Ray was born on March 11, 1939, in Cameron, Oklahoma, to Edward and Claudia Archey. He was the youngest and last surviving sibling of thirteen children, a family legacy he carried with pride throughout his life.
On August 22, 1960, Ray married the love of his life, Kathleen Anderson Archey. Together they shared nearly 66 years of marriage, building a life centered on love, faith, hard work, and devotion to family.
Ray was a proud and dedicated father to his three children: Rayeleen Thompson and husband Bruce, Jennifer Kelley and husband Jason, and Mark Archey and wife Lisa. He cherished his role as a grandfather to five granddaughters: Kacie Thompson-Holt and wife Melissa, Madison Jackson and husband Drew, Makiah Johnston and husband Tyler, Micah Archey, and Kassie Kelley. He was also blessed with a great-granddaughter, Adalyn Grace Jackson, and was joyfully anticipating the arrival of his second great-granddaughter, Winnie Bernice Johnston.
Known for his remarkable work ethic, Ray began working at a young age in the coal mines. He possessed exceptional skill and talent operating heavy machinery and spent many years as a bulldozer operator. Throughout his career, he contributed to several significant projects, including the construction of Eufaula Lake and Cavanal Hill, and worked on projects with Robert S. Kerr Farms throughout the region. Later, he served LeFlore County Districts 1 and 2, where he worked faithfully until his retirement.
Retirement never slowed Ray down. He loved being outdoors and continued helping his son and son-in-law in the fields, hauling and cutting hay, and spending countless hours on a bulldozer building ponds and shaping land for others. He was also an avid hunter who especially enjoyed coon hunting and the friendships made along the way.
In his later years, Ray discovered a passion for woodworking. He took great pride in creating detailed miniature wagons, towns, and heavy equipment, displaying the craftsmanship, creativity, and patience that defined his character.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Claudia Archey, and his twelve brothers and sisters.
He leaves behind his beloved wife, Kathleen Archey; his children, Rayeleen Thompson and husband Bruce, Jennifer Kelley and husband Jason, and Mark Archey and wife Lisa; his grandchildren, Kacie Thompson-Holt and wife Melissa, Madison Jackson and husband Drew, Makiah Johnston and husband Tyler, Micah Archey, and Kassie Kelley; his great-granddaughter, Adalyn Grace Jackson; and a host of cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones who will deeply miss him and forever treasure the memories they shared.
A Funeral Service for Arnold Ray Archey will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, Oklahoma, with Jim Cook officiating. Burial will follow at Shady Point Cemetery in Shady Point, Oklahoma, under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau.
Pallbearers will be Bruce Thompson, Mark Archey, Jason Kelley, Drew Jackson, Tyler Johnston, and Ronnie Bell.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Jimmie K. Archey, Terry Hale, Lindsey Hall, Kirk Archey, John Mixon, and Mickey Hale.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.evansandmillerfuneralhome.com
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