of Conway, AR
August 24, 1929 - January 11, 2016
John Merlin Ray, 86, of Conway passed from this life on Monday, January 11, 2016. He was born Saturday, August 24, 1929 in Blytheville, Arkansas to Merlin M. and Jessie A. (Eskridge) Ray. Mr. Ray proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1948-1952. He was a member of Holland Baptist Church and American Legion Post 64.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 37 years, Peggy Sue Cottingham Ray and several siblings.
Survivors include his sister Lou Dawn Watada (Art)of Bryant, children John Ray Jr. (Jan) of Texas, Syndi DelaGarza (Chris) of Texas and Patty Ray of Montana , step-children Brenda Liddell of Conway, Carol Zittritsch (Bruce) of Iowa, Dwight Liddell of Conway, Tony Liddell of Little Rock and Randy Liddell (Wanda) of Springhill. Other survivors include numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren along with a host of other family and friends.
A time of visitation will be held form 6-8pm Friday, January 15, 2016 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Funeral services will be 10am Saturday, January 16, 2016 at Holland Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery, Holland.
Pallbearers will be Richard Johnston, Jerry Mauldin, TeJohn Petty, Steve Baker, Tedd Drysdale and Shawn Martin. Jimmy Johnston, Joe Bryant, Ronnie McGaha, and David Garrett will serve as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in John's memory to Holland Baptist Church, 673 Hwy 287, Vilonia, Arkansas 72173
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5 Condolence(s)
David and Jessica Bradford
Friday, January 15, 2016
I was blessed to have John as a neighbor for the last 8 years. He was so very kind and loving to many. Our 6 year old daughter loved him very much. Over the last few months I saw his health wavering and now at least we know that he is praising God in heaven. You will be greatly missed by many Mr. John. Lots of love.
Katherine Harmon
Thursday, January 14, 2016
John lived at Autumn Manor Apartments briefly before his passing. As manager of the apartments, I did not know John for a long time, but I was happy that he joined our community. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of his friends and family. He will be missed.
Gene Manning
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
I play the piano for old-time Gospel singing every Tuesday at the Conway Senior's Center. John was a faithful member of our singers. As Peggy stated earlier, John's favorite song was "Amazing Grace." I have always told our group that Amazing Grace is heaven's National Anthem and we shall sing it forever. We will all miss John and will remember him every week as we sing his favorite song. My sincere condolences to his family.
Bobby Starkey
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
I was so sorry to learn of John's passing. He had suffered so much, and he said that he was ready to go.
He was very helpful to many.
We will miss him, and pray for comfort for his family
and friends.
Peggy Sturgis
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
John was a treasured member of our local Senior Center. We loved him. He volunteered to say the blessing before meals, participated in our weekly Gospel Singing group. His favorite song was Amazing Grace. He was a member of the Working on the Railroad skit, and he was on our Beanbag Baseball team.
John will be greatly missed at the Center.
My sincere sympathy now goes to his loved ones .
Rest in Peace, Dear John