Roy Alvin Provence

Services for Roy Alvin Provence, 86, of Ringling, are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the Ringling Church of Christ. Interment will follow at the Ringling Memorial Cemetery. Services are under the direction and care of Alexander Gray Funeral Home of Ringling.

Roy Alvin Provence, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on January 2, 2026, at the age of 86. He was born on January 26, 1939, in Ringling, Oklahoma, to Elmer Elbert Provence and Merna Marie (Windle) Provence. Roy was raised in Ringling, where he completed his education and graduated with the Class of 1957.

As a young man, Roy learned the value of hard work early. After school, he could often be found working in the family dairy—milking cows and placing the milk jugs in the spring that ran through the farm to keep them cold until the milk truck arrived. In his early years, Roy was truly a jack of all trades, raising livestock, farming the land, and even working in his father’s blacksmith shop. These formative experiences shaped a lifelong love of agriculture and a deep respect for honest labor.

Roy proudly entered the United States Army on June 23, 1957. After completing basic training, he married the love of his life, Teressa Darlene McLain, on August 26, 1957, in a ceremony officiated by Mr. Roy Hannah at the Healdton Church of Christ. Roy served honorably in the Army, and following his military service, he and Teressa moved to Stillwater, where Roy earned his bachelor’s degree in education.

In 1963, Roy began his career as an educator, but it was in 1965, when he became an Agriculture teacher, that he truly found his calling. He devoted himself to teaching and mentoring students until 1976, planting seeds of knowledge that would influence generations. Among his proudest achievements was mentoring a State FFA President, a testament to his passion for leadership and education. His dedication was further recognized when he was named District Teacher of the Year at Walters Schools.

Roy’s professional journey continued when he joined Oklahoma State University Extension, first serving in Eufaula. In 1981, he transferred to Sulphur, where he served as the Murray County Extension Agent, allowing him to be closer to family and the farm. He further strengthened his expertise by earning a master’s degree in Agronomy. When the five o’clock whistle blew, Roy could be counted on to head southwest to Ringling, where he worked alongside his beloved “Merna Mom” on the family farm—exactly where his heart felt most at home.

Beyond his professional life, Roy was deeply committed to his community and faith. He served as an Elder of the Vinita Church of Christ in Sulphur, was a Past President of the Lions Club, and was a former Mason. Roy had a rare gift for teaching—not just in classrooms or fields, but through example. He planted seeds of knowledge, character, and kindness in countless lives, and those seeds continue to grow, leaving a legacy that will endure for generations.

Roy was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Merna Provence; his wife, Teressa (McLain) Provence; sisters, Mary Belle Ketchum and Marvella Davis; brothers, Elmer Arthur Provence and George Murfield Provence; and an infant granddaughter, Gabrielle Dudley.

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughters, Parilyn (Provence) Hairod and husband Kent, and Kelli (Provence) Dudley and husband Steve; sister, Mildred Reinhardt; grandchildren, Zachary Hairod and wife Ashley, Ashley Krutzler and husband Adam, Dakota Dudley and wife Rachel, and Ty Dudley and wife Cassidy; great-grandchildren, Madison and Conner Hairod, McLain and Faye Dudley, and Savannah Krutzler; brother-in-law, Allen Taylor; along with numerous extended family members and many dear friends.

Pallbearers will be Zach Hairod, Dakota Dudley, Ty Dudley, Adam Krutzler, Addison Staggs, and Dustin Hammons. Honorary bearers are Terry McLemore, Terel McLemore, Sherle Lockwood, Ernie Marshall, Biff Jackson, Conner Hairod, and Arnie Ramon.

Family visitation is scheduled from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at the Alexander Gray Funeral Home Chapel in Ringling.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to your local FFA/4-H Chapter, Westview Boys Home or the Madill Baptist Home for Girls. 

Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.alexandergrayfh.com