Raymond Ray, 86, of Malvern, died Tuesday, December 25, 2018. He was born November 24, 1932, to John Leonard and Lalah Shambley Ray in Sparkman, Arkansas, and was the youngest of four children. He is predeceased by his parents; one sister, Frances Ritter; and two brothers, Jack and Virgil. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Lavena Marks; one son, John Victor Ray, one daughter, Karen Sue Scroggins and husband Jerry; four grandchildren: Laurel Ray, Spenser Scroggins and wife Ellen, Connor Scroggins, and Rand Scroggins.

As a young man, Raymond enjoyed riding and training horses and competing in rodeos. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955, a veteran of the Korean War. Trained in carpentry in the army, he became a skilled craftsman and enjoyed woodworking. He worked for Reynolds Metal Company as a carpenter at the Jones Mill Aluminum Reduction Plant for twenty-two years. He was an accomplished, self-taught musician who enjoyed singing and playing guitar and banjo with several bands during his lifetime. His favorite music was bluegrass gospel. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, and fishing, especially with his family. He served as a deacon of Taylor's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, December 30, 2018, at 3 P.M. at Taylor's Chapel M.B.C. on Highway 67 south of Malvern in Central. A private burial will be held at a later date. Family will receive visitors after the memorial service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Taylor's Chapel M.B.C. or to Ouachita Cemetery. Arrangements are through J.A. Funk Funeral Home in Malvern.