Raymond Withers

Raymond Birl Withers, 76 Raymond Birl Withers a Ramona, Oklahoma resident, passed away Friday, February 5, 2016 at the age of 76. Raymond was born September 19, 1939 in the community of Friendship, just outside of Wetumka, Oklahoma. He lived in Friendship until the age of 10 when the family moved to a farm two miles west of Wetumka. While in school Raymond set state records in track. He excelled in the 440 and 880, which was a mile run. In 1957, he graduated from Wetumka High School. After graduating from High School he enlisted in the Army National Guard where he earned the rank of Spec. 4. After his service in the Army National Guard, he was employed at a local truck stop in Wetumka, Oklahoma located at the Highway # 9 and Highway 75 junction. Raymond met Carolyn Stringfellow and they fell in love and were married. They were not able to have children. They moved from Wetumka to Wewoka, Oklahoma where he was employed with Acker Industry. He worked for Acker until the business closed. From Wewoka they move to Seminole where he found employment at Kelsey Hayes Axle. After 11 years with Hayes Axle, Raymond went to work for Koch Industry. While working at Koch he was transferred to Bartlesville, Oklahoma. While at Bartlesville he retired from Koch Industry. While living in Ramona, Koch asked him to become their pipeline walker, which he did for 3 years before retiring again. Remaining in Ramona, Raymond said good bye to his loving wife and on February 5, 2016, he left this world to join her. Raymond is survived by four brothers; Bob Royce Withers of Seminole, Oklahoma, Tommy Gerrald Withers of Jacksonville, Florida, Jerry Wayne Withers of Seminole, Oklahoma, Barry Lynn Withers of Auguadilla, Puerto Rico and his wife Carmanita; one sister, Margaret Kristine (Withers) Belle. Raymond was preceded in death by his wife Carolyn Withers; 3 brothers, Earl Dean Withers, Carlis James Withers, Lee Roy “Leroy” Withers. A Memorial Service will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 11, 2016 at Highway Baptist Church with Rev. Carl Whitfield officiating. Cremation services are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home of Seminole, Oklahoma.   Funeral Information: February 11, 2016, 11:00 AM Highway Baptist Church located at Hwy 99 N, Seminole, OK 74868