of Little Rock, AR

July 12, 1952 - May 19, 2023

Ray Reid, 70 of Little Rock, Arkansas died in New York after a very brief illness and hospitalization. Ray had a passion for life and his biggest passion was his family. He enjoyed his beloved Arkansas Razorbacks, New York Yankees, searching for the right golf club, and conquering many outstanding golf courses with his golfing buddies.

On July 12, 1952, Ulys Ray Reid was born in Texarkana, Arkansas to Ulys Albert Reid and Edna Louise Layne Reid. He was reared in Foreman, Arkansas and attended Foreman High School where he participated and excelled in all sports. He was a member of the 1970 graduating class. He attended the University of Arkansas and was a member of Sigma Pi fraternity. Ray graduated from the University of Houston and was a licensed CPA in Texas. He married his high school sweetheart, Cherylon Benton in 1972. Sarah, their only child was born in Houston. Ray was a devoted father and embraced fatherhood with pride. Ray was actively involved in her school activities, sports and participated with other dads in Indian Princesses.

The Reids' lived in Little Rock for the first three years of their marriage and then moved to Houston, Texas for the next 26 years. Ray's work career was in the energy field: Arkansas Geological Survey, Little Rock; Phillips Petroleum, Houston as a Chemist, thus earning the name of Mr. Wizard; and Entex-CenterPoint Energy, Houston in various roles, including Controller. In 1999 he was transferred to Little Rock to head up the Arkansas Division of CenterPoint Energy. After retiring from CenterPoint, they lived briefly in Mobile, Alabama before returning to Little Rock.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Cherylon Benton Reid; daughter, Sarah Reid Massimo and her husband, Nick Massimo, (New York); grandchildren William Austin Reid Massimo and Georgia Madeline Massimo; sisters-in law, Lee Benton and Marilyn Hankins; nephews, Jeff Benton and Phillip C. Benton; great nephew and niece Asa and Avery Benton; Aunt, Jimmie Sagely; furry Baxter and an exceptional group of friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; Kent Benton, his cherished brother-in-law; his brother, James (Hank) Hankins; special aunts, uncles, cousins, grand dog Levi and a long list of furry pals.

Ray was an extraordinary man and loyal friend, who planned for the worst and lived for the best. Everything Ray did in his life reflected his high morals and values. He had an incredible quick wit and was always eager to share his wisdom and opinions with others. His family and friends appreciated him as a sounding board who would listen and be totally honest in his advice. Ray was brilliant, levelheaded, generous, thoughtful, and a wonderful mentor. Ray was the original Google. We will honor him, cherish our memories with him and take great pride in having known him.

A memorial service in Little Rock is scheduled for June 8, 2023, at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church Little Rock, 723 Center Street.

In lieu of flowers, consider donating to The First Tee of Central Arkansas, the Humane Society of Pulaski County, First United Methodist Church Little Rock or a charity of your choice.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Chenal Funeral Home
13801 Chenal Parkway
Little Rock, AR  72211
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com