Raymond E. Worley Jr, 70, of Battlefield, Mo, went home to be with his Lord, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday April 20, 2018. He was born January 28, 1948, in Springfield, Mo, to Raymond and Christina (Southard) Worley.

Ray graduated from Strafford High School in 1966, then attended the University of Missouri. He later joined the Air Force, was stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Bellevue, Neb., and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1972. He joined the Springfield Police Department later that same year. During his career on the force, he earned his Criminal Justice undergraduate degree from Drury College in 1978. He devotedly served the Springfield community for 31 years as a police officer, primarily in Traffic Division. He retired in 2003 as a lieutenant and enjoyed continuing his friendships with fellow officers on the golf course.

Ray married Deborah Sue Keener in Gatlinburg, Tenn., on April 10, 1997. They recently celebrated their 21 ^st wedding anniversary together in the home they shared with their German Shepherds, cats and grandchildren.

Ray was an avid NASCAR fan and attended many races to support his favorite driver #3 Dale Earnhardt (The Intimidator). Ray and Debi enjoyed traveling and camping.

Ray accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior on June 19, 2005 at the age of 57. He put his faith into practice by helping his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Deborah of Battlefield; sister Jann Marler (Mike), of Strafford; brother-in-law Darrell Keener (Deanna) of Billings; three sons, Raymond E Worley III (Teresa), of Springfield, Roger Worley (Ronda), of Battlefield, and Bryan Worley (Kami), of Battlefield; six grandchildren, Christopher, Caleb, Melinda, Natalie, Nathan and Remi Rae Worley; niece, Jennifer Marler of St. Louis; nephew, Jeff Marler of Strafford; fellow police officers, friends and neighbors.

The family wishes to thank his many caregivers over the past six months. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Springfield Police Officers Association or Rescue One.