Jerry Ray Stephens

Jerry Ray Stephens of Midland, TX, went peacefully to be with the Lord on Monday December 22, 2014 surrounded by family and friends. Jerry was born on September 27, 1932 to R. L. and Ona Jane Stephens in Pauls Valley, OK. Jerry was raised on a farm there and loved to farm and hunt, developing his life long love for mules and horses; used by his parents, grandparents and aunts and uncles at the time. World War II veteran’s were his hero’s. Jerry served in the United States Army, during the Korean War in the 10th Airborne Ranger Company, 45th Division and 187th Regimental Combat Team. He attended 10th Company Ranger reunions for years. On October 11, 1955, he married the love of his life, Cleone V. Stephens. They had two children, Jay T. Stephens and Cari Langston. Jerry worked and lived in Monahans, Texas for Skelly Oil Company in one of the last Oil Camps in Texas; moving to Midland in 1968 with Skelly.Jerry was a partner with Mansell Brine Sales Inc. He was a member of Golf Course Road Church of Christ for 46 years. He had a love for giving and cherished spending quality time with his family and friends. Jerry raised and owned horses for over 40 years and making some of the best hay in the area. He trained and rode his last Shining Spark filly this year at 82, much to his children’s concern. He found this amusing. Midland Christian School benefited from his work, board membership and scholarships over the years. His friends were from his church, horse raising activities and Midland Christian. He loved hunting and fishing trips with his Christian brothers and was a number one Midland Christian sports fan, traveling with the team. He loved to cook and feed the kids on many of these trips helping Warren Bruce. He considered Byron and Carla Fender’s children his own grandkids.He was preceded in death by his wife, Cleone V. Stephens; parents, Ona Jane and R.L. Stephens; brother, Bobby L. Stephens and sister-in-law, Virginia Stephens. Jerry is survived by his son, Jay T. Stephens, daughter, Cari L. Langston and her husband, Michael, of Midland; his grandchildren, Grayson Boren of Midland; Barry Boren and his wife, Clair; of Weatherford and Maddie Langston of Midland; his sister, Jayne Edwards; brother-in-law, Ray Edwards of Moore, Oklahoma and many nieces and nephews.Visitation with the family will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2014 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at Golf Course Road Church of Christ at 10:00 am, Monday, December 29, 2014. Burial will be at Serenity Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 6800 S. HWY 349, Midland.Pallbearers are Ed Carnes, Eldon Schoolcraft, Sam McClung, Kent Gaultney, Luke Fender, Davis Fender, and Justin Fender. Honorary Pallbearers are John Huckabay, Stan Sartain, Wallie Gravitt, Willie Goudeau, and Eddie Lee.In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate charitable donations be made to Midland Christian School, 2001 Culver Dr., Midland, TX 79705.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com. ,