Johnny Ray Pope, 83, of LeFlore, OK passed from this life and was welcomed into Heaven on Saturday, December 29, 2018, at Tidwell Living Center in Wilburton.
Johnny Ray was born on August 6, 1935 in LeFlore, OK to John Vernon & Ruth Irene (McAlester) Pope. He attended LeFlore High School and played basketball and baseball for the LeFlore Savages. After graduation Johnny Ray attended Eastern Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College in Wilburton. Johnny Ray played baseball for Eastern in 1954 and 1955. In 1955 his team won the National Regional Junior College Baseball Tournament. The Mountaineers were champions of a three-state area covering Oklahoma, Texas and New Mexico. Johnny Ray also had tryouts with the New York Yankee’s Baseball Team. He was invited back for a second tryout but did not want to go because his teammates were not included. He graduated from Eastern in May of 1955 and earned his Associate of Science Degree. In 1958 he served in the US Army.
Johnny Ray married Doris Jean Sasnett on December 20, 1958 in LeFlore.
He is survived by his daughter Renee Johnson & husband Les; son, Wayne Pope & wife Regina all of LeFlore; grandchildren, Josh Pope of LeFlore, Cody Johnson & wife Ashlee of Wilburton, Kayla Pope Rees and husband RC of Bokoshe, Misty Renee Johnson, Johnny Paul Johnson, Makenzie Pope all of LeFlore; great grandchildren, Lexie Johnson of Whiteboro, Gunner , Joshlynn and Shawnna Pope of LeFlore, Gracie & Rich Rees of Bokoshe, Cody Jett Johnson of Wilburton; special dear friend, Linnie Merryman of Red Oak; special friend and brother in law, Marvin Sasnett & wife Joyce of OKC, numerous other relatives & friends.
Funeral Services will be held at 10 am, Thursday, January 3, 2019 at LeFlore Baptist Church with Rev. Charles Caughern officiating.
Burial will follow at LeFlore Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren, Josh Pope, Cody Johnson, Kayla Pope Rees, Misty Johnson, Johnny Paul Johnson and Makenzie Pope.
In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to the LeFlore Senior Citizens Center, PO Box 57, LeFlore, OK 74942.
You may leave an online message at www.evansandmillerfuneralhomes.com
The family has chosen to entrust the care of the services to Evans & Miller Funeral Home, POTEAU, OK
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