U.S. Veteran James Ray “Blackie” Henshall entered eternal rest on March 4, 2016, peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family in Collinsville, Oklahoma. Born in Collinsville to Maude Frances Munds and Benjamin Harrison Henshall on September 30, 1923, Ray lived his entire life in his beloved hometown. After graduating from Collinsville High School, he served his country in the United States Navy during World War II as Quarter Master in Navigation on a troop transporter, the USS Warren, for three years in the South Pacific.

Service to his local community includes city commissioner, mayor of Collinsville, member of Collinsville Public School Board, where he served as president. The oak trees which Ray donated from his own land and planted still stand proudly in our local city park. With his generosity, he gave of his own time to clear snow and ice from school parking lots and neighbors’ drive ways. Among Ray’s many occupations are business owner of Ray’s Auto Supply, city superintendent, manager of the local pool, landlord, and heavy equipment operator.

Sports are one of Ray’s favorite passions. He refereed ORU’s first basketball game in addition to thirty-one years of officiating high school and college games. He was one of 5 charter members inducted into the Coors Officials Hall of Fame. Popularly known as “Blackie,” he assisted Coach Howard Ray for numerous years with the Collinsville High Girls basketball program. A special highlight was winning the state championship in 1985. His love of sports extended to softball, baseball, and track. He coached and mentored scores of young cardinals.

Other distinctions include 32nd degree Mason and the last surviving member of the original charter of Collinsville VFW Post 3077. Special interests also include fishing, especially in Canada, gardening, grafting pecan trees, being in the woods, flying airplanes, family fun celebrations and watching his three great grandsons play sports. Many Collinsville youth received their very first airplane ride from Mr. Henshall.

Ray is survived by his wife of seventy three years, Peggy Lou Morris Henshall; two daughters, Carol Jean (Joe) Mitchell and Linda Ann (Allan) Wilson; three grandchildren, Jeannie Lynn Mitchell Morrow, Joel Kevin Mitchell, and Scott James Holden; 6 great grandchildren, Jacob, Jenna, and Jonah Morrow, Hailey Holden, and Allison and Caleb Mitchell; and honorary daughter, Susan Vaughn, and numerous cousins and friends.

A Memorial Fund to honor Mr. Henshall’s life is available at RCB Bank. Donations will be used to benefit his beloved community of Collinsville.