Please note: A public viewing will be held Sunday, August 20, 2023 9:00 am until 9:00 pm at Craddock Funeral Home.

Dr. James Ray Turrentine D.O. ("Doc"), passed away peacefully on August 15, 2023, at the age of 83.  He was born on May 28, 1940, in Keota, Oklahoma to the late Charlie and Nellie (Smith) Turrentine. He grew up in Stigler, Oklahoma.

James graduated from Stigler High School in 1959.  He then went to work in the oilfields of Nebraska as a rough-neck to pay for his and Regina's college educations.  He graduated from The University of Oklahoma with a Pharmacy degree in 1963 with honors.  From early 1963 to August 1964 he worked as a pharmacist at Tubb Drug in Midwest City, Oklahoma, while waiting on his wife to graduate from O.U.    He graduated from Kansas City College of Osteopathy and Surgery in 1968.  His internship was at Hillcrest Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma and a preceptorship in Wellington, Kansas (1969-1973).

In 1973, Doc was recruited by the citizens of Sulphur, Oklahoma where he practiced medicine until moving to Ardmore, Oklahoma in 1976.  He joined Dr. Robert Patzkowsky at the Doctors Clinic, where he practiced family medicine for over 50 years. As a general surgeon he was the first to do innovative laparoscopic surgery in Southern Oklahoma. He was affiliated with Arbuckle Memorial Hospital, Ardmore Adventist Hospital, Healdton Hospital, Madill Hospital, Marietta Hospital, Memorial Hospital of Southern Oklahoma and Mercy Hospital Ardmore where he was known for his compassion, professionalism, and expertise.   He was board certified in family practice by the American Osteopathic Association Board of Family Medicine and received the "Outstanding and Distinguished Service Award" by the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association in 2010.  He loved being a doctor and loved his patients.   He believed in taking care of the community in every way.  His profession was his life.

Dr. Turrentine was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.  He married his high school sweetheart, Regina Jiles Turrentine, in 1960 and they had two children: James Ray Turrentine, II and Brian Turrentine.  He was a generous supporter of various charitable organizations throughout Oklahoma, and his wife carries that torch, along with Jamie and Brian.

Dr. Turrentine is survived by his wife of 63 years, Regina of the home; his children, Jamie and wife LeAnn of Parker, Texas, Brian of Dallas Texas; his grandchildren, Trey Turrentine, Libbie Turrentine, Victoria Turrentine, William Turrentine and wife Emma, and Callie Turrentine, all of Dallas, Texas; his great grandchildren Sophie, Grant and Halston, brother-in-law Ronnie Jiles and wife Charlotte of Midwest City, Oklahoma, a nephew Johnny Jiles and wife Alicia of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Matt Lollman of Ardmore, Oklahoma who was his companion for the past two years, along with many nephews, nieces, cousins, and countless friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Kenneth and Bob, and sister Charlene Turrentine Duke.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Ardmore.  Everyone is invited to Dornick Hills Country Club for a "Celebration of a Life Well Lived" at 2:30 p.m.

Dr. Turrentine will be dearly missed by all who knew him and benefited from his care.  He was a true healer who touched many lives with his kindness and abundant wisdom.  He left a lasting legacy of excellence and service in the field of medicine in Ardmore and surrounding communities.

The family is requesting in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Ardmore Beautification Council or the Goddard Center for The Visual and Performing Arts in memory of Dr. James Turrentine.