Raymond Charles Nance, 82, passed away suddenly on Sunday, May 14 at his home in Oklahoma City. Raymond was born on February 22, 1935 in Haskell County, Oklahoma to Nellie Grace (Maddix) and Odie Oliver Nance. He graduated from Bethany High School where he was affectionately known as Bulldog. Raymond married Patty Gooszen on December 22, 1956 and together they had one son, Mark Stephen Nance. Raymond received a Bachelor of Science of Psychology from Central State University (now the University of Central Oklahoma) and a Master Degree of Education from the University of Oklahoma. Although he was an indifferent scholar in high school, Raymond achieved nearly straight As in his university academic work. As a young child, Raymond helped contribute to his family by harnessing horses in Haskell County and working at Stark Brothers Nursery in Stigler. Upon moving to Oklahoma City in 1951, Raymond worked alongside his brothers and helped build Hefner Golf Course, as their father was the first greenskeeper. He worked his way through college as an Oklahoma State Capitol police officer for Governors J. Howard Edmonson and Henry Bellmon. Early in his career, Raymond was a teacher at Emerson School in Oklahoma City and was recognized by DuPont Magazine for his development of a ground breaking after-school program. He later went to work in Vocational Rehabilitation for the Oklahoma State Department of Human Services. He also served as the Director of Social Security Disability Determination Unit, where on two different occasions received the highest honor for the most efficient and productive department in the nation. Raymond retired from the State of Oklahoma in 1997. A long-time Piedmont, Oklahoma resident, Raymond was always willing to lend a hand in the community and was an active member of Piedmont First Baptist Church and served on the Piedmont School Board. Along with other parents, he was instrumental in establishing the Piedmont football program and building the stadium that currently stands today. Raymond never met a stranger, his stories were endless and always funny, and he was wise in his counsel. He had a kind heart for those less fortunate, especially children Raymonds love for his family and for the Lord was evident in all that he did. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters, Leona Nance, Lorene Lamb and Dorothy Vanderwilt and three brothers, Norman, Stanley Ray and Hershall. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Patty; son, Mark and wife Laura and grandson Max Kriegel of Oklahoma City; two brothers, Joe and wife Reba of Bethany and Odie Nance and Kay Barker of Oklahoma City; sister-in-law, Bobbie Lau and husband Dale of Mustang; sister-in-law, Lynette Casey and husband Mike of Oklahoma City; brother-in-law, Loy Gooszen and wife Melissa of Oklahoma City. Also, special people in Raymonds life, including exchange student son, Francisco "Paco" Montemayor Ocanas, wife Lilly, and children Lilly and Francisco of Monterrey, Mexico; Kara, Josh and Emma Banta, Kalli Willis and Bobbi Moore along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends. Services will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, May 17 at the Crossings Community ChurchChapel, 14600 N. Portland under the direction of Mercer-Adams in Bethany, with interment at Kansas Cemetery, Morgan Road and 192nd in Piedmont. The family will welcome visitors, 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, May 16 at Mercer-Adams, 3925 N. Asbury, Bethany. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Raymonds memory to the Crossings Community Clinic, 10255 N. Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City, OK 73120. "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Jeremiah 33:3 Funeral Service Wednesday, May 17, 2017 10:00 AM Crossings Community Church Chapel 14600 N. Portland Oklahoma City, OK