John Ralph (J.R.) Wolf, age 88, died Friday, January 31. 2025. Born October 17, 1936 in Oklahoma City, J.R. grew up in the Putnam Heights neighborhood and attended Oklahoma City Public Schools. In 1954, J.R. graduated from Classen High School and attended college at Cameron University before transferring to Oklahoma State University. There he earned a reputation for his fast footwork on the dance floor, propensity for flirting, and fondness for twirling all the pretty girls around.

During his time at OSU, J.R. married Peggy Shirk and began a family. After graduating with his degree in agriculture management, he launched what would become a lifetime career in the farm and ranch supply business. A dogged salesman with a penchant for making a good deal, he logged many miles serving farm and ranch stores statewide. For J.R., his customers became fast friends who often kept the coffee pot hot in anticipation of his visits.

Divorcing in 1975, J.R. married Lorene Carrington. She was his loving wife, business partner and best friend for over 45 years. In 1985 he purchased Bentley Gafford Farm and Ranch Supply. Under his supervision, the store became an iconic cornerstone of the OKC Stockyards, offering top quality leather tack and riding equipment crafted on-site. While JR's legendary work ethic offered him little time off, he prided himself on taking good care of his employees, who he viewed as extended family. It was not uncommon to find him working late on Christmas Eve, chewing a cigar and serving last-minute shoppers so his employees could enjoy time with their families.

On March 5, 2015 a fire destroyed Bentley Gafford but the tragedy never daunted J.R.'s spirit. He quickly reorganized as J-Lo Leather and returned to the life of traveling sales, cruising central Oklahoma in his aging red van packed to the gills with equine supplies.

An avid storyteller, J.R. relished spending time with family, recalling boyhood summers spent on the Wolf family ranch nestled at the base of the Wichita Mountains. Along with his wife Lorene, he enjoyed numerous road trips to visit far flung friends where the coffee and conversation often extended into the wee hours. An avid bowler until his health intervened, J.R. enjoyed evening bowling tournaments at Windsor Lanes, as well as weekly bridge games with friends. Never one to keep his opinions to himself, J.R. was often compelled to "explain" the game to fellow players, who were equally inclined to ignore his unsolicited advice.

Devoted to work and family, J.R. also possessed an unwavering faith. He regularly attended Sunday School and worship services at Church of the Servant, and served as chief organizer and recruiter for the church blood drive for many years. While J.R.'s vices were limited to peanut butter, ice cream and a proclivity for stubbornness, he did enjoy the occasional cigar. Inspired by the church's contribution drive to increase pledges, he gave up the stogies so that he could raise his pledge, however small.

Infamously frugal, J.R. pooh-poohed what he considered unnecessary luxuries. For years, he spurned air conditioning until finally bowing to the wishes of his grown children who insisted he install a window unit that he rarely turned on. Duct tape became his go-to tool of choice and he used it on everything from bathroom tiles, shoe soles, floor tiles, window screens and more.

While thrifty with finances, J.R.'s heart remained forever generous and welcoming. His love for others reflected in his congeniality, respect, and kindness to those who knew him and those who didn't. His all-embracing bear hugs, funny stories— even those bawdy jokes—will be missed by all.

J.R. Wolf was preceded in death by his wife, Lorene Wolf; son, Ray Wolf; brother, Bill Wolf; sister, Theresa Moss; and parents, Harold (Hi) and Ruth Wolf of Oklahoma City. He is survived by his son, Dale Wolf and wife Jimmika of Oklahoma City; daughter, Tracey Saunders and husband Rob of Oklahoma City; and daughter, Cheryl Moore and husband Billy of Nashville, TN; his beloved extended family including daughter, Sherri and husband George McDowell of Kansas City, MO; son, Terry Carrington of Granbury, TX; son, Cary Carrington and wife Karen of Burleson, TX; twelve grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild, Mary Logan Wolf and husband Mark Butenhoff of Luther OK; his former wife, Peggy Madden and husband Mike of Oklahoma City; along with many nieces and nephews and a host of friends.

A memorial service honoring J.R.'s life will be held on Thursday, February 6 at 2:00pm at Church of the Servant. A reception will be held immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Our Blood Institute/Central OKC Donor Center, 901 N. Lincoln, Oklahoma City, OK 73104; or the North OKC Donor Center, 5105 N. Portland, Oklahoma City, OK 73112.