of North Little Rock, AR
September 21, 1949 - January 6, 2019
B. Ray VanZandt, age 69, of North Little Rock, passed away on January 6, 2019.
The following was written by Ray, a few days before he left for Heaven:
''I was born at home, at Tomberlin, Arkansas on September 21, 1949, to Buford G. (Boots) VanZandt and Florene Thomas VanZandt. I left this earth, accompanied by angels, on January 6, 2019.
I am survived by my sweet wife, Artamesa (Arti) Howell VanZandt of North Little Rock; my daughter, JoBeth James Hale (John) of Scott, Arkansas; my sisters, Jeannette VanZandt Horner (Dan) of Findlay, Ohio, Vannie VanZandt Hayley (James) of Little Rock, AR; sisters-in-law: Susan Howell Potter (John) of McGhee, Arkansas, Angela Green Post (Nelson) of El Dorado, AR; and Jamie Gibbs (Phil) of Papillion, Nebraska; brother-in-law, Phillip Howell (Susan) of Lonoke, AR; my step-grandchildren, Emily, James, Jack, and Tori Hale, of Oklahoma; my dachshunds, Freckles and Sissy, and many relatives and friends. I was preceded in death by my parents; my sister-in-law, Judi Howell Roberts; my brother-in-law, Ralph Green; and my dachshund buddies, Rusty, Rosi and Freckles.
As a proud member of the England, Arkansas class of 1967, I joined the U. S. Navy in 1968. During my Navy career I rose from the ranks of junior enlisted to United States Navy Lieutenant, where I served primarily onboard aircraft carriers, and in carrier-based squadrons.
In 1989, after 22 years in the Navy, God almost audibly spoke to me and told me to retire, go home and care for my aging parents. I resisted at first, so God, in His infinite wisdom, brought Arti into my life to sweeten the deal. That I could not turn down. What a great God we serve! Arti and I married in 1990 our years together have been the most wonderful 28+ years of my life.
I could flower this up and tell you all my prideful worldly endeavors and accomplishments. However, those aren't the things I'm most proud of. What I am proud of is being a Christian; a blood-bought child of God. Don't grieve for me because I am right now experiencing joy in the arms of Jesus. Do you believe? Are you coming to Heaven too? I look forward to seeing you there."
……………..
Ray and his family want to thank Dr. Jamie Burton and her staff are CARTI for their loving and compassionate care throughout his illness.
There will be a celebration of Ray's life on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at First Baptist Church in England, Arkansas. The family will receive visitors at First Baptist Church from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A. M. on Thursday January 10, 2019. Ray chose to be cremated and his ashes will be buried, with military honors, at Mulberry Cemetery in England. Arrangements are with Roller England Funeral Home of England, Arkansas. It was Ray's wish that memorials be made to England First Baptist Church, 201 E. Haywood, England, AR 72046.
Sign Guestbook
21 Condolence(s)
Gary Tate
Friday, September 11, 2020
Condolences to Van’s family. Just discovered his passing today. We were stationed together in the Navy.
Fair Winds & Following Seas
Gina Self
Monday, January 21, 2019
I know the Angels must've been delighted to accompany you home, to our Lord Jesus Christ! Prayers for your Arti, and all of your Family. The pain of losing such a wonderful man is great, but such sweet consolation to know you are home with Jesus. Your friend, Gina
Joe vander Heyden
Monday, January 14, 2019
To Arti and Family
My deepest condolences for your loss.
Take care
Joe
Howard & Debbie Brooks
Thursday, January 10, 2019
It was a pleasure to know and to work with you. Heaven is gaining a great man! Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. God Bless!
Jan Williams
Thursday, January 10, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during your time of grief.
Cindy Omholt
Thursday, January 10, 2019
Rest in peace!!!!
Willie and JoAnne McCarrell
Thursday, January 10, 2019
Rest in peace buddy if I live right I will see you again.
Kelly Clark
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Condolences to you and your family. Your husbands obituary was moving. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. If you get the chance, read Alfred Lord Tennisons "Crossing the Bar" I believe Ray would have loved it and you will find a good deal of peace. Love you always
Chandra
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Arti,
Stone Links, North Little Rock and the State of Arkansas has lost a historian and a fighter. What I remember most about Ray is that he stood up for what he felt was right. PERIOD! No matter who was talking, city council member, a director, mayor, and I believe he would have done the same even if it was the governor or president! His spirit will be missed.
Dave and Debi Kraemer
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Ray was a wonderful man and I know he will be greatly missed here on earth. He is now celebrating in heaven, completely healed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Larry Olsen
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Arti, please accept my condolences. My prayers are with you and family.
John Lee Powell
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
I suppose the uniform caught my eye and I read the complete article. I am also a Navy veteran. What an awesome testimony! I too look forward to meeting you someday mate! Praise the Lord for such boldness and dedication.
Rick Wagoner
Wednesday, January 9, 2019
Today we are here to say:
"Shipmate . . . the watch stands relieved.
Relieved by those you have trained, guided, and led
LT Van Zandt, you stand relieved . . . we have the watch!"
Bravo Zulu on a life well lived.
- Your brother Chief Petty Officers and Navy family have your six.
Jackie Whittaker
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
A true disciple for our Lord. “Precious in the eyes of the Lord
Is the death of his saints.”
Praying for peace and comfort for Artamesa and the family.
Deborah Chambers
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
My thoughts and prayers are for all family and friends.
Gary and Debra Stewart
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Ray was my friend and I always treasured our times together. RIP old friend.
Rick and Darlene Lee
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Thoughts and prayers to Ray's family. He touched our hearts, and made us aware again, that death is only a new, wonderful beginning.
Sharon Norwood
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Ray was definitely one of the kindest persons I have ever met. He will be missed by all who knew him. Praying for God's comfort during this time of need to you Arti and all of Ray's family.
LeAnn Edwards
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Artamesa, all of us who love you loved Ray primarily because of how much he loved you. The icing on the cake was he was a wonderful person who took to the Howell clan and made us all his family, too. He will be missed by all of us. We love you and know you will be ok, but also realize you are so sad and grieving the loss, just trying to imagine your life without his physical presence. We all know Ray is much better and knows no pain or suffering. Still doesn't take away all of our sadness and loss. I am thankful you both had each other and I'm thankful God brought you to each other for these last years. We love you so much.
Patricia Carter-Lewis
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Prayers for Mr. Ray's Wonderful Family. You know there is a moment in time when God will call someone home and their loved ones left behind feels so sad and alone, and You know none of us knows when our moment will come. But Mr. Ray knew that His death was the beginning of Eternity with Christ Jesus. What a Celebration!
Rick Hyde
Tuesday, January 8, 2019
Thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.