of Eupora, MS

July 12, 1944 - November 16, 2025

Albert Raymond Gustafson Jr. of Eupora, MS passed away peacefully on November 16,
2025, in the home of his son and daughter in law in Grenada, MS at the age of 81. He was
surrounded by family at the time of his death. ''Ray'' who was also lovingly known as
''PaPaw '' by his grandchildren, was a man of great integrity and humility. He was a devoted
husband and loving father, grandfather and great grandfather.

Ray was born and raised in Memphis, TN. It was there he met the love of his life, Betty Jane
Nash. They were married in 1965 and began building their life together and chasing their
dreams of having their own family. After 9 years of working in Tennessee they picked up in
1974 and moved to California with 2 boys in tow. Ray spent the majority of his working
years as a Metal Plating Plant Manager and Chemist. Ray excelled in his field of expertise
and even completed some work for NASA during his time in California. It was in 1989 that
Ray brought his family back to the South and settled in Eupora, MS. He and his wife have
lived in Eupora since that time. Ray was an avid fisherman, he loved all water sports and
enjoyed spending time with his family. In his retirement years, Ray took up the hobby of
making canes, walking sticks, knives and additional artwork pieces. He enjoyed creating
something unique and sharing it with friends and family. Ray is most remembered for
having an infectious sense of humor. He was always trying to make his family laugh and
find humor in almost any situation. Ray was a great man of honor who never had an unkind
word to say to or about anyone. His relationship with his wife was the kind most people
only dream of. He set an example for all his family in how he carried himself each and
every day. He was truly one of a kind.

Ray is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty Jane Gustafson, 2 sons, Christopher LaRay
Gustafson (Michele Gustafson) of Port Wentworth, GA, Jason Nash Gustafson (Crystal
Gustafson) of Grenada, MS and a daughter Kristina Jae Gustafson of Eupora, MS. He is
also survived by 4 grandchildren, Christopher Michael Gustafson, Elizabeth Grace
Gustafson, Haley Jayne Blount, and Brady Nash Gustafson as well as 2 great grandchildren
Waylon and Maddie. He also leaves behind a cousin who was very much like a brother,
Larry Gene Gustafson of Rosemont, TN. He is preceded in death by his father Albert
Gustafson Sr., his mother Thelma Seaward, and a daughter Stephanie LaRae Gustafson.
He was loved like a son (and preceded in death) by his father- in- law William Nash and
mother-in-law Hazel Nash.

Roller Citizens of West Memphis, AR is handling the cremation of Albert Raymond
Gustafson, JR. and the family has chosen to have a private ceremony at a later date to
honor his wishes.

 

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