of Dover, AR
December 24, 1915 - April 14, 2014
Ray Orville Huffman, age 98, of Dover, Arkansas, formerly of Harrison, passed away Monday, April 14, 2014 at John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital in Little Rock. He was born December 24, 1915 in Cleveland, Conway County, Arkansas to John David and Mary Elizabeth George Huffman.
Mr. Huffman was a member of Eagle Heights Baptist Church. He was a proud member of the United States Army serving during World War II with Company K, 104th Division, 413th Infantry ''Timberwolves.'' After receiving an honorable discharge, Ray began working for Harrison Grocer in the late 1940's and continued to work for the Milburn family until his retirement from Pippen Wholesale. An avid Cardinal's fan, Ray enjoyed gardening, fishing at Tucker Hollow, listening to Gospel music and enjoyed a dish of ice cream, sometimes even before his meal. He was known as Papaw, G-Pa Ray, Daddy Ray, Grandpa Ray or whatever he needed to be for his grandchildren who were his pride and joy. He was a gifted story teller and never met a stranger.
Ray leaves to cherish his memory five daughters: Corinne (Joe) Linam, Floy Etta Goad, Judy Daniels, Jean (Robert) Twiggs and Jan (Todd) Anderson; son-in-law: Mitch Batts; sister Zeta Allen and brother Gene Huffman. He is also survived by 24 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two wives: Elizabeth Bolin Huffman and Marie Ellis Huffman; two sons: Thomas Ray Huffman and Jim Ellis; three daughters: Billie Wells, Karen Batts, and an infant daughter; granddaughter: Ellen Huffman; and three sons-in-law: Jerry Daniels, Buck T. Goad and Ross Wells.
Funeral service was Friday April 18, 2014, at Roller-Christeson Funeral home with Brother Tom Lewis officiating.
Interment was in Maplewood Cemetery.
The family received friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Pallbearers: Austin Daniels, Will Daniels, Kenneth Fry, Dallas Goad, Clay Anderson, Ryan Twiggs, Jeremiah Johnston and Christopher Deen.
Honorable Pallbearers: Joseph Whitener, Jon Linam, Bill Huffman, Ben Huffman, Jim Huffman and Shannon Willis
Hello, I came across Mr. Huffman's passing . As A Army Veteran myself, I wanted to take the time and pass on to you and your Family my sincere Heartfelt Condolences to your Family and Thank you for Mr. Ray's Service to Our Country and in humble Thanks and Remembrance .......I would have love to have known him & been able to talk with him . I wish you all the best and God Bless to each of you . A long held Salute for you Mr. Ray ..A Soldier Always ..Rest Easy ..Honor Duty Country ...
Kenny Love ,Sgt
Bravo Battery 1/55 ADA
5th Infantry Division (M)
My Great Uncle Ray.. You may not have remembered me, but I am your older sister Jewel's, grand daughter (Bo's daughter) in Oklahoma. I remember many road trips with Grannie to Arkansas in the 70s to visit you and family. Rest in Peace.
Keeping you all in our prayers.
Janice,
I am so sorry for the loss of your dad. He was an awesome man. Mom sends her condolences also. He lived a long life and now is at home with Jesus. God Bless you and your family Janice. We will be praying for you and the family.
I will turn home at last once more
Knowing that a true soldier's rest
Once earned is sweet
His peace complete
Who gave until the last his best
Lots of memories went thru my mind when
I learned of Ray's passing. We had many a
good days at Harrison Grocer Co. Remembering
all of you in my thoughts and prayers. God bless
Janet Mathis
Our deepest sympathy as you grieve the passing of your special loved one. Clay spoke so fondly of this cherished man.
Sympathy to all of the family on Ray's passing. God Bless each of you.
Rejoicing in your reunion with those who have gone before you. Rest in peace.
Judy, Sheri & Will,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your Dad. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts & Prayers!