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.
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24 Condolence(s)
Bobby & Ann Gassaway
Friday, February 9, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a great man, friend & neighbor. He was a great supporter of the West Helena Police Dept. We appreciated everything he did for us.
Matt 18:20
Teresa Knapp Gordon
Friday, February 9, 2024
Audra-I am so sorry about your dad. Sending love and prayers to you and your family.
Jeanie Goings
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Sherry Audra and family my heart goes out to all of u my thoughts and prayers are with u all
Dee Davis
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Our family loved Mr. Buddy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Lona Bryant
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Mr. Buddy was good man, he will be missed, sincere condolences & prayers for all the family.
Mal Stokes
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
I pray that the Lord be with the family of Buddy Ray as you give them Peace and Comfort at this time of loss. Thank God for him. In Jesus Christ name. Amen
Kim Cooper Woods
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Philip and Becky Gattas
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
So sorry to hear about your loss. He will be greatly missed. My prayers to the family at this sad time. Know that he is in the comfort of the Lord hands.
Tabitha Lowery
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
I'm going to miss Mr. Buddy calling me at work. He was a sweet person and will truly be missed.
Missy Ishmael
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Sherry , Audra and family,
I guess I never remember a time I did not know your sweet Daddy. Lots of fond memories at the fire dept.., while we were growing up. We used to laugh and reminisce when we talked on the phone . I know you will miss him but he and your Momma are together again. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
Missy
Chris Worstell
Monday, February 5, 2024
We will be praying for the family at this difficult time. Buddy will be missed by many. He could always make a laugh. He was a good man. I learned a lot from him over the time in which I worked for him. He taught me more more than I ever realized. I’m sorry for your loss.
Gwin
Monday, February 5, 2024
Sherry & Audra, praying God puts his loving arms around you and gives you comfort
William & Lexie Hires
Monday, February 5, 2024
So sorry for your loss, Audra and Sherry, prayers for ya’ll and the rest of the family.
JIM Mayer
Monday, February 5, 2024
You are in our thoughts & prayers Buddy served his community and everyone a great man.
Laura Allen
Monday, February 5, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Buddy Ray was such a sweet man and a great friend to my dad years ago. Prayers to your family and friends. May you find peace in this this sad time.
Stacie Taylor
Monday, February 5, 2024
I am so sorry for your loss!! He was such a sweet man and will be truly missed by everyone who was blessed to know him. Praying for the family
Kim Ray Layton
Monday, February 5, 2024
Sherry, Audra & Family,
So sorry to hear of Buddy's passing. Love and prayers for the family.
Kim
Dale and Pam Brown
Monday, February 5, 2024
Mr. Buddy was great person and a fantastic friend. I shared many memories with him. He will be missed by all that had the pleasure to have known him. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time
Daphne Burt
Monday, February 5, 2024
So sorry to hear of Mr Buddy's passing. He will be greatly missed. Love and prayers to the family.
Judy Travis
Monday, February 5, 2024
My PRAYERS are with the Family. May God Bless you with Peace. ????
Genni Buie
Monday, February 5, 2024
Sending prayers to yall. Mr Buddy was a good man and always had that smile. He lived a long beautiful life and shared love with everyone who knew him. Praying Gods strength and understanding as yall go thru this sad time.
Bubba and Betty Floyd Laxson
Monday, February 5, 2024
Mr. Buddy you will be missed by us and our community. Bubba and I have known the Ray family for years. Our prayers and condolences are with your Family and friends.
Laurie Smith McLendon
Monday, February 5, 2024
Sherry
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I didn't know your dad well, but I remember his big smile!
Sincerely,
Laurie Mc
Jesse Porter
Monday, February 5, 2024
The area lost a very good man and generous and hardworking servant. It was a privilege to know him.
Rusty Porter