of Greenbrier, AR
May 7, 1937 - July 4, 2019
Dempsey Ray Stell, 82, of Greenbrier AR, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, July 4, 2019. He was born May 7, 1937 in Conway, AR to Joseph and Velma Stell. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Velma Stell, brothers, Bill and Doyne, and sisters, Maxine, Flodean, Lorene and Sherry.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of over 32 years, Maxine Stell, son, Tim (Sheri) Stell, daughters Kim (Pete) Moore and Kim Sutterfield, Grandchildren, Renee (Erik) Menzie, Candace (Steven) McArthur, Gray Stell, Andy (Janele) Sutterfield, Dustin (Liz) Sutterfield and Whitney (Nick) Ruple and 14 Great-grandchildren, brothers, Louis (Judy) Stell and Danny (Annie) Stell. He is also survived by his church family, blue grass friends, nieces, nephews and a host of many other friends and relatives.
Ray was a member of First Free Will Baptist Church in Conway for more than 50 years. He served his church as music director. He also served in many other capacities with a loving heart. Ray loved his family, especially his kids. He loved having them over for hay rides and weenie roasts. Ray had a passion for bluegrass music. He played with the Wye Mountain Boys and Cadron Creek bands, while never passing up a chance to pick and grin with others.
Funeral Services will be on Monday July 8, 2019 at 10:00AM at Roller McNutt Funeral Home, Conway, AR. Visitation will be Sunday, July 7, 2019 from 2:30PM to 4:30PM. Burial in Crestlawn Memorial Park.
In Lieu of flowers please make donations to the First Free Will Baptist Music Ministry, c/o Debbie Mauldin, P.O. Box 253, Conway, AR 72033.
Online guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway
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16 Condolence(s)
Faith McGhee (Weaver)
Friday, July 12, 2019
Ray will be greatly missed. I remember him,my dad(Don Weaver), my uncle(Herb Baker), Joe Eubanks and Joy Beaumont playing and I'd run around enjoying listening to them play. I can almost guarantee him my dad and all the other great bluegrass players that have left this world are pickin' and a grinin' in heaven. Prayers with the family and rest in peace and love Ray.
Victor Bettis
Wednesday, July 10, 2019
Ray Stell...A GREAT GUY!!!!!
Carlile Baker
Monday, July 8, 2019
Praying for the family. New Ray for many years he was a great guy always had a smile. He will be missed.
Chris Fuerst
Monday, July 8, 2019
Kim, our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Lulu Black Thompson
Sunday, July 7, 2019
Deepest sympathy to all the Stell family, Lulu
Elese Brown
Sunday, July 7, 2019
Maxine praying for you and family. May God continue to be with you and family. Love you.
Dorothy and Fred Morlan
Sunday, July 7, 2019
love u Maxine and family. We will miss Ray and his beautiful voice and Smile. Love and prayers to All. Dorothy and Fred
Jerry and Janis Garrett Robbins
Saturday, July 6, 2019
Maxine, Kim, Tim and all Ray’s families, we are so sorry for his passing. He was always smiling and a very caring person. Know that he lived as close to Christ as he could and know that he is having a great time in Beulah Land. I feel like our Uncle Billy Nichols met him at the gate and they playing some great music again together. Prayers for all of you, love and rest Mr. Ray.
Joyce Mason/Mills
Saturday, July 6, 2019
Sorry For your great lost.. He will be missed by so many.
Danny & Delores Wooten
Saturday, July 6, 2019
A bluegrass show would not be the same without Ray. Our sympathy to the family.
Bart and Robin Wray
Saturday, July 6, 2019
Our heart is heavy but our memories are grand. You all are great neighbors and Ray will be missed! Hugs
Sandra Foster
Saturday, July 6, 2019
You will be missed Uncle Ray!!
Joy Beaumont
Saturday, July 6, 2019
During the years I lived in AR, I played music with Ray Stell in various bluegrass bands and jam sessions. Ray was one of the most generous musicians sharing his knowledge of rhythm guitar, just how to add the right guitar run at the right time and how to blend that beautiful tenor voice with Herb Baker allowing me to sang high baritone. He was so welcoming, kind and generous in sharing his love of bluegrass and gospel music.. He and Maxine welcomed us into their home on numerous occasions which was filled with love and kindness for all of us. My daughter and I felt blessed to spend time with them. Praying for all who love him to be comforted by Ray's love of the Lord.
Cindy & Rick Pruett
Saturday, July 6, 2019
Maxine,
We were so very sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. He was a wonderful and kind man who never met a stranger. May you find tremendous comfort and peace as God holds you safely in his arms during the tough times ahead. Ray lived 82 great years and that is to be cherished and celebrated. Your entire family will remain in our prayers.
Love You,
Jerry and Janis Garrett Robbins
Friday, July 5, 2019
Kim, Tim, and Maxine and families, we are so sorry for Dad’s passing; what a glorious going home to Heaven. I know Uncle Billy was waiting at one of the gates to welcome him home. I have known Ray all my life, never changed always a sweet caring man. Had a great voice and a willing servant for Christ. Praying for all of you as you face each day without him here, but rejoicing that he is living in sweet Beulah land. Love all of you.
Marvin and Becky Wendel
Friday, July 5, 2019
May God give you comfort in the days ahead. We were proud to have Ray as our friend. Maxine Becky and I love you and are praying for you and the family.