of Quitman, AR
October 11, 1954 - February 15, 2024
George Ray Strain (69), passed away Thursday, February 15, 2024 at the Strain family home near Rose Bud with his family at his side. The son of Willis (Dan) Strain and Maxine Lester Strain, he was born October 11, 1954 in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. While a farmer his whole life, he also worked as a truck driver and heavy equipment operator. Always a hard worker, he worked hard even when he was playing, whether he was hunting, fishing or competing in various equine events.
George was preceded in death by his parents and a brother-in-law, Grady Blakely. He is survived by his son, Steven Ray (Krisha); granddaughters, Brooklyn and Taylor Beardsley; stepson, Grant Kennedy and four siblings, Gale (Jerry) Hansen of Searcy, Jo Ann Blakely of Searcy, Mary Beth (Kenneth) Harrison of Romance and Rick Strain of Rose Bud. His extended family contained 16 nieces and nephews, 35 great-nieces and nephews with more on the way and 12 great-great nieces and nephews with more on the way. Along with his numerous cousins and friends he had an honorary nephew, Johan Cornelison, whose accomplishments in college and veterinary school brought him great pride and honor.
George was the driving force behind the Sneak'n Bayou Race Team for many years. His teams won championships across several divisions of the Arkansas Chuckwagon Racing Association, as well as many high finishing results at the National Championship Chuckwagon Races in Clinton, AR. He took great pride in the care and condition of his stock; his feeding schedule was precise and inflexible. The well-being of his animals counted more than winning to him.
The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Steliga, Miss Pat and his entire team; Dr Kincaid and his team and the staff of UAMS at Little Rock for the wonderful care, compassion and friendship that they bestowed on George during his long battle with cancer.
Please join George's family and friends for his visitation from 4-6pm and his memorial service and celebration of life from 6-7pm Monday, February 19 at Roller-Daniel Chapel in Searcy.
Honorary pallbearers are Brent Blakely, Kirk Robertson, Paul Harrison, Scott Blakely, Jeremy Harrison, Will Strain, Daniel Strain, Samuel Strain, Johan Cornelison, Rusty Crawford and Dan Foster.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary's Cemetery Fund, 3000 Rosebud Road Quitman, AR 72131
...gone too soon. I will always remember that smile. Condolences to the family.
I just saw this. I am so very sorry for your loss... You are all in my thoughts and prayers...
Fly high cowboy, heaven gained another good one...Teresa Whitlock
Steven, Rick and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you all
Strain family I’m so sad for your loss. George was always so nice. He will be missed greatly. My prayers are with all of you.