of Southside, AR

July 22, 1949 - December 17, 2023

Raymond Ellis Hughey passed away in Batesville, AR on Sunday, December 17, 2023. He was 74 years old. Raymond was born the 10th child of Raiford Sharp and Mable Clara Walker Hughey on July 22, 1949. Raymond was a carpenter by trade but a musician at heart. He played both the piano and organ from the age of 8 and during his lifetime opened for such names as Conway Twitty and played with Conway's daughter, Joni. He toured Canada with ''Paul Revere and the Raiders'' lead guitarist and played The King Biscuit Festival many years with Levon Helm of ''The Band'', as well as The C.W. Gatlin Band. He even played with Bonanza's Lorne Greene for a week at the rodeo. His favorite band though was one started with his brother, Eugene and his sister, Connie, which they lovingly called ''Our Grand Parents Children''. But, if you asked Raymond the only star he ever played for was Jesus Christ. Raymond's passion for music was only overshadowed by his passion for his family.

Raymond leaves behind his son, Milus (Nicole) Hughey of Batesville, AR and daughters, Claire (David) Jones of Graceville, FL and Melissa Grace Hughey of Sunflower, MS. He is survived by his grandchildren, Abrianna, Raelynn, Mylah and Brennan Hughey, Jamison Hughey and Brayden Jones. He is also survived by brother, Toney (Gloria) Hughey of St. Charles, IL; sisters, Mary Ann Walker of Griffith, IN, Linda Pedigo (Jim) of Roland, AR, Carolyn Forkum (Michael) of Lafayette, TN and special friend, Kathleen Cuccia.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Joseph Ellis Hughey and siblings, Jimmy Hughey, John Hughey, Billy Ray Hughey, Clavis 'Gene' Hughey, Nell Orcutt and Connie Hanson.
He was blessed with a host of special nephews and nieces throughout his lifetime.

A celebration of life will be Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in Helena, AR. Visitation will take place at 1 pm with funeral to follow at 2 pm.

Raymond's music, creativity and love of life will be greatly missed by all of those who knew him, but our grief is comforted in the fact that he has met Jesus face to face and is playing with the band called "the Heavenly Host".

Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870)572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-Citizens Funeral Home
508 East Plaza Street
West Helena, AR  72390
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com