William Raymond Talley, age 101, passed from this life on 1/20/2024 at Stillwater Medical Center. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, January 25 at 11:00 in the Tecumseh Cemetery. Reverend Andrew Payne will officiate.

Raymond was born April 7, 1922 on a farm near Pearson, OK. He was the third of six children born to William Franklin Talley and Virdie Edna Cook Talley. He married the love of his life, Myrna McConnell on May 21, 1949. At the time of his death they had been married for over 74 years.

As a young boy, Raymond lived in Pauls Valley, Ada, and Tecumseh, OK. He worked from a very young age delivering newpapers and mowing lawns for 25 cents a lawn. He graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1941. After High school graduation he moved to Tulsa and worked at the bus station while attending college.

Raymond enlisted in the US Navy at the beginning of World War II and served as a Signalman First Class in the Pacific Campaign. He served aboard the USS Ashland LSD-1, the Navy's first landing ship dock. On February 23, 1943, after hearing a loud commotion from the island of Iwo Jima, he looked through the mounted binoculars and saw that now iconic group of Marines raise the US flag.

After the war, Raymond returned to Oklahoma, married, and attended the University of Tulsa. He earned a degree in Business Administration in 1952. Raymond worked as a letter carrier in Shawnee, Oklahoma until his retirement.

After his retirement he and his wife, Myrna, traveled throughout the United States and Canada with the Holiday Rambler Recreational Vehicle Club of which he became National President.

He was a fierce competitor and loved to play backyard games, board games, and cards. He would never "let" someone win. Even his grandchildren had to win fair and square. He was an avid sports fan and followed Tecumseh and Oklahoma State sporting events.

Raymond and Myrna moved from Tecumseh to Stillwater, OK in 1999 and enjoyed living close to their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

On October 3, 2023, in a proud moment, Raymond was selected to be Veteran of the Week at the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Rep. John Talley, Rep. Ty Burns, and Rep. Danny Sterling introduced Raymond to the House of Representatives and awarded him a flag that had been flown over the Oklahoma State Capitol.

Raymond is preceded in death by his parents William Franklin Talley and Virdie Edna Cook Talley. Five sisters and brothers; Evelyn Talley, Ethel Bruce, Esteline Collins, Franklin Talley, and Robert G. Talley.

Raymond is survived by his wife, Myrna, two daughters, Susan Cockrell and husband Jerry, Nancy Payne and husband Joe, four grandchildren; Karri Cockrell Howell and husband Bryan, Kristi Cockrell Brummal and husband Erik, Matthew Payne and wife Amanda; and Courtney Payne Redding and husband Corey. Nine great-grandchildren; Hattie Howell, Wayne Howell, Mason Brummal, Liam Brummal, Alyssa Brummal, Caleb Payne, Lucas Payne, Paisley Redding, and Casen Redding as well as numerous nieces and nephews that he cared for and loved.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Stillwater Medical Center Foundation, Tecumseh High School Alumni Association-Newspaper distribution, or a charity of your choice.