of Shirley, AR
May 13, 1936 - September 14, 2021
Raymond C. Earnhart was born on May 13, 1936, in the England, Arkansas community. He departed this life on September 14, 2021. Ray was the baby of six children born to Oscar F. Earnhart and Exie Belle (Williams) Earnhart.
Preceding Ray in death were his parents; Oscar and Exie Belle, his siblings; Aubrey and Catherine at a very young age, Eunice (Earnhart) Rochelle, Dois Earnhart and Lois (Earnhart) Rowan.
Ray is survived by his wife of 29 years, Margaret (Smith) Earnhart, his stepchildren; Melanie Fosko (Billy), Josh Little (Penny), Amanda Gentry (Gary), as well as his step grandchildren; Ryan and Reece Fosko, Nash, Hogan and Lex Little, Lainee and Macy Gentry. Also surviving are nephews; Tommy Rochelle (Linda), David Rochelle (Linda), Gary Rochelle, Bobby and Jerry Capps, Nieces; Brenda Morgan, Jeanie Oliver (Buck), Barbara Capps, Deborah Fisher (Ken), brother-in-law, Gale Smith (Mary) and sister-in-law, Joan Verble (Kelly).
Ray attended school in McClung (near England). Upon graduation from high school, Ray joined the Marines and served from 1954 to 1957. He trained at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, California, and was deployed to Japan for 13 months. After leaving the Marines, Ray attended UCA in Conway, Freed Hardeman in Tennessee, and William Carey College in Mississippi, earning a Bachelor of Science degree.
Most of Ray's career life was spent in selling insurance, 31 years, in Conway and Fairfield Bay. He also spent most of those years preaching the gospel, his most recent ministry being in Arkansas and Van Buren County. Ray was a member of the Church of Christ. He was also a member of the Lion's Club for 20 years and an Alderman for the city of Shirley until he was unable to perform his duties. The last few years, Ray battled Alzheimer's disease spending the past two years in Ozark Health Nursing Home. Ray passed peacefully in his rest.
Ray loved his family, most importantly, his wife and his grandchildren. He loved Christ and preaching the word. Some of his happiest and fun times were playing cards or dominos with best friends Buck and Frankie, as well as his in- laws, Watson and Celeste and family.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Truth for Today, 2209 Benton St., Searcy, Arkansas 72143 or, Southern Christian Children's Home, PO Box 649, Morrilton, Arkansas, 72110.
The family would like to say a ''special thanks'' to the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Ozark Health Nursing Home, and to our loving family and friends who have supported us during our difficult time.
Visitation is 10:00AM - 11:00AM, Saturday, September 18, 2021 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Clinton, Arkansas with funeral services following at 11:00AM. Interment is at Eglantine Cemetery in Shirley, Arkansas.
To express condolences online please visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton
With All Our Respect
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
Sign Guestbook
22 Condolence(s)
Willie Bradford
Monday, September 20, 2021
Margaret and Family
So sorry to hear about Rays passing away. He once preached for my
home congregation. God bless all of you.
J B Myers
Saturday, September 18, 2021
Margaret, sorry to hear of your loss.
Deena Rath
Saturday, September 18, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Ray was such a sweet man. He made us laugh more times then we can count. He will be dearly missed.
Gary Harris
Friday, September 17, 2021
Margaret, we are so sorry to hear of the loss of a great man, loving husband and father. Ray was a wonderful person and a wonderful preacher and we know all of you are saddened by his loss, but he has a wonderful home in heaven. We’ll keep you and Melanie and the rest of your family in our prayers. In Christian love, Gary And Mildred Harris
Kimberly Cole
Friday, September 17, 2021
Aunt Margaret,
I am so sorry for your loss. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Love you,
Kim
Jim & Laudell Massengill
Friday, September 17, 2021
We are sorry for your loss. Ray's smile and laugh always made us happy to see him. His polite, positive attitude left you with a good feeling!
Raye Jean Linn
Friday, September 17, 2021
Margaret, I am so sorry to hear this. Love and prayers.
Jody Bane
Friday, September 17, 2021
I am so very sorry for your loss. He was always a friend to me & my family . You are in my prayers
Debby Kerrigan
Friday, September 17, 2021
Margaret, I am so sorry to hear of Ray's passing. My prayers are with you and the family. He was a good man.
Mike & Missy Worthing
Friday, September 17, 2021
Miss Margaret, I am so sorry for your loss. Ray was a kind and wonderful man and will be missed by all. Praying for you the kids & grandchildren 🙠He will always
be watching over you smiling that sweet smile ðŸ™
Toney and Sallie Parish
Friday, September 17, 2021
Margaret, we are so sorry for your loss! We will pray for you!
Justice Hernandez
Thursday, September 16, 2021
Sending up prayers for the family. Ray was such a joy to be around. I had the pleasure of taking care of him at the nursing center and needless to say there was never a dull moment. He holds a special place in my heart and will be missed dearly.
Tammie Williams
Thursday, September 16, 2021
Ray was such a happy and good person. He just radiated joy. I pray for peace for all of his family during this sad, yet joyous time, because we all know he is enjoying paradise with his savior.
Lisa and Wayne Hackett
Thursday, September 16, 2021
So sorry for your loss Mrs. Margaret....Ray was a good man and a kind soul. Our Prayers are with you.
Doris and Benny Brown
Thursday, September 16, 2021
So sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and prayers.
Rhonda (Shull) Ragan
Thursday, September 16, 2021
Dear Margaret and family,
So sorry to hear of your loss this week. I will be keeping your family in my prayers. My Dad sure used to look forward to Ray visiting the parts store and “shooting the bullâ€, each trying to get something on the other to laugh about. Daddy would only do that with someone he really liked and he always shared the stories with me when I came home. Maybe they can continue their banter in days ahead. Love and peace to your entire family.
Glenda Keenihan
Thursday, September 16, 2021
Margaret, I am so sorry to hear about Ray. He was always happy when he would greet us and always loved to joke with us. That was neat. I know you have missed that. Hugs to you during this time.
Michelle Woolsey
Thursday, September 16, 2021
Margaret, my condolences to you and yours. Ray was always a joy when he walked into the Shirley Community Center. He would always say to someone.."hey can you straighten her out" and i would reply "you can't straighten out these curves"..he would chuckle..I know he will be waiting for you when that time comes. It was an honor to know him and to help you when you needed a break. I am here if you need anything.
Blessings are with you.
Always,
Michelle Woolsey
Judy Fosko
Thursday, September 16, 2021
Margaret and family, sending my deepest sympathy and prayers. May God keep you in his care and comfort you in your grief.
Leszlie Hale, LPN
Thursday, September 16, 2021
Sending my prayers to Rays wife and family. I had the pleasure of taking care of him. Ray always made me smile. He had a sweet soul.
Benjamin Buck Treece
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
He will be missed by all who knew him. Nevertheless, we should celebrate him home.
Tracy Cooley
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
So sorry to hear of your loss!
Praying for the family.