John Dudley Ray

John Dudley Ray was born in Dell, Arkansas, on February 10, 1936, son of Judge Pullen and Cordia Elizabeth (Dunaway) Ray. He departed this life Friday, August 29, 2014, at his residence in Salem, Arkansas, at the age of 78 years, 6 months and 19 days. John was united in marriage to Rose Oleta Russell on November 16, 1957, at Hienna, Mississippi. He loved gardening, working as a mechanic and was a member of Salem Church of Christ. He is survived by his wife, Rose Ray of Salem, Arkansas; two daughters, Connie Delargy and husband James of Salem, Arkansas, and Beth Waltrip and husband Chris of Elizabeth, Arkansas; daughter-in-law, Melissa Ray of Salem, Arkansas; thirteen grandchildren; twenty-two great grandchildren; many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by one son, Douglas Joe Ray; one daughter, Vickie Ray; his parents, Judge and Cordia Ray; two sisters and four brothers. Funeral services will be at the Salem Church of Christ in Salem, Arkansas, at 2:00 PM Monday, September 1, 2014, with Bro. Mike Yates officiating. Family will receive friends Sunday, August 31, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas. Memorials may be made to the family and left at the funeral home. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery in Salem, Arkansas, with arrangements entrusted to Barker Funeral Home of Salem. Pallbearers are Dustin Ray, Daniel Knight, Clint Ray, Alex Waltrip, Lane Ray and Chris Waltrip. Honrary pallbearers are James Delargy, Wade Henslee, Scott Henslee and Brandon Lester.