of West Helena, AR

April 14, 1941 - February 2, 2024

Allen ''Buddy'' Ray, 82, of West Helena, Arkansas went to be with the Lord on Friday, February 2, 2024 in West Helena, Arkansas. Mr. Ray was born on Monday, April 14, 1941 to the late Allen W. Ray and Annie Lorhine Crutcher Ray in Helena, Arkansas.
''Buddy'' served our country in the United States Air Force for four years, then as a firefighter for the Helena Fire Department for several years. He then later worked as a mechanic for the various car dealerships in the area, farmed on occasion, then opened and operated Buddy's Auto Repair and Wrecker service which has served the area for many years.
''Buddy'' was a member of the Rondo Baptist Church in Rondo, Arkansas. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and was a collector of many things. He also served as the Master of Ceremonies for the Phillips County Fishing Rodeo for many years and was on the Tri County Fair Board for the Demolition Derby.
Left to cherish his memory are two daughters, Sherry Woods (Thomas) of Moro, Arkansas, Audra Ray of West Helena, Arkansas; one granddaughter, Haylee Havard (Cory) of Lucedale, Mississippi; three great-grandchildren, Cayler Havard, Dru McCormick, Wes Havard; two brothers, Alvin Ray (Charlotte) of Farmington, Arkansas, Terry Ray (Morrison Henry) of Cincinatti, Ohio; three sisters, Lois Ford Horne of Helena, Arkansas, Polly Lacey of Tacoma, Washington, Linda Tidwell (James) of Memphis, Tennessee; bonus children, Tracy Morris, Larry Moon, Michael Richmond, James ''Beaver'' Mayfield, Dwight ''Bud'' Haire; special friends, Scott and Lori Williams; three beloved canines, Ty, Bella, Coco; one beloved feline; Socks; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Mr. Ray is preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife of over forty-four years, Geraldine Ray and two sisters, Lucy Cook, Minnie Langston.
Visitation for ''Buddy'' will be from 6-8PM Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in West Helena, Arkansas. Funeral Services will be 11 AM Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at Rondo Baptist Church in Rondo, Arkansas. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in West Helena, Arkansas. Dr. J.E. Hughes will officiate.
Serving as pallbearers will be Timmy Bond, Carl Nelson, Chuck Hallman, Ty Stayton, Chris Worstell, Jason Worstell. Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Reeves, Tommy Bivens, Woody Woods, Oscar Hoskins, Arnie Fraze, Dr. Jim Pillow.
In lieu of flowers, you may make memorials out to Rondo Baptist Church or the Phillips County Fishing Rodeo.

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