Jimmy Ray Bittle of the Vanoss community was born April 27, 1931, to John and Ollie (Greenlee) Bittle. He passed away in Ada at the age of 86 years, 11 months

and 12 days.

Jim grew up in the Galey/Stratford area and attended school in Galey, Hayes in Ada and Stratford. He started painting interior houses under the watchful eye of Les

Foster. Les taught him the trade and when he was ready to go out on his own, Jim and his brother, Doyle, painted side by side until retirement.

He married Cleta Haworth on Sept. 24, 1977. They made their home just south of Vanoss on a farm, where they

raised livestock and beautiful vegetable gardens each year.

He was an avid fisherman, hunter and bowler. He was a member of the Stratford Church of Christ.

Preceded in death by his parents; wife, Cleta; one grandson; Jake Bittle; two brothers, Theodore

and Doyle Bittle; and one sister, Juanita Brewington.

Survived by one son, Keith Bittle and wife, Debbie, of Stratford; one daughter, Donna York and husband, Jim, of Ada; two stepdaughters; Glenda Trickey of San Diego and Lee Ann Gray and husband, Aaron, of Ada; one brother, Deloyd Bittle of Stratford; one sister, Louise Britt of Mill Creek; eight grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Pallbearers: grandsons and great-grandsons, Adam York, Jason Gallup, J.J. Gallup, Chris Gray, Zach Gray and Fred Parsons. Honorary pallbearers, church members.

Services; 2 p.m. Friday at the Church of Christ Stratford. Officiating; Bill Jones. Burial: McGee Cemetery, Stratford.