Ray Nolan Hetherly

Ray Nolan Hetherly, 82 of Wappapello, passed away on Friday, Oct. 25, 2019 at the John J. Pershing Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Poplar Bluff, surrounded by his loving family.

Ray was born on March 28, 1937, in Fort Worth, Texas the son of John and Gladys (Fitzpatrick) Hetherly. On Aug. 26, 1978 he married Darlene Hinkle in Las Vegas, Nev. Together they shared over forty-one years of marriage.

Ray honorably served his country in the United States Navy for over twenty years, retiring at the rank of Chief Operations Specialist. During his time in the Navy, Ray served aboard the USS Brownson (DD-868), USS Oriskany (CV-34) and the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63).

Ray was a member of the USS Brownson association and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post # 3416 in Wappapello. He enjoyed fishing and listening to blues and jazz music. Ray was the owner of a 1948 Chevy Pickup and 1969 Chevelle and was fond of attending car shows and hot rod events.

Ray was a loving husband and father who cared greatly for his family giving selflessly to them.

In addition to his wife Darlene of Wappapello, Ray is survived by two sons, Chris Hetherly of Apple Valley, Calif. and Kyle Hetherly of Poplar Bluff; four grandchildren, Logan, Jacob, Katy and Zachary Hetherly and one great-grandson, Brody Hetherly. Other survivors include a brother, Robert Hetherly of Fort Worth, Texas; several sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents and four siblings, John, Patrick, Lois and Jaqueline.

A service celebrating Ray’s life will be held on Thursday, Oct 31 at 11 a.m., in the pavilion at the Missouri State Veterans Cemetery, 17357 Stars & Stripes Way, Bloomfield, with Pastor Richard Blagg officiating.

Innichement will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or a charity of choice.

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