Carroll Ray Cole

     Carroll Ray Cole died September 4, 2026, in Lexington, Oklahoma at the age of 69 years 3 months 15 days. Memorial Services are scheduled for 10:00 AM, Friday, September 11, 2026, at the Wadley’s Funeral Chapel, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service.

     Ray was born May 20, 1957, in Norman, Oklahoma to Carroll Huble and Johnny Lee (Fuller) Cole. He was raised in Lexington where he attended school, laying the foundation for a life marked by dedication and craftsmanship. In 1975, Ray embarked on a journey of love and companionship with Connie Woods, sharing two decades together before they amicably parted ways in 1995. Love found him once more in 1996, when he married Jeanene Cole and embraced 14 years before parting ways in 2010. In 2016, Ray married Melissa Lynn, and together they embraced 10 joyful years. Ray's professional life was distinguished by his ownership and operation of Cole's Plant Farm in Lexington, a testament to his hard work and entrepreneurial spirit, until he retired in 2010. As a teen, Ray taught himself how to play the fiddle and guitar, and loved playing music. His passions extended beyond his career to include hunting, fishing, gardening, and the nurturing of animals. A gifted woodworker, Ray delighted many with his handcrafted birdhouses and owls. Ray considered himself a “lifetime professional” with anything he did. Above all, Ray cherished moments spent with family and friends, leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth, and skillful artistry that will endure in the hearts of those who knew him.

     Ray is preceded in death by his father, Carroll Huble Cole; and a grandson, Joshua Lynn Craig. Survivors include his mother, Johnny Cole; his wife, Melissa Cole; his daughter, Carol Privett and husband, Dewey; his son, Carl Cole; his son, Matt Cole and wife, Traci; his daughter, Rhae Rhae Cole; his stepchildren, Gracie Clare and husband, Justin, Lainie Klutts and husband, Pedro, Ryan Klutts, Lilly Lynn; his grandchildren, Colton Privett and wife, Lexie, Nathan Privett, Kelsey Cole, Kai Cole, Eric Cole, Alyssa Cole, Jacob Cole; his sister, Shirley Cole; and numerous other relatives and friends.