Ray was raised by parents Dr. Ray Francis Dykes, Sr. and Ellen Rose Shivers Dykes. His childhood and youth were shared with his beloved sister Ann Judson Dykes Hazelwood.
Ray also had fifteen “brothers by other mothers” that he loved and appreciated, several of whom were golf buddies who brought much joy to his life.
Ray received his B.A. from Mississippi College and his Doctor of Ministry degree from Vanderbilt Divinity School. He served as a pastor of Presbyterian churches in Sparta and Lebanon, Tennessee before serving for eleven and a half years as Senior Pastor of Central Presbyterian Church of Oklahoma City.
In his career, Ray was elected Moderator of Middle Tennessee Presbytery and Indian Nations Presbytery twice. He served as Moderator of the Synod of the South, Standing Committee of the Presbyterian General Assembly and Vice-Moderator of the Counsel on Administrative Services of the General Assembly.
Ray founded and served as President of the Personal Pastor Program for 25 years, providing spiritual counseling for people who chose not to be involved in the institutional church. He conducted workshops nationwide in churches and public spaces on biblical and theological subjects.
Ray was also an author. He wrote, co-authored and contributed to 15 books, encouraging readers to think for themselves about faith issues. He penned a contemporary play about the prophecy of Jeremiah. Ray also composed a song about domestic violence and persuaded Irv Wagner to write the music.
Ray believed the most satisfying aspect of his ministry was walking with individuals who were experiencing spiritual death and observing their resurrection to spiritual life.
Ray is survived by his wife Donna, son, Dave, sister, Ann, niece, Tiffany Hazelwood, several cousins and endless numbers of others whose hearts and lives he touched.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 16, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Bishop W. Angie Smith Chapel of Oklahoma City University, 2501 N. Blackwelder Ave., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73106, with Pastor Dr. Glenn Doak officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorial donations to The Divinity School of Vanderbilt University, 411 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37240.
Arrangements are under the direction of Hahn-Cook/Street & Draper Funeral Directors.
