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.
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21 Condolence(s)
Sharon Payne
Thursday, June 8, 2023
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. It is so hard to lose a loved one so suddenly.
Brett Gresham
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Cherylon and Sarah - My sincere condolences. I second the mentor, humor, and wit description of Ray. When we worked together in New Braunfels, he never let a day go by without reminding me that his Hogs were better than my Aggies. Ray was also the first VP I had that would just come sit in my office and visit. Most of the time just to pick at me (his way of forming friendships I suspect), but he would always find some piece of advice to share with me. He was a good man, and great mentor to me.
Roy Carver
Wednesday, June 7, 2023
So sorry to hear about Ray. I have good memories of us playing basketball together in School.Prayers for you and your family at this time.
With my deepest sympathy. Roy
Mona Davis
Monday, June 5, 2023
Cherylon,
I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping you and family in thoughts and prayers.
With Sympathy,
Mona
Scott McNerney
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Dear Cherylon and Sarah,
We are so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Ray was a very special person. You are in our thoughts and prayers always. Please accept our deepest condolences.
Scott & Ruth McNerney
Richard and Patricia McKeehan
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
Cherylon
We are so saddened to hear of your precious Rays passing.
What a life you two have had!
Good memories will be yours always and we pray for God to supply ALL your needs according to His Word.
We love you, Pat
Tim Hodnett
Monday, May 29, 2023
Cherylon,
I am so sorry and saddened to learn of Ray’s passing. Praying for His strength, compassion and love in compounded measure for you and your family. Fondly remembering Mr. President.
Sam Johnson
Sunday, May 28, 2023
Was a great friend from Childhood to eternity. I loved Ray. Even if he would not let me have a piece of his Mothers Pie!ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™
Dudley Shollmier Sr.
Sunday, May 28, 2023
For many years Ray, myself and one other close friend had lunch at the Oyster Bar on Thursdays. We discussed anything and everything and sometimes we agreed. I will miss hearing Ray’s opinion for he always was so persuasive. Our Thursday group also played golf until Ray got tired of beating us.
Jimmy & Sharon Utley
Saturday, May 27, 2023
Cherylon and family, it is with great sadness that we send our sympathy to you. Ray was a wonderful man to work for and know. A man of integrity and a man who loved his family dearly. You have been and are in our prayers for peace and comfort.
Beth and Mike Coulson
Saturday, May 27, 2023
We are so very sorry for your huge loss. We know how much Ray loved Cherylon and his family and how devastated you are. We are praying for you all to find peace.
Arthur Paul Bowen
Saturday, May 27, 2023
Cherylon,
I am so terribly sorry to learn of Ray’s passing. I wish you grace and peace now and forever.
Bette Shepard Anders
Saturday, May 27, 2023
Dearest Cherylon,
You are so special to me and I am praying for you and your family to have peace at this time. All my love, Bette
John Gaudin
Saturday, May 27, 2023
Corky and I have so many fond memories of our Football travels with y’all. We will miss Ray and wish Cherylon all the best.
Lee Carrell Benton
Saturday, May 27, 2023
Now Ray has joined my beloved husband, Kent Benton (1945-2005) to resume the nap club they formed so many years ago. May God hold you in perfect rest!
All my love to my special sister Cherylon, Sarah, and Family
Darlene Cox
Saturday, May 27, 2023
Cherylon and Sarah—Sending my thoughts, prayers and love to you both. I am so sorry. I was fortunate to have all three of you in my life. I loved Ray’s wisdom and sense of humor and will miss Ray’s input on phone calls and the many laughs that he, Cherylon and I enjoyed.
Dorothy and Willie Schultz
Friday, May 26, 2023
Willie's and my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in your loss. He will be dearly missed.
Robin Morse
Friday, May 26, 2023
Ray was the nicest friend I may have ever had the good fortune to meet. We enjoyed golf together and had fun talking about Arkansas football (his team) and their battles with Texas (my team). After Cherylon and Ray returned to Arkansas, I didn’t get to see him as much, and I missed enjoying their company. Now I’ll miss him even more. God bless. Robin
Pam Morse
Friday, May 26, 2023
I will miss Ray’s quick wit in the background of all mine and Cherylon’s telephone calls for the past 40 plus years! Ray was such an awesome guy! I will never forget when Cherylon and I first got him and Robin together at The Lakehouse! They stayed up till all hours talking and became great friends for life. Love, Pam Morse
Dwane & Cathy Bonner
Friday, May 26, 2023
Rest in power and love Ray. Job well done sir!
We love you and we love Cherylon
Dwane & Cathy Bonner
Jason Spoon
Friday, May 26, 2023
Cherylon,
I am so sorry for your loss! I will be praying for you and your family. I know he will be missed but thankful for all the treasured memories you have with him.