Jimmie Ray Dooley a longtime Cushing resident passed away on Sunday, May 3, 2009 at the Linwood Village Nursing Home at the age of 76. Funeral services are scheduled at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday at the First United Methodist Church. Rev. Ted Uhlig will officiate.
Arrangements are entrusted to Palmer Marler Funeral Home, Cushing.
Jim was born on February 16, 1933 in Cushing to the late James and Doris Lucille (Garman) Dooley. He grew up in Cushing and graduated from Cushing High School in 1950. Jim entered O.S.U. (Oklahoma A&M) for his continued education. He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1952, serving in the Vietnam War. Jim retired from the U.S. Air Force in 1973. He married Sarah Merry on April 2, 1963 in the First United Methodist Church in Dayton, Ohio. They lived in Delaware, Hawaii and New Jersey while following his career in the Air Force. Upon retirement, they lived in Kansas and Florida. They moved back home to Cushing in 1976.
They were members of the First United Methodist Church, where they were active in the Semper Fidelias Sunday School class and he also held offices in the church.
He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. holding various offices at local and district levels.
Jim was also a 32 degree Mason. He held many various offices at local and state levels.
Jim owned and operated Big Olaf Ice Cream Store in Cushing for a number of years. He also enjoyed playing Santa Claus for many Christmases. Jim volunteered at Vista Care, where he enjoyed visiting others in the nursing home. He was a volunteer for the Cushing Fire Department. Jim loved spending time with his companion Ruby at the Cushing Airport.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sarah Dooley of the home, daughters Terry Rodgers and husband Don of Ripley, Debbie Simmons of Triangle, VA., grandchildren Shaun Cooper and wife Shavon, James Cooper and wife Lisa, Sherri Rodgers and Steven Rodgers, great grandchildren Taylor, Devin, Nathan and Patrick Cooper, Gabe Cooper and Kaleb Rodgers.
The family would like to thank Solomon Hospice and Linwood Village Nursing Home for heir special care for Jim.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Condolences and online guestbook are available at www.palmermarlerfh.com.
