of Benton, AR
November 3, 1931 - September 30, 2017
Ray Nolan Tedford of Benton passed away at his home on Saturday, September 30, 2017 after a long illness. He was 85 years old. His sweet smile and tender heart will be sorely missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
Ray was born on November 3, 1931 to Oliver Bert and Vera Stocks Tedford in Dardanelle, AR. He grew up in Bauxite, AR where he played football for the Miners and may have caused a little mischief. It was there that he met and married his high school sweetheart, Gene Green.
Ray served as a Master Jumper with the US Air Force as a Pathfinder in the 1950's and then worked at Alcoa Aluminum Co. for 28 years. He retired early and enjoyed his days playing golf at Longhills, working out at Fitness Unlimited, and volunteering at CJOHN and Meals On Wheels. He was a charter member of Highland Heights Baptist Church where he served faithfully until he became ill. The greatest joy of his life was his family - and they have never doubted it for a minute.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Vera Tedford; his brother, Burl "Curly" Tedford; his sisters, Ruth Tedford Harrell and Louise Tedford Richards; his granddaughter, Morgan Mize; and his great-granddaughter, Maddie Mize.
Ray is survived by his wife of 67 years, Gene Green Tedford; his brother, Robert Tedford (Myrlene) of Benton; his daughter Shelley Mize (John) of Spring, TX; his son, Gary Tedford (Susan) of Benton; his daughter, Laura McGhee (Tony) of North Little Rock; his 7 grandchildren, Megan Campos (Nathan), Danielle White (Matt), Amy Harrison (Bobby), Erin Calaway (Andrew), Josh Mize, Dustin Rhodes (Ashley), and Rindi Rhodes; his 11 great-grandchildren, Cade Campos, Jace Cook, Gray Mize, Abe Harrison, Samuel Harrison, Simone Harrison, Joni Calaway, Hannah Calaway, Helen Ray White, Max Rhodes, Ben Rhodes, and Zoey Morgan Mize on the way; and by his devoted caregiver and dear friend, Kitrina Fleeman.
A visitation will be held Tuesday, October 3rd, 6-8pm at Roller Ballard Funeral Home (315-4047) in Benton. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 4th, 10am at Highland Heights Baptist Church in Benton. Rev. Brian Moore and Rev. Bobby Harrison will speak. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander.
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14 Condolence(s)
Kimberly Hamilton Hyers
Thursday, October 19, 2017
To the whole big ol' precious Tedford clan, especially my very first friend, Charleen:
I was blessed to have been born into the Highland Heights family; therefore I've known most of you all my life. After all this time, I could still walk in & show you where in the church you could find all the Tedfords sitting. : )
That's how I think of y'all. If you ever saw one Tedford, there were always more of you close by. I've never known another family where so many, of so many generations made up such a huge bundle of Tedford love!!! Yet y'all shared that love with everyone around. Yall have always made me feel like I'm part Tedford myself! That's a special blessing to me.
Being gone from Arkansas for so many years makes me still see most of you in my mind the way you were 25 years ago. This picture of Ray is exactly as I remember him always looking. His sweet spirit just glowed all over his face with that smiling kindness.
Our God used Ray Tedford to help build His kingdom here on earth. And I know he will be missed so badly. But a song my daddy shared with me makes me think Ray would say, "Your prayers have been answered; my sickness is gone. And things look so much better from Heaven's view! The son always shines... we're having a time... if you only knew!"
With all my love & prayers,
Kim
Lisa Jefferson Jensen
Thursday, October 5, 2017
I'm so very sorry for your loss. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Such a wonderful husband and father.
With Deepest Sympathy,
Lisa Jefferson Jensen
Marty and Rebecca Sharp
Wednesday, October 4, 2017
We have know Ray for many years. Ray always had a smile and hug. We are praying for all the family. Love, Marty and Rebecca Sharp
Phillip Freeman
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
I played golf for many years with the good man we all called Ray Ray. I don't recall him ever being anything but bright and cheerful. We laughed many times together and that's what I will remember when I think of Ray Ray. We divided into 4 man groups and as we finished, many times I would be in the group with Ray Ray, and if we were the lead group we would sit at the picnic tables and wait on the others to come in. Ray Ray would always keep us entertained with jokes and stories and funny witticisms. How fortunate I was to share a little of his life, a life he lived as a man who liked to make others laugh and enjoy themselves while they were in his presence. Thank you Ray Ray for the sunshine you brought our way. Thank you for being the easy going person you were. Thank you for being a man who was a good example for how to live life
Harold and Betty Horton
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Mrs. Gene, we just want you to know you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending our sympathy. Thank you for your friendship you have shown to my sister, Donna Rasco. May God's love and grace bring all of you peace and comfort.
Harold and Betty Horton
Fayetteville, AR
Mitzi Roberts
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Dear Bob and Merlene,
Mitzi and I are so saddened for the loss of your Brother. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers 🙏
We sure do love y'all.....
Phillip and Mitzi Roberts
Ron Parsley
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
My deepest condolences to the family and especially Gene. Ray was one of the kindest, and finest men I have ever known.
Ron Deere
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
My thoughts and prayers to the family
Charles and Linda Jackson
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
Praying for you all. With deepest sympathies.
Luanne Bradford
Monday, October 2, 2017
What an amazing man and what a wonderful legacy he has left in his family. He will be greatly missed. Our love and prayers are with all the family, Coy and Luanne.
Harvey and Renny Hamilton
Monday, October 2, 2017
Ray was one of the finest men I've ever known. He and Gene were mentors to Renny and I and many others at Highland Heights in our early Christian lives. Ray was a shining example of the song, Let those who come behind us find us Faithful. He was Faithful to God and Highland Heights Church. I'm glad I had the opportunity to visit with him several times in recent years in visits back home in Arkansas. We rejoice with you now, knowing he is not sick anymore, he has just gone home. To the whole Tedford Family. We love you!
Morris & Renee Huddleston
Monday, October 2, 2017
So very sorry for your loss. Ray was always smiling and helpful .Prayers and hugsðŸ™
Kitrina Fleeman
Monday, October 2, 2017
I was blessed over a year ago to meet this beautiful family. Ray was a true delight to work with and I knew from the beginning that he would have a special place in my heart. He was a true gentleman with great stories and I will forever be grateful to him and his family for allowing me to be part of their loving family. RIP Ray you will never be forgotten
Jerrell
Monday, October 2, 2017
I wanted to take this moment to offer my condolences to the family. May the many memories you shared together keep a warm spot in your heart for Mr. Tedford. The pain of losing a loved one will change to joy when the resurrection begins (Acts 24:15). Then will will have the hope of eternal life on a peaceful world (Psalm 37:9-11, 29). May God comfort you all.