James David Ussery

James David Ussery, 96 Muskogee resident was born November 15, 1926 in Okemah, OK to James Pete and Mary Elizabeth (Davis) Ussery and joined his wife, Betty and their Lord and Savior in Heaven on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at his home. Dave graduated from high school and joined the United States Navy in 1944 and served during WWII, serving till 1946. He reenlisted in 1951 serving in Korea and received an honorable discharge in 1955 as a Gunners Mate 2nd Class. He married his best friend, Betty Wesley on April 26, 1950 in Bartlesville, OK and made their home in various Oklahoma towns before moving to their forever home in Muskogee. Dave was a welder, cowboy, and worked for the Bareco wax plant for many years, retiring after 22 years in childcare in 1996. He and Betty were very active in their Faith as they spent 22 years as house parents for the Oklahoma Baptist Home for children. He was a member of the Local VFW and a volunteer fire fighter. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, taking scenic tours on horseback and motorcycles. He was a shade tree mechanic who could fix about anything. He flew model airplanes, was a chef, affectionately known as the BBQ/Smoker King. Dave was a lifelong Oklahoma Sooner Football fan, rarely missing a game. He taught Sunday School for many years and was a Deacon for the Southern Baptist Church. He really enjoyed working at the Church. Dave received the second certification as a houseparent for the State of Oklahoma and Baptist Children’s Home, proceeded by his wife Betty who was number one. At 96 years young, Dave was still extremely active, and was always piddling with something. His love for his family was evident in everything he did. He will truly be missed by many. Dave is preceded in death by his parents, and his stepfather Henry (Dutch) Brown; his wife, Betty; brothers, Kermit Ussery and Sonny Brown; sisters, Minnie Lee Hoyt, Leah Cecil, and Dorothy (his twin) Ussery; and stepbrothers, Carl and Dale Brown; and a son-in-law, Paul Michaud. He is survived by his brother, Henry Brown of Sapulpa OK; daughters, Diann Ussery Michaud and Gale Ussery Pettitt both of Muskogee, OK; son, Wesley Ussery and wife Laticia of Muskogee, OK; granddaughters, Laney Maner and husband Jeff of Okmulgee, OK, Natalie Pettitt and Jessica Pettitt of Muskogee, OK, and Kaitlyn Manees of MO; grandson, Dave Ussery and wife Jenn of Los Banos, CA, and Kyle Manees of MO; great-grandsons, Wolfgang Ussery of Los Banos, CA, Cort Hutchens of Okmulgee, OK, Aiden Maner of Stillwater, OK, and Kellan Maner of Tulsa, OK; extended family; many friends; and he was a father figure to countless children throughout his life. In lieu of flowers, Dave’s family request memorial contributions in his name to the Baptist Home for Children at 3800 N. May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73112. Viewing for Dave is scheduled for noon-5PM Saturday, July 29, 2023 at Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home in Fort Gibson. A memorial service will be held 11:30AM Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Ash Street Baptist Church in Muskogee with Reverend David Yarbrough officiating. Mr. Dave's committal service at Fort Gibson National Cemetery will be held 10AM, Monday, August 14, 2023. The family of James David Ussery has entrusted his care, services, cremation and burial to Clifford D Garrett Family Funeral Home, Fort Gibson. 918-478-2555. Online condolences may be left at clifforddgarrettfamilyfh.com

James David Ussery

November 15, 1926 - July 26, 2023