RIP Muskogee Superman by Allan Harder

[Mike Simpson]

Bonnie Ray was the very muscular black man who rode a bicycle in downtown Muskogee when we were in high school, wearing a superman cape and shirt. A gentle giant, may he rest in peace.

Bonnie Ray Burley

1941 - 2010

By Bill Steigerwald

— Bonnie Ray Burley’s journey began on August 29, 1941 in Muskogee, OK. He was born to Orner Lee and Velma Stein Burley Sr.

He received his education in Muskogee and attended the historic Manual Training High School. He had a great love for the Lord and family. He was an exceptional body builder having performed various types of backbends, splints and other unusual poses. He was a kind, compassionate and caring man who never met a stranger.

The end of his journey came on July 11, 2010. He was preceded in death by his father, mother and one brother, Wayne Burley. The family he leaves to cherish their memories of him include, his three sisters, Debra Burley, Muskogee, OK, Peggy Tinsley and Algereta Grimble, both of Houston, TX, three brothers, Donald Burley, Muskogee, OK, William Burley, Ft. Worth, TX and Orner Lee Burley, Jr, Dallas, TX, step-mother, Betty Burley, step-sisters, Anita Berry, Terrie Dupree and Marchelles Berry and step-brother, Larry Berry all of Muskogee, OK, along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Memorial services for Bonnie will be held today, July 15, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Ragsdale Chapel of Respect, with Rev. David Ragsdale Jr. Pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church officiating. Services are under the direction of Ragsdale Funeral Center.

Ragsdale Funeral Center