Gunther Ray Slagle's Obituary
Gunther Ray Slagle, 66, of Bixby, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2025, at Saint Francis Hospital in Tulsa.
Born September 23, 1958, in Tulsa, Ray was the son of William Joseph and Christa Elizabeth (Neumann) Slagle. He grew up in Tulsa, and Stone Bluff alongside his two sisters and three brothers.
Ray was a proud graduate of Haskell High School, Class of 1976, where he played football for the Haymakers. He also was a golden glove boxer, winning many trophies and getting his name in the newspapers. Following high school, he attended Northeastern State University in Tahlequah. He later enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he was stationed in Guam for the first year after that in San Diego and got to spent time in Italy, Hawaii, the Philippines, and many other countries throughout the world. During his military service, Ray's job was the radio man sending and receiving important information between the ships.
From an early age, Ray showed his strong work ethic, starting with his first newspaper route in Tulsa before moving to Stone Bluff in 1971. He showed pigs while in FFA, winning some ribbons. His professional career included working as a technician for Broken Arrow Public Schools for 10 years, owning a trash company, and most recently working as an electrician.
In March 2009, Ray met the love of his life, Shelly, through the introduction of her niece and his nephew.
He had a profound love for music. Ray enjoyed singing and playing the guitar, with a particular fondness for classic rock and roll. His garage was famously filled with music equipment rather than cars.
Ray took great pride in his landscaping and yard care, being very particular about his grass and constantly removing unwanted weeds. His attention to detail extended to all aspects of his life, reflecting his passionate and dedicated nature.
Ray is survived by his loving wife, Shelly; his mother, Christa Elizabeth Slagle; his children, Victoria, Elizabeth, her husband Casey, Katrina, Byron and step daughter Charlene; brothers Steven and Curtis; sisters Sandy and Elka; and twelve cherished grandchildren, along with a host of other family members. He was preceded in death by his father, William J. Slagle; brother Eric Slagle; and son-in-law Chris Willaby.
A Celebration of Ray's life will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, April 16, in the Rivercrest Chapel. Friends and family are invited to gather and honor the memory of a man who touched so many lives with his music, dedication, and love.
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