Carl Ray Wortham
May 22, 1948
May 17, 2025
Carl Ray Wortham May 22, 1948 – May 17, 2025 Born in Houston and raised in Tulsa, Carl devoted his life to service.
After joining the Tulsa Police Department in 1968, he spent most of his life in law enforcement, rising to Assistant Chief in Sand Springs, founding the city’s D.A.R.E. program, and earning Oklahoma’s first D.A.R.E. Lifetime Achievement Award. An accomplished power-lifter and wrestler, he also co-founded the Tulsa Police Athletic Club, sharing fitness and mentorship with fellow officers. Carl’s warmth extended far beyond the badge.
He crafted Native American jewelry, built furniture in his workshop, and never missed an OU or Cowboys game. Holidays—especially his legendary Fourth-of-July cookouts—were filled with laughter, good food, and open-door hospitality.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Sandy; his sister, Sheron Janelli (husband Rick); his sons, John (wife Michelle) and Phillip; his grandchildren, Mitchell (wife Marta), Garrison, and Dylan; and a wide circle of family, friends, and former colleagues. He joins in peace his parents, Glenn Truman and Vina Beatrice, and his first wife, Valerie Rene Wortham.
Carl’s life was guided by compassion, courage, and community. May we honor his memory by living with the same generous spirit.
Carl was such a good man, he will be forever missed. I will miss you Uncle Carl. Rest in peace. - Phillip Langston
My deepest sympathies for the loss of Carl Wortham. May memory of him is clear. He had a giant heart with a joyous spirit that was infectious. Being around him was liken to a happy pill. Although I came to know him late in life he will leave a lasting impression in a very good way. Rest in peace, my friend, and my condolences to the entire family. - Raenalle DeGidio
I met Carl’s sister Sheron in 1963 that is how I got to know Carl. We all went to High School together at Nathan Hale. Carl and Sheron were family and still is. Carl you will be truly missed and always loved - Debra Dillingham
Carl was a great friend during my time spent living in the Tulsa area...I met Carl through Dale Francetic...we had some fun times together...He was a kind, caring, and loving person...and I especially appreciate his efforts as a mentor to Dale, during Dale's time entering the Tulsa Police-Department...my most sincere sympathy to the family. - Steven Clark