Raymond Eugene Raines' Obituary
Ray was born on October 28, 1946, in Dallas, Texas. His family eventually settled in Owasso, Oklahoma, where he played football for the Oklahoma Military Academy (OMA) during high school, demonstrating a strong sense of discipline and commitment. He went on to serve honorably in the United States Army as a medic in Japan during the Vietnam Conflict.
After his military service, Ray pursued his passion for cosmetology while working at Hillcrest Hospital. Ray eventually moved to California where he opened a salon and his son, Michael, was born in 1974.
Ray later returned to Tulsa and established Salon 54 across from LaFortune Park, which he successfully operated until his retirement in 2023. Ray was a talented and beloved hairstylist for 54 years, building a loyal clientele and a host of friends who cherished him deeply.
It was through one of his clients that he met the love of his life, Debbie. Their romance began with a haircut, followed by a dinner that sparked a lifelong love. After dating for a couple of years, they married July 17, 2016 at the Links Golf Club in Bixby.
Golf was a significant part of Ray's life, a passion he discovered early on and shared with his son, Michael. Ray spent many years playing golf at Meadowbrook Country Club and other courses throughout the Tulsa area, participating in various tournaments around the state. Even in his final days, Ray dreamed of getting out on the golf course one more time.
Ray also had a love for fast cars, particularly his cherished Mercedes-Benz. Known for his warm personality and genuine kindness, Ray was loved by everyone who knew him.
Ray is survived by his loving wife, Debbie Raines; his daughter, Lauren Knapp, and her husband, Robby; his grandchildren, Emma Raines, Harper Knapp, and Drake Knapp; and his sister, Kathy De Coster. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Michael, who passed away on February 7, 2014.
A memorial service honoring and remembering Ray will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Parkview Baptist Church in Tulsa. Ray's legacy of love, laughter, and friendship will forever be remembered by all who were blessed to know him.
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