John Ray Hocking, of Booker, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on January 9, 2026, at Twin Oaks Manor in Booker, Texas. Viewing will be Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Friday, January 16, 2026 from 9:00 a.m to 9:00 p.m. at Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home in Booker, Texas.  A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 17, 2026 at Booker Methodist Church in Booker.  Burial will follow at Heart Cemetery in Booker.  Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Home, Inc. of Perryton, Texas.

John Ray was born on December 17, 1940, in Beaver, Oklahoma, to John and Dellaurs (Cunningham) Hocking. From birth to fifth grade, he lived on the family farm in Booker. After fifth grade he then moved to Riverside, California, where he helped in the family orange groves, learning early what steady work looks like.  That work ethic stayed with him for life.

John Ray proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1961 to 1964 with the 101st Airborne Division, serving as an airborne paratrooper. He trained hard, lived with discipline, and carried the courage that comes from jumping out of planes and trusting your team. That airborne mindset stayed with him long after his service: stay steady under pressure, do what needs done, and take care of the people beside you.

John Ray's greatest partnership began on October 10, 1964, when he married Ruthanna Clark at Booker United Methodist Church. Together they shared more than 61 years of marriage, a lifetime built on love, loyalty, and perseverance.

At heart, he was a farmer. Farming wasn't just his work—it was how he lived. He understood early mornings, long seasons, and the determination it takes to keep going when you can't control the weather, the markets, or the timing.  In addition, another passion of his was flying where he used the GI Bill to get his pilot license and later his instructor's license to share his love of flying with others.

Always focused on protecting and supporting local families, John Ray served his community in a variety of ways. He was an EMT for 8 years, spent 21 years as volunteer fireman, and together with his wife Ruthanna, dedicated several decades to the local youth through the Booker after Prom Party, 4H, and the Lipscomb County Livestock Show.

To his grandchildren, John Ray was known as "Grumpy." It was meant to be "Grampy," but it came out "Grumpy," and the name stuck. Everyone who knew him understood the truth: that name never reflected the size of his heart. Behind the gruffness was a man who loved his family deeply and showed it in the steady ways that mattered most.

John Ray is survived by his wife, Ruthanna Hocking; brother Dennis Hocking (Tracy); his sons John Wayne Hocking (Tricia), and David Ray Hocking (Sarah); daughter-in-law Brandy Hocking (wife of the late Kenneth Hocking); his grandchildren Conner (Danielle), Kathryn, Mason, Mitchell, Keaton, Merrick, Alex (Samantha), Tommy, Phillip, and Mark; his great-granddaughter, Lily; honorary grandchildren; Reese, Kendall (Sarah) and Hope along with countless friends and family.  He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Dellaurs Hocking; and son, Kenneth Hocking.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Booker Fire Department, P. O. Box M, Booker, Texas, 79005; Booker EMS, P.O. Box 429, Booker, TX, 79005; or Darrouzett American Legion Post 653, P.O. Box 62, Darrouzett, Texas, 79024.