02/19/2026
Johnnie Lee Gray, 91, of McAlester, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.
The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday, February 20, 2026, at Bishop Funeral Service and Crematory.
The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Indianola First Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Mike Perry and Mr. David Smith. Burial will follow at Indianola Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Adam Barlow, Matthew King, Easton Wester, Ethyn Barlow, Jaden Barlow, and Blake Howell.
Honorary pallbearers will be Don Gragg, Rick Spencer, Taylor Countz, Bill Phillips and James Curren.
Johnnie was born on December 2, 1934, in Dustin, Oklahoma, to Raymond and Lillie (Smith) Gray. He was raised in Dustin and graduated from Dustin High School. After attending one year of college, he began a long and faithful career with Wonder Bread in McAlester, where he worked for more than 30 years, retiring as manager. Never one to sit still, Johnnie later served the Indianola School as a bus mechanic for over seven years before retiring again.
On July 21, 1971, Johnnie married the love of his life, Jacqueline “Jackie” Sue (Bynum), in Arkansas. Their marriage was built on unwavering devotion, shared faith, and a deep, abiding love that carried them through life’s many seasons.
A devoted member of Indianola First Baptist Church, Johnnie was a man of steady faith who lived as a quiet but powerful witness to others. He loved his church family and treasured time spent with family and friends. Above all, he was committed to his faith and to his family.
Johnnie found joy in working with his hands. He especially enjoyed restoring old Ford tractors and woodworking, taking pride in craftsmanship and attention to detail. An avid gardener, he delighted in growing both flowers and vegetables, sharing the fruits of his labor with those he loved. He also found simple pleasure in sitting quietly and watching the hummingbirds gather around the feeders, a small daily reminder of the beauty of God’s creation. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the pride and joy of his life, and his legacy of love, integrity, and hard work will live on through them.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Lillie Gray; his sister, Neta Parton; and grandsons, Matthew Barlow and Riley Allred.
Johnnie leaves behind his beloved wife, Jackie Gray; daughter, Christianne Gray; son, Johnnie Lee Gray, Jr. and wife, Ashley; daughter, Gayle Spencer and husband, Rick; son, Danny Barlow and wife, Flo; grandchildren, Adam Barlow and wife, Krista, Heather Spencer, Britney Barlow, Destanie Wilson and husband, Tyler, Wayne Riley and wife, Tara, Carrie Barnhart and husband, Johnny, Cassey Saucedo, Matthew King, Tina Porter; great-grandchildren, Rylee Howell and husband, Blake, Jaden Barlow, Ethyn Barlow, Kirstyn Johnson, Easton Wester, Kolton Wester, Gavin Fields, Matthew Bridges, Zachary Bridges, Chloe Saucedo, Olivia Saucedo, Elizabeth King, Jaden Buck, Lucas Buck, Aaron Porter, Aurora Cooper, Clayton Riley, Bentley, Braylee, Blake , Charlie Riley; great-great-grandchildren, Oliver Howell, Livvie Collins, and Aiden Wilson; sister, Margaret Bean and husband, Bert; brother-in-law, Douglas Bynum and wife, Keiko; sister-in-law, Billie Faye Davenport; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
Johnnie’s life was a testament to faithfulness — to God, to family, and to the simple, meaningful work of loving others well. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
