Ray Christopher Busch

Ray Christopher Busch, age 52, a one of a kind, quick witted, devilishly handsome, razor sharp, devoted Christian, and fun loving guy entered eternal life surrounded by his loving family on August 15, 2020. He was born on October 12, 1967 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to the late Raymond Clarence Busch of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Sonya Stovall King (late David) of Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is survived by his wife, Melissa Wolfe Busch of Chalmette, LA; his children, Madison Busch, Ray Busch, and Lauren Busch; His sister Bridget Henderson (Denny); his in laws Keith and Debralee Wolfe, his brother-in-law Keith Wolfe (Raven), his niece Carys Wolfe, his nephew Cruz Wolfe. Ray was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Louis M “ Bunk” Busch and Mildred Busch and his Maternal grandparents, Carl J “Stoggie'' Stovall and Virginia Lucille “Granny” Stovall.

Ray started his early education in Louisiana, before moving to Ketchum, Oklahoma. He loved the Grand Lake area and its people. By the grace of God, Ray was able to reconnect with some of his most loved friends from his early childhood. When Ray was in High School, his family moved to Henryetta, Oklahoma, where he later graduated and met many lifelong friends that became family. Ray was always a great athlete. Playing baseball, football, and basketball, lettering in all sports. Ray, better known as “the wind” by his granny, started traveling the United States at the tender age of seventeen partying, living life to the fullest, and burning the candle at both ends until he met the love of his life and wife, Melissa at the age of thirty. Melissa, bless her heart, clipped his wings and taught him to be a respectable husband, father, and member of society.

Ray excelled in all his jobs, which were as varied as they were vast. During His summer in high school, Ray was a rough neck for a wireline company. He spent his 20’s working as a Repo man. In his 30’s he went from collecting money to lending money for Beneficial Finance. After the finance company closed, Melissa thought he lost his mind when he decided to try landscaping. He thought the peace and tranquility would be nice and help him decide on his next path in life. His work ethic kicked in again and he literally worked himself into the poster child for physical fitness, giving him his Adonis like physique and a sun kissed golden tan (his words). Ray found his true calling and a job he loved working offshore. Ray became an HSE rep starting on construction vessels. Ray was a natural at interacting and coaching people to be safe. Hell, the crew still aren't sure that they were even being reprimanded, Ray was smooth as goose crap. Ray enjoyed eating the last of the banana pudding, handing out verbal smack downs, always having the last word, and sending his family pictures of every delectable meal served on the ship, but he loved and respected his work family more. Ray was a wordsmith, as well as a fun loving guy, who never met a stranger. He had the ability to make new friends feel like they were well loved lifetime friends. He loved people and made everyone feel like they were equally, appreciated, and well respected. Ray’s greatest accomplishment was his children, if you talked to him for more than five minutes, it was made clear how profoundly proud he was of his kids. He loved Madison's free spirited personality, her positivity, and artistic talent. He was proud of Ray’s maturity, brave nature, strength and athleticism. He beamed with pride over Lauren’s quick wit, intelligence, and her strong faith. Not to mention their good looks. Clearly, they take after their dad (again, his words).

What you all may not know about Ray, is that he had a strong faith and was a devout Christian. He was an avid reader of the bible and read it every night without fail. His bible trivia knowledge was second to none and he is accredited with bringing at least one person to Christ. This brought him great joy and a

sense of achievement.

Ray was a one of kind and anyone that knew Ray also know that an ordinary obituary wouldn’t be enough. Ordinary was never a word to describe Ray, he was extraordinary. He was extraordinarily smart, extraordinarily witty, extraordinarily sarcastic and when it came to his family and friends, he was extraordinarily loving.

The next time we experience a strong storm and hear the rolling thunder, don’t be frightened, for that’s our Lord and Savior laughing because Ray has just arrived.

Ray will be cremated in Metairie, Louisiana, and then buried at Ketchum Cemetery in Ketchum, Oklahoma on Saturday, September 5, 2020 there will be a graveside service as he is laid to rest at 10:30 AM. For those who are unable to attend Ray’s service, we invite you to raise your glass in honor of Ray on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at 7:00 PM. We will take a moment to toast Ray a husband, brother, father, a son-in- law, brother-in-law, and loving friend.

Please take a picture yourself sharing a drink in his honor and share it with us on his Facebook page, Ray Positive Vibes Busch.