Charles Ray Clair

Charles “Charley” Ray Clair, 87, passed away on Monday, October 3, 2022, in Stillwater, OK. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 7, 2022, from 9am to 8pm at Dighton Marler Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 8, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Dighton Marler Funeral Home in Stillwater, OK. The graveside service will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Enid, OK at 1:30 p.m. Dighton Marler Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.

Charley was born on October 23, 1934, to Clifford and Mary Leona Clair. He moved quite a bit in his youth, living in Texas, Virginia, Florida, and Oklahoma.

Charley could best be described as charming, funny, self-motivated, and hard-working. He enjoyed being the center of attention and making people feel welcome and entertained. Charley was an accomplished dancer and grill master. He loved building projects, flying, working in the yard, and traveling with his brother and best friend, Gilbert.

In October of 1955, he married his perfect match, Joyce, whom everyone lovingly called “Riki.” They went on to have 2 children, Casey and Lori. Riki was later diagnosed with dementia, and Charley dedicated himself to her care and was a faithful companion until she passed.

Charley was a proud Army National Guard Veteran.

Charley wore many hats in life. Early on, he enjoyed working for several airplane manufacturers, including Beech, Boeing, and Cessna. He went on to be very successful in sales, management, and purchasing for numerous companies, and his expertise led them to incredible innovation and growth. He retired as Purchasing Manager for Mercury Marine in 1998.

The last seven and a half years of his life, Charley lived at Primrose Retirement Center, which he dearly loved. He was quite the character and could often be found cruising the halls looking for music, dancing, domino games, or just someone to chat with.

Charley was predeceased by his parents; his wife, Riki; his son, Casey; his brother, Gilbert; and his sister, Virginia Lee. He is survived by his daughter, Lori, and her husband, Bill, of Stillwater and grandsons, Landon and Holden Corder, as well as several nieces and their families.

Condolences may be sent to the family via an online guestbook at www.dightonmarler.com.