Howard Ray Stoops

Howard Ray Stoops, 97, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2026, at Saint Simeon’s Senior Community in Tulsa, OK. He was the loving husband of Betty Stoops. They shared 76 years of marriage together! According to Betty, he was the greatest guy you could ever meet. He was also the best husband, dad, grandpa, great-grandpa, uncle and friend you could ever ask for. He was a gentle giant.

Ray was born in Tulsa, OK on October 13, 1928, the son of Edna Belle and James “Jim" Vincent Stoops. He graduated from Will Rogers High School in Tulsa, OK, Class of 1946. He joined the U.S. Army and served in Japan at the end of World War II. After his return, he met the love of his life at a University United Methodist Church youth fellowship afterglow event one Sunday evening. Ray and Betty were married September 2, 1947 at University United Methodist Church in Tulsa, where they remained lifelong members. The church was always a part of their lives.

Ray and Betty moved to Okmulgee, OK where Ray attended Okmulgee A&M Tech. Ray studied automotive mechanics. He also played for their basketball team under Coach Sam Aubrey. After graduation, he became a mechanic working at Tulsa Automotive and Rainbow Bread Company maintaining their delivery fleets.

Ray joined the Tulsa Fire Department on April 15, 1958 and he advanced to Driver before making his way to Captain. On April 10, 1975, he advanced to District Chief. On October 16, 1987, Ray was promoted to Assistant Chief (Chief of Operations). He retired from the Tulsa Fire Department after 36 years of service on August 31, 1994. After retiring, he became a member of the Oklahoma State Retired Firefighters Association (OSRFA). Ray was later elected President of the OSRFA.

Although Ray thoroughly enjoyed serving with the Tulsa Fire Department, he also enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He attended countless grandchildren's activities and sporting events. He also enjoyed TU basketball, fishing, motorcycles, building dune buggies, and the constant challenge of maintaining the family’s automotive fleet at the “Last Chance Garage.” He made friends everywhere he went and he never met a stranger.

Ray is predeceased by his parents, Edna and James “Jim” Vincent Stoops, brother, Elmer Stoops, and his wife, Erma, brother, Carl Stoops, and son, Rev. Dennis Stoops.

Ray is survived by wife, Betty, sister-in-law, Shirlee Stoops, daughter, Joyce Knight, and her husband Joe, son, Darrell Stoops, and his wife, Mary Jo, son, Howard L. Stoops, and his wife, Deborah, 12 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to University United Methodist Church - 2915 E 5th Street, Tulsa, OK 74104 or Tulsa Fire Museum – 1010 E 8th Street, Tulsa, OK 74120.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at University United Methodist Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma.