Thurman Ray King

THURMAN RAY KING
January 2, 1929 - October 23, 2016

Thurman "Ray" King, 87, of Farmington passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 23, 2016 at San Juan Regional Medical Center in Farmington. He was born January 2, 1929 in the panhandle of Texas, to Albert and Virgie King. Ray graduated from Plainview High School in Plainview, Texas in 1947. He married Betty LaVerne Thames in November of 1948. They were blessed with 15 children. Ray's job with Halliburton brought Ray and his family to Farmington in 1961. He worked for Halliburton for 25 years until his retirement in 1986. Co-workers benefited from Ray's willingness to share his wisdom and experience.
Ray enjoyed fishing, playing cards and watching old western movies and game shows on TV. He was an avid hunter and was known in the family as the "best shot". Ray was a jack of all trades and could fix anything. He was always more than willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. Ray was a prankster. At home and at work, he took great pleasure in any opportunity to play a good prank.
Throughout his life, his time and energy was devoted to being the best Dad to his children and Grandpa to over 200 grandchildren. Being a part of all family celebrations was a priority to Ray. He was an active member of Sacred Heart Catholic Parish and had a strong faith in God. Through his dedication to his family and readiness to help those around him, Ray showed us the importance of living God's love.
Even though his beautiful blue eyes and contagious smile will be greatly missed, Ray was reunited with the love of his life Betty, after 34 years of longing to see her face.
Ray was preceded in death by his wife Betty King; daughter Laura Anaya, his parents Albert and Virgie King; brothers Norvell King, Noble King, J.D. King, Billy Joe King, and Donnie King; his sisters Lois Sossamon and Dorothy Meador, and his grandparents Leland and Roxie King and Walter and Mary Chancey.
Ray leaves behinds his children, sons, John King, Mike King (Pepper), Gary King (Verleen), David King (Patricia) Kevin King (Donna), James King, Chris King, Brian King, Mark King (Angie) , Nick King (Brandi) daughters Sherry Norton, Sharla Toward (Robert), Jana Cummins (Tim) and Leslie Nagel (Phil), 80 grandchildren, 110 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren and many dear friends and colleagues.
Cremation has taken place and Rosary services for Ray will be recited Thursday, October 27th at 9:00 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Parish, 414 N. Allen with Father Tim Farrell as celebrant followed by reception at the Family Center at Sacred Heart, main dishes, side dishes, and desserts can be brought before the funeral mass. Inurnment will follow at Memory Gardens Cemetery, 6917 East Main St. in Farmington. . Monetary donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105.
Ray's care is entrusted to Brewer, Lee and Larkin Funeral Home, 103 East Ute St., (505) 325-8688.