of Searcy, AR
August 25, 1922 - March 13, 2017
Evan Ulrey was born in Martinsville, Illinois, on August 25, 1922, to A Melvin and Mary Robinson Ulrey. He had eight siblings, all of whom are deceased. He died on March 13, 2017 after a lengthy illness.
He came to Harding as a student in 1942 and received a Bachelor's Degree in 1946 with majors in Bible, English, and Speech. He then attended L.S.U. where he earned The M.A. and Ph. D. degrees in Speech. While there, he preached at nearby churches first and then shared the pulpit with Ira North at the Convention Street Church of Christ in Baton Rouge.
Returning to Harding in the fall of 1950, Ulrey was named Chairman of the Speech Department. Through the years he coached Harding's debate team to successes on numerous state, regional, and national levels He served as national president of the Pi Kappa Delta, the debate society, and was honored to be placed in their Hall of Fame. He was also named the state's outstanding teacher by the Arkansas Speech Communication Association and received the Distinguished Teacher award at Harding in 1969.
In 1951 Ulrey married Betty Thornton. As members of the College Church of Christ, they determined to open their home to visiting missionaries, prospective students, new church members, and others. Ulrey served as an elder for over 30 years.
Always dedicated to mission work, Ulrey served as chairman of the missions committee immediately after Dr. Benson resigned the position. He also served as chair of the Avanti Italia committee for many years and represented the church on the board of Zambia Christian Schools. He helped found the International Care Foundation and was chairman of the board. He traveled extensively to various mission points in Africa and Europe, leading several campaign groups to Germany, France, and England.
Evan and Betty have three children who graduated from Harding Academy and Harding University: Rebecca An Ulrey, Bonnie Barnes (Cary), and Robert Ulrey (Jill); their four grandchildren and two step-grandchildren: Dylan Baker, Evan Baker, Grace Ulrey, James Ulrey, Heather Jackson (Tommy), and Margret Bans (Jason); and their four step-great grandchildren, as well as many other relatives and friends.
The family wishes to express appreciation to Dr. Ulrey's physicians and caregivers. In lieu of flowers, the family request the donations be made to the Ulrey Thornton Scholarship at Harding University or the charity of their choice.
Friends may view on Thursday, March 16th, 2017 from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 17, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. at the College Church of Christ with a reception to follow. Interment will be private.
Roller-Daniel Funeral Home in Searcy in charge of arrangements.
On line guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com
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53 Condolence(s)
patty edwards
Friday, March 31, 2017
Dr. Evan Ulrey was my debate coach at Harding for four years, 1967-1970. He was truly life changing for this naive young woman from a small town in Indiana. Dr. Ulrey taught me “to think” and to distinguish fact from opinion. Because of Dr. Ulrey, I learned life skills…how to research, how to see two sides of every issue. My path in life was definitely determined by my relationship with Dr. Ulrey. Beyond, his role as a debate coach, his life was a road map for all of us who were fortunate enough to be taught and guided by Dr. Ulrey. Traveling across the country to countless debate tournaments with a group of argumentative college debaters, I was amazed by his patience, his sense of humor, and his dedication to pushing us all toward excellence. Honesty, respect, responsibility and kindness were the values that remained a constant in the life of Dr. Ulrey. I have spent 47 years as an educator. Sixteen of which, I was a high school debate coach. Twenty-three years I spent as Chair of a Fine Arts Department, and I continue to teach Middle School Speech and attend district and state tournaments with my students. Yes, the connection is clear, my role model and mentor was Dr. Ulrey. His love of his family of his students and of God made in indelible imprint on my life and on the lives of all who were with him in the classroom and on tournaments.
Keith Sliter
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Grief is such a personal journey as unique and eclectic as each person experiencing it. Although I have lost a spouse and a father, I cannot imagine what each of you are going through at this time and I feel silly attempting to tell you how great a man Dr. Ulrey was and will continue to be in the hearts and minds of all he encountered and beyond. I will say, that friends of Anne's keep popping up in my life and I keep on trying to help them connect with her. And I will also say that Dr. Ulrey's critiques, good and plenty, although sometimes challenging, aided me on this journey we call life. I will never forget that after each theatre production I was in, he never failed to show his appreciation for what he called my "God given gift". My heart goes out to all of you. May you have tender mercies and kindness as you make your way through this obstacle course of adapting to life without his physical presence.
George Edwards
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
"Some people come into our lives and quickly go, some stay for a while and leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same." I was a debater for Dr. Ulrey and Harding College from 1966-1970. Though I hardly realized it at the time, it was a transformative experience for me. We traveled throughout the South and Midwest to more than 15 Speech and Debate Tournaments each year. It was Dr. Ulrey and his steady, calm, deliberative coaching style that taught me the importance of preparation, perseverance and organization. He taught me to examine, question, challenge and defend a variety of positions in a constant search for truth. Dr. Ulrey taught me much about the artistry of leading groups of bull-headed debaters, who were naturally argumentative and very opinionated. He was a living exemplar of courtesy and common sense. I took those lessons with me to my first high school teaching job and started a debate program that won national recognition. I used the same set of skills taught to me by Dr. Ulrey to become the Headmaster of a series of prep schools in Texas, Alabama, and Washington, starting speech and debate programs in all of them. It was an honor to be his student and for him to imprint on my heart the meaning of his beloved Pi Kappa Delta's motto: "the art of persuasion beautiful and just."
Priscilla Henderson Jones
Monday, March 20, 2017
I'm so thankful for Dr. and Mrs. Ulrey and their service to Harding University. Blessings on the family during this time of parting, memories, and closer-than-ever thoughts of heaven.
Pat Forsee Pitre
Sunday, March 19, 2017
My sympathy and prayers are with the Ulrey family. I have many fond memories of his speech classes , his sense of humor, and his devotion to his family, to Harding and to God. May God be with you to comfort you at this time.
Joe and Vickie Cardot
Saturday, March 18, 2017
We extend our sympathies to the family. A great servant of God has passed. The thousands of lives he touched will go on to touch many thousands more.
Jerry "Boo" Mitchell
Saturday, March 18, 2017
Dr. Evan Ulrey was a great professor and a great influence, not only in my life, but in the lives of so many others. Love him and his wife, Dr. Betty Ulrey, who was also a terrific instructor. My life has truly been blessed by this wonderful couple. God Bless!
Mr.& Mrs.Michael Southerland
Friday, March 17, 2017
Mrs.Betty and family , Lynda and I are deeply sorry for you loss, Mr.Evan will always hold a special place in our heart We both have fond memories we shared with him and your family,Our prays are with you and family ,
Patricia Huff Cox
Friday, March 17, 2017
Dear Betty,
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I know that you will miss Evan. It was wonderful to have both of you as my friends while I lived in Searcy. I think of you often and remember the fine way that Evan taught classes at the College Church. It was always a pleasure to "sit at his feet." May the Lord be with you and shine his face upon you and upon Evan's spirit.
My love,
Patricia
Bob Brewer
Friday, March 17, 2017
Our (Linda & me) hearts hurt with yours, Betty, but we likewise rejoice in Evan's legacy of love and faithfulness in his calling as a servant of the King.
He left his fingerprints of hope and encouragement on my life.
I was a lousy debater but his unfailing support sustained me
He knew debate was a sure route to getting a college level teaching job. His persistent belief in me, perhaps more than I believed, was relentless as I followed his model of grad work at LSU. He was my hero. Through tears I humbly say today he was my inspiration and I'm forever grateful
Richard Paine
Friday, March 17, 2017
It is just plain and simple fact to say that Dr. Ulrey created the road that led to my life today. My heart of my undergraduate career was spent competing under his guidance as a member of the debate team. I think I probably took every course he taught in the early 1970's. I first picked up a copy of Aristotle's Rhetoric because he assigned it in Rhetorical Criticism, I still do phonetics transcriptions in my head sometimes because I did more than 100 pages of such transcriptions for him, and I still have a copy on my shelf of the book he used to teach Persuasion and Argumentation. I remember the shirt he bought me as a present when Joe Cardot and I won the State of Illinois title in 1976. I remember the flo-pads he created that we took our debate notes on. I remember his patience as he drove van-loads of loud debaters back and forth across the south central U.S. But most of all, I remember the day before my graduation when I walked into his office and said, "Dr. Ulrey, you have to help me - I have no idea what comes next." He hired me to stay at Harding for another year as his Secretary and Assistant Debate coach - and then wrote me letters for graduate school. Forty years later, I'm a college debate coach with a team of my own, and every day of my life would have turned out differently without his love for me and all the other students he coached. Thank you to my mentor, and to his family whose home I visited and was welcomed into. Anne, I remember all those car rides to North Little Rock High School. Bonnie and Robert, all my best thoughts are with you. Mrs. Ulrey, thank you so much for your care for all the students you have known. He made a difference in the world.
Bobby Dockery
Friday, March 17, 2017
I'm so thankful for Dr. Ulrey's influence on my life. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Ulrey and the family.
Bobby and Meredy Dockery
Judy Gentzler
Friday, March 17, 2017
Ann, Bonnie and Robert.
So happy to have seen Bert and Bunny last month at your Aunt Betty's service and get to visit over dinner. I have several memories of spending time at your parents house with Julie in our younger days.
My first thought when I heard was how Evan hung on just a few weeks past his baby sister. I hope you all and Julie, Jeff and John are pictureing the two of them in heaven, young and healthy , telling tales and forever happy.
All my love to your mom !!
Judy Gentzler
Dennis Organ
Friday, March 17, 2017
Dear Betty, Ann, Bonnie, and Robert--
Sherry and I send our deepest sympathy in the loss of your wonderful husband and father, whom we were blessed to know as a colleague and friend. From my earliest days on the Harding faculty, I regarded Evan as a man of integrity who was devoted to the church, to his profession, and to high academic standards. Over the years that regard only deepened. We love all of you and are remembering you in prayer.
Joseph Shepard
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Betty, Robert, Bonnie, Ann and the rest of the Evan Ulrey family: Our condolences to all of you on the passing of Evan, who was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and man. We know you will miss him dearly, as will we and his many friends. Evan clearly left a legacy of inspiration for all of us that were fortunate to know him. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Love, the Shepard family.
Blaine and Kate Tucker
Thursday, March 16, 2017
We had fond memories of Dr. Ulrey in Italy. God's blessings upon your family. We are sorry for the loss of this great man.
Mary Jo Thornton Hays
Thursday, March 16, 2017
I feel blessed to have had you as my Uncle. I will miss you here on Earth, but take comfort knowing that you are in Heaven. Thoughts and prayers for the family and friends left behind.
Treva Terrell Pryor
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Deep appreciate for the life that Evan lived of educating and serving thousands around the world. My love and sympathy for the entire family. treva
Fred Lemmon
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Dr. Ulrey was my Debate coach. It was my only class not required by my major or degree. He IS special and probably wanting to tell us what we have to look forward to.
Sam R. Floyd
Thursday, March 16, 2017
I was honored 66 years ago to sing for Betty and Evans wedding. I also was in one of his speech class. We will miss him and pray for Betty and her family.
Wanda & George Stein
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Dear Betty & Family, We send our deepest sympathy and love to you. We know Evan will be missed greatly by you and all that knew him. He left an impression on all that got to know him and grew a friendship. May your memories of Evan be a comfort to you in the days ahead. May God comfort you and give you strength for the days of courage and perseverance. Love to you, George & Wanda Stein
Billy Booth
Thursday, March 16, 2017
I first met Dr. Ulrey around 1967 when he came to UCA (ASTC, SCA) to officiate the opening of a new chapter of Pi Kappa Delta.
My first impression of him was that he was a gentleman and a scholar. That impression never wavered over the years. I saw him often at college and high school speech tournaments over the following years until I changed career fields in 1980. His life was a blessing to so many and his influential legacy will be cherished by all those who knew him. A remarkable man in many ways, he will be dearly missed. May God's Word and His Holy Spirit (the "Comforter") provide strength, comfort and assurance.
With Sympathy, Billy and Gail Booth
Kathy Bullard Sweeney
Thursday, March 16, 2017
My sympathy to Mrs. Ulrey, Roxanne (Ann), Bonnie, and Robert in the loss of their husband and Dad. Praying for peace and comfort.
Bettye Oliger Fox
Thursday, March 16, 2017
I will never forget Dr. Evan Ulrey. He was my speech professor at Harding University from 1960-1964 and showed me that I could be a debater!!!!!! He continued to mentor me as I entered graduate school at the University of Arkansas, and was instrumental in helping me get my graduate assistantship there.
Love and deepest sympathy to Betty Ulrey and the family.
Ben Brannon
Thursday, March 16, 2017
I remember Dr. Ulrey as one of my first teachers in Speech. He helped inspire me to go on to be one of the first graduates with a degree in Mass Communications/Class of '77. I know he was also a friend of my Uncle J.D. Bales. I enjoyed my time at Harding, in part via Dr. Ulrey.
Don & Evelyn (Rickett) Meredith
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Dr. Ulrey was my major professor and advisor from Fall of 1960 through Spring of 1964. I appreciated his teaching and encouragement as I tried to "modify" my Ozark accent from south central Missouri to become a little more generally acceptable. (Now it's a little more "Southern.") I also enjoyed a few debate trips with the team(s). Thanks for the memories.
My condolences and prayers.
Evelyn
Barbara S Duncan
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Betty and family, it is so sad to read that Evan has passed. My prayers are with you.
Paul & Kayla Haynie
Thursday, March 16, 2017
We will miss Evan, a true Christian gentleman.
Donald R. Taylor
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Prayers for the family
Lawrence and Faye Barr
Thursday, March 16, 2017
To our dear Betty and all the children, we want you to know that you are in our prayers. As you must know, our Lord has given Evan rest from the trials of this world and he waits with His Lord the day when his body will be raised and changed into a glorious eternal body like our Lord's. May God comfort you and fill you with recollections of all the wondrous memories you have of him.
Carol Hix
Thursday, March 16, 2017
I worked for Dr Ulrey in the early 1970's. I always thought so highly of him and his family. My God bless the family in the coming days and weeks.
Travis & Linda Thompson
Thursday, March 16, 2017
A legacy left behind and a life well-lived. Go with God!
Jeffrey Dale Hobbs
Thursday, March 16, 2017
A great professor and coach!
Jerry and Paula Laird
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
I enjoyed having Dr. Ulrey as a teacher during my time at Harding. He was such a positive influence and man of God. I am blessed to have sat in his class. God bless you as you celebrate his life.
Brent and Amy Silva
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Thinking of you in our hearts and our prayers
Robert L. Williams II
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
My condolences to you as you remember Dr. Ulrey. His classes were among the highlights of my years at Harding.
Don Garnett
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Dr. Ulrey was a major influence in my life. I was honored to be the first of his students to return to Arkansas to teach in college. During my first year back in Arkansas, as my mentor, Dr. Ulrey volunteered to accompany me to NYC to attend my first Speech Communication Association meeting. Likely suspecting how poor I was just out of graduate school, Dr. Ulrey suggested we could save money by sharing a room at the YMCA. When we discovered that our room had twin beds about three feet apart with the nearest water source down the hall, we quickly agreed we needed to change our hotel. Somehow Dr . Ulrey managed to get a room in the convention hotel that we shared. From that convention through the 23 years that I taught in Arkansas, Evan and were colleagues. What a blessing he was to the speech profession.
Don Garnett, Ph. D
Lubbock, Texas
Liza Wright
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Mrs. Betty, Robert, Jill, Grace, James, & Family,
We extend our sympathy and ask for God's blessings and comfort.
Love,
Liza, Chris, Fenley, Henry, & George Wright
Jean Masters Adams and Faye Masters Moore
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Jean and I (Faye Masters Moore) were students of Dr. Ulrey's. He encouraged us, taught us Speech Correction and Debate Skills, and always encouraged us to do our best. We hold his memory in great honor. May God bless this good family with Peace and Comfort in the days ahead. He has been loved by all who know and honor him.
Tony, Robin, & Rebecca Hill
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear about Dr. Ulrey's passing. The Ulreys were the couple that traveled to HUF (Harding University in Florence) during my semester there. I'm sure our ambitious, energetic group of college students gave them a run for their money during that semester. I enjoyed getting to know them both during my time in Europe. Our prayers are with you all during your time of mourning. Robin Hill ('94).
Dr. and Mrs. James R. Cooke
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Deepest sympathy for the family of the Christian and the gentleman who launched a lot of us preacher-boys, back in the day.
Herman Alexander
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
I shall forever be grateful to Dr. Ulrey as a genuine Christian gentleman and a very encouraging teacher in the classroom. It was my privilege to be in a number of his Speech classes in the mid'50s. My condolences to his family!
Gene and Dorma Rogers Rainey
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Evan taught Gene how to win at debate tournaments, as he did so many good debaters at Harding. Many of them successfully defended Biblical subjects throughout this nation.
He trained and prepared our daughter Cheryl for Vanderbilt's PhD program.
While Dorma was employed in Publicity and Publications at Harding, she found Dr. Ulrey always cheerful and helpful to everyone.
He was a wonderful colleague to Gene during his teaching years at Harding. He demonstrated God's love to all of us--workers, students and faculty.
Carlos Castillo
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
My sincere condolences to Dr. Ulrey's family for passing. Our hope is the Resurrected Christ!
Dr. Ulrey was my Speech 101 professor and he helped me overcome the terrible shyness I used to experience when speaking in public.
He knew how to make one confident in oneself and be able to deliver a concrete, well presented speech.
Sincerely, from Guatemala,
Carlos R. Castillo L.
Jeffrey Spencer
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Was a student of his in 1968-1970. A great teacher and related well with his students. Blessing to his family
Carl & Alicia Williamson
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Ulrey. He was a wonderful man of God.
Jeff Hopper
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Dear Betty, Ann, Robert and Bonnie,
Please accept my sympathy in the death of your beloved husband and father. He was the consummate gentleman. With every interaction I enjoyed over the years he was positive, productive and touching. The highlight for Judy and me was the three months that we were able to spend with Evan and Betty in London in the first HUE program in 1994. There I witnessed from Evan deep humility, an attitude of servanthood and the energy of collaboration. It was heaven on earth in the dusty, grimy Shakespeare Hotel. Every morning Evan would ask me as I headed in to teach 17 hours "Is there any errand or chore I can do for you today?" Can you imagine that? I can remember it. What a wonderful man. So I can understand how he could capture Betty. I am sorry but by Friday afternoon Judy and I will be out of town. I'd love to be at the service to offer each of you a hug. I have watched Evan's devoted family stay by him. May I be so fortunate. (I think I will be.) And it is awkward that I am typing "Evan" each time but I want you to know that he asked me to call him that. His was a life to which all can aspire.
Andy Olree
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
So sorry to hear of Dr. Ulrey's passing. He was such a fine man and a role model for many of us. I have many fond memories of travels around the country with him for forensics tournaments. His patience and sense of humor were legendary. I am blessed to have known him.
David Johnson
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Dr. Ulrey was my instructor for Preaching Methods at Harding, way back in the mid-seventies. I recall his quiet dignity and gentleness, and also how sweet he and Betty were as a couple. Greetings and sympathies to Miss Betty, former Harding classmates Ann and Bonnie, and Robert as well. What a great man to have had in your lives!
Billy Pullen
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Farewell to a rare gentleman who touched so many! "May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest!"
Lisa and Chuck Ramseyer
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
The notification of Dr Ulrey's passing made me sad. It just reinforced how fleeting time is. Just yesterday-it seems like-we were saying goodbye to Mother. Actually it has been almost 9 years. Here we are again. Once again, Heaven's gain is our misfortune. Betty, I know no words can will make the loss you are experiencing right now better. Just know, you and your family are in our thoughts, hearts and prayers.
Tim & Barbara Duke
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
All our love, respect and prayers to the Ulrey family.
Tim & Barbara Duke
Clarence, Patty, and Hope Wilson
Wednesday, March 15, 2017
We want to extend our sympathies as you remember the life of an extraordinary Christian gentleman. He was a professional who embraced the need for leadership in all aspects of life. May God give you peace in the coming days where his absence will be especially tender. We love the Ulrey family.