith. Ralph was very active in the Texoma Southern Baptist Church where he served as deacon, Sunday school bus driver, and Falls Creek camp cook. He moved to the Buncombe Creek area where he was a volunteer first responder and loved to play golf.
He is survived by his children: Terry Wayne Graybeal and wife, Tamera, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Hubert Ray Graybeal and wife, Carolann, Easton, Pa.; Ralph David Graybeal, Lone Oak, Texas; grandchildren: Jarid Graybeal, Jennifer Wood, Amy Graybeal, Jason Graybeal and Megan Rider; great-grandchildren: Victoria, Wesley, Leila, Tyler, Aaron and Connor, Ryker; and sister: Billie Sue Graybeal, Huntington, W.Va.
Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, wife and sisters; Jean Hope Fraley and Joyce Annette Matheney, brother; William “David” Graybeal.
On lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Texoma Southern Baptist Bus Fund, 4501 Shay Rd, Kingston, OK 73439.
Services were 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019, at the Texoma Southern Baptist Church, Buncombe Creek, Okla. Keith Rogers officiated the service. Music was arranged by Geraldine Hodges and Jami Hurst. Interment was at the Shay Cemetery, Shay, Okla.
Casket bearers were: Ted Reece, Ron McKim, David Greer, P.J. Caldwell, Mike Cook and Jeremy Snider. Honorary bearers were: Jay Pruitt, Larry Kelley, Donnie Gray and Joshua Gillette.
Services were under the direction of Watts Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Madill, Okla. Condolences may be sent to wattsfuneralhome.com.