Jacob Henry Graybill

Jacob Graybill Obituary Visitation for Jacob Graybill will be held at Bixby Funeral Service on Thursday, April 23rd from 3:00 - 6:00 PM. A private service will be held for immediate family, while plans for a celebration of Jacob's life will be made in the near future. On March 25, 1927, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, Jacob Henry Graybill was born to Henry and Magdalena (Martin) Graybill. Through the years, Jacob would also tolerate being called “Jake” or “Jay” - his one stipulation, not to be called late for dinner! Raised on a farm, Jacob learned the value and meaning of hard work from an early age. He attended a one-room schoolhouse, through the eighth grade, until circumstances brought him to work full-time on the family farm until he joined the United States Army in June 1945 during World War II stationed in Passau, Germany. Jacob returned to Lancaster in January of 1947, where he performed a variety of jobs and began a family. Those jobs included: farming, truck driving, carpentry, and even serving as the milkman. In 1965 Jacob made a move to Oklahoma – residing in the Tulsa area ever since. While in Tulsa, Jacob began working for Superior Supply, where he picked up the idea of starting a weather-stripping company. Shortly thereafter, it was the beginning of Sooner Weatherstrip. Through the years, Jacob was mistaken for that of an OU fan because of the name of his company. He replied to those questions saying, “I’ve done so many things in my life. I just decided I’d sooner be weatherstripping.” This was a successful endeavor. One that would grow by word of mouth and eventually be bought by Jacob’s son, Scott. In September of 1968, Jacob married the love of his life Janet Spyres. Altogether, this couple had a part in parenting seven children. Family and faith were extremely important aspects of Jacob’s life and was a proud supporter of Janet’s radio ministry, “Message of Love and Victory.” The victory was Jacob’s, in 1980, when he bought 30 acres in Bixby and built a home, barn, and began hobby farming. Among raising animals, Jacob planted a large garden where he was sure to have a bumper crop annually. Other hobbies that Jacob enjoyed included: playing cards, bowling (setting a world record with 501 consecutive games), watching major league baseball (especially his Washington Nationals and San Francisco Giants), and RV’ing cross country. He was also passionate about eating and could be found at Savoy’s, Jenks Restaurant, Seigi’s, and the Cheesecake Factory. Described as social, loyal, determined, ornery, and a man of few words, Jacob loved his family dearly and lived his life to the fullest. Jacob was known for “re-engineering” things to make them better and creative, as demonstrated by his unique Birthday cards and gift wrappings. His presence will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved him. Jacob passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2020, in Tulsa. He was 93. Those he leaves to carry on his legacy include children: Scott Graybill (Kathy) of Tulsa; Christy Graybill- Rohrer (Rick) of Bixby; Randy Graybill of Tulsa; Larry Graybill (Linda) of Philadelphia; three sisters: Orpha Harnish, Eunice Enck, and Marie Hoover. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Janet (Spyres) Graybill and children: Lisa Graybill, Dennis Weidman, and Carrie Graybill. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jacob Henry Graybill, please visit our floral store. Read More

Jacob Henry Graybill

March 25, 1927 - April 19, 2020