Ray L. Erwin, 77, of Sallisaw, on July 24,2014, heard the words from his Savior, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Welcome home." Ray was one of 15 children born April 19, 1937 in Muldrow, OK to Edward and Gladys Erwin. Ray attended Central and Muldrow schools. He served 4 years in the United States Navy. He retired from Holly Carburetor as an engineering supervisor in 1986.
Ray is survived by his wife of 33 years, Irene Erwin of the home; Daughters: Genia Means of Sallisaw, OK, Amy Pierce and her husband Joel of Sallisaw, OK and Terri Gotthardt of Tulsa,
son: Bobby Erwin and wife Lori of Claremore, Oklahoma
Grandchildren: Missy McCullough and Bailey Erwin of Claremore, OK, Brittanly Alvarado and Courtney Wilson of Tulsa, OK, Chris Sharp of Sallisaw, OK, Craig Sharp of Ft. Smith, AR, Becky Meadows and Renae Williams of Sallisaw, Alex and Nick Pierce of Sallisaw, OK;
7 great grandchildren;
sisters: Christeen Erwin of Pocola, OK, Patsy Whitlock of Pocola, OK, Edwina Osburn of Sallisaw, OK, Betty Sue Spencer of Tulsa, OK
brothers: Bobby Erwin and wife, Karen of Pocola, OK, Charles Erwin of Alma, AR, Ray Erwin and wife, Sandie of Pocola, OK, Ned Erwin and wife, Joann of Sallisaw, OK, Joe Erwin and wife, Alice Faye of Arkoma, OK, Shelby Erwin and wife, Patsy of Pocola, OK; a host of nieces and nephews other relatives and friends. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, daughter, Dana Lynn Sharp, 3 sisters: Juanita Erwin, Emogene Wilson and Freda Creighton and 1 brother: Leon Erwin.
Our lives are richer for having Ray as an example. He was the utmost example of a Christian husband, dad and Pa. He loved his wife, kids, grandkids and great grandkids unconditionally. He taught his family how to love, serve faithfully and to forgive. Ray was a committed Christian and loved his Lord and his church dearly. He was a member of Badger Lee Baptist Church and a Southern Baptist for more than 50 years, teaching Sunday school most of that time. He loved to study his Bible and share with his class how God wants us to live. After retirement, Ray was one of the hardest working wood handcrafters and gardeners you will ever know. He loved sharing his faith at his fruit and vegetable stand. Pa Ray was an excellent cook. He believed bacon and garlic were ingredients that made everything taste better. His cooking legacy of big breakfasts are special memories for his grandchildren that loved spending the night at Pa Rays so they could always wake up to his cooking aromas. When grandchildren asked to learn his cooking techniques for his famous chicken and dumplings, dressing, baked beans and potato salad, he always replied he would be happy to show them because he didn’t use recipes or measurements. Our lives are richer for having Ray as an example, and he will be greatly missed.
