NORMAN — Ricky “Ray” Rachal, 54, loving son, brother and friend passed away Saturday, July 7, 2012 after fighting a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family at his home. He was born March 3, 1958, to JoAn and Ezra Rachal.
David Spain, from First Christian Church, will be officiating the graveside service at 11 a.m. today at Warren Cemetery, in the area of Brookhaven and Northridge. In honor of Ricky’s passing, his family asks those that attend the service to please bring a long-stemmed red rose and a solar light to celebrate his home going.
Ricky spent most of his life in Norman, graduating from Norman High School in 1976. He graduated in 1987 from the University of Oklahoma with a B.S. in journalism.
He married his longtime sweetheart, Brenda Jennings, in 1979. Together, they enjoyed many years of traveling, which included Mexico and especially their favorite destination of Hot Springs Village in Arkansas.
Ricky loved spending his free time working in his garden caring for his roses. He loved to share their beauty with freshly cut flowers for the special people in his life. He was an all-around sports enthusiast. He enjoyed fishing, playing softball and shared his love for the game of golf with his special buddies and many other friends and family. Ricky enjoyed the beauty of the courses in Arkansas and played almost every course in Hot Springs Village.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Terry D. Long.
Ricky is survived by his loving wife, Brenda Rachal; his mother, JoAn and Lester Reed; father, Ezra Rachal; sisters Robin Madden and husband Jeff and Pam Hooper and husband Randy; brother, Randy Rachal and fiancee Denise Hopper; sisters-in-law, Janice Long and Debbie Wullich and husband John; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other loving family members and friends.
Norman Transcript, Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Susie O'Dell (Skaggs)
I can't think of Rick without thinking about Brenda. I remember watching them as they developed their friendship and witnessing the blossoming of young love. I was not surprised when I learned they had married after highschool. Brenda's sharp wit yet quiet and private demeanor. Rick's cute dimple like creases and sense of humor. They were some of the lucky few to find their soul mates so early in life. 33 years of marriage + all of the time in school - i'm sure doesn't seem like long enough now for Brenda. I've been by a few times in the last two years to see Brenda at her shop, GRACIE RAY'S GIFTS on 24th since hearing or Rick's battle with brain cancer. They faced this head on and fought hard. I'm confident Rick is resting in peace and I pray for Brenda's comfort and peace in the coming months.
Susie O'Dell (Skaggs)
Here are some comments as posted by our classmates in the Transcript:
Scott Williams wrote:
My condolences to Brenda and all his family. Rick was a good friend back in the Norman High School days and later playing softball. We car pooled together to auto mechanic class at vo-tech our Junior and Senior years. We had some good times back then. I'm sorry to see he's gone so soon.
Jennifer McPhail-Hastings wrote:
My heart and prayers are with you. May your memories give you strength and help you through this difficult time.
Jenny Cuaderes Garrett wrote:
I too, remember Ricky from high school.....a gentle soul, full of energy, hope, and enthusiasm. Deepest sympathies.