Garth Willaford

Garth Ray Willaford, lifelong resident of Ponca City, passed Friday, October 11, 2013. He was 53 years of age.

Ray was born November 6, 1959 in Fairfax, Oklahoma, the son of John Willaford and Foy L. Elsberry Willaford. He was a 1978 graduate of Ponca City High School. In his early years Ray played the violin in the school orchestra. Through the years he had been employed with ASC, Bliss Industries, GM Collision and Central Seal.

Rays enjoyments were his children and grandchildren, gardening and his dogs. In earlier years Ray was an accomplished artist that enjoyed painting wildlife scenes. He was also very proud of his childrens service to our country, Misty having served in the Air Force and William in the Army.

He is survived by his wife and longtime companion, Teresa Jarvis Willaford, of the home his mother, Foy Willaford Murray, of Ponca City two children, William Ray Willaford and wife Breia, of Ponca City and Misty Rodriguez and husband Ysidor, of Tucson, Arizona one sister, Brenda Dawn Willaford of Ponca City five grandchildren, Roman Rodriguez, Maksim Rodriguez, Elias Rodriguez, Haylee Willaford and Madison Willaford two nephews, Jamie McGuire and Jordan Parker three best friends, Kenny Hill, Larry Stansborough and Jeff Demontigny. He was preceded in death by his father, John Willaford paternal grandparents, John Sr. and Alice Willaford maternal grandparents, Colin and Armenta Armstrong Elsberry and best friend, Austin Grey.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 17, 2013 at Grace Memorial Chapel with Minister Mark Berry of Eastern Heights Christian Church presiding. Interment will follow in the Fairfax Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Grace Memorial Chapel.

Casket bearers are Kenny Hill, Larry Stansborough, Jamie McGuire, Darrin York, Chris Wimberly and Larry Lawler. Honorary casket bearers are Jeff Demontigny, Jerry and Judy Brown, and Derek Elsberry.

Memorial contributions in Rays name may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.