Herbert Lynn Ray

Herbert L. Ray, originally of Harrisburg, Arkansas, and later of Salem, Arkansas, went to be with the Lord on March 4, 2026, at the age of 83 years.

Herb was born on November 30, 1942, in Memphis, Tennessee in the Baptist Memorial Hospital to his parents Floy Paige Spencer Ray and Lyman Herbert Ray of Harrisburg, Arkansas. He was their only child.

His parents were both born on family farms of Poinsett County, Arkansas, and grew up there to adulthood, but adapted to conditions of the Great Depression by going to work off the farm, his mother in a full career as an elementary school teacher and his father in various aspects of commerce.

Consequently— Herb was raised to value hard work, excellence, education, and patriotism. Also, his parents were devout Baptists, and as an older child Herb professed his faith in Christ Jesus, and was baptized by the First Baptist Church of Harrisburg, Arkansas.

Upon high school graduation, he was granted an appointment to the United States Merchant Marine Academy of Kingsport, New York. After three semesters, he transferred to the University of Arkansas and finished his college degree in Law. While there he met the love of his life, Mabel Jo Colay of Magnolia, Arkansas, and on June 5, 1964, they were wed.

Upon graduation, Herb was admitted to the University of Arkansas Law School where he completed a Juris Doctor in 1966. Following graduation Herb volunteered for the US Navy in 1966 and was admitted to the Officer Candidate School. During the Vietnam Conflict Herb served his country for three years as a naval officer. Following honorable discharge in 1969 as a Lieutenant, he led his young family to Springdale, Arkansas, where he began law practice.

Herb excelled in all his interests: fishing, French horn, piano, genealogy, building projects, Bible teaching, law practice, public service, gospel ministry, and especially caring for his two sons and two daughters whom he shared with his wife.

Professionally Herb practiced law for 22 years, after which he was ordained and served the Gospel ministry as a pastor for 19 years. In his season of law practice, he also served as the City Attorney of Springdale, Arkansas, the District Judge of Fulton County, Arkansas, and President of the Salem Chamber of Commerce. As a pastor, he taught the Bible classes for the Shiloh Christian School of Springdale, Arkansas, and he was the Associate Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Bentonville, Arkansas. He retired in 2013.

Herb’s greatest passion was his family. All who knew him would agree that no person ever mattered to him like his wife Jo. No day ever passed without him stating many times that he loved her, but the same could be said of his children. His devotion to being present with each one of his children in their pursuits, fears, interests, questions, struggles —was top-notch. They adored him with unwavering, undiminished loyalty in their entire lifetimes down to the very moment that they surrounded his bed, praying and singing hymns as he passed.

Herb’s community affiliation included Christ Fellowship Baptist Church of Salem, AR; and the Lafayette Chapter of The Sons of the American Revolution, of Bentonville, AR, and the American Legion of Harrisburg, AR.

Herb was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Jo of 61 years and nine months, and by his children, Spencer Colay Ray (Michelle) of Tulsa, OK; Jo Lynn Ray Burke ( Brad) of Anderson, MO; Ruth Paige Ray Wrubel (Kenney) of San Antonio, TX; and John Herbert Ray (Whitney) of Olive Branch, MS.

Also Herb is survived by 14 grandchildren: Abigail Ray Hoover (Sam), Truett Ray, Titus Ray (Grace), Anna Ray and Jane Ray —all of Tulsa, OK; Benjamin Burke (Kaitlanne) of Louisville, KY, Douglas Burke (Sophia) of Centerton, AR, Justin Burke (Paige) of Springdale, AR, Catie Burke McClure (James) of San Antonio, Shaun Burke of Springdale, AR; Baylor Wrubel (Kendall) of Katy, TX; Amy Wrubel Mowat (Ashaan) of San Antonio; Ava Ray, and Ivy Ray— both of Olive Branch, MS.

Also Herb is survived by 5 great-grandchildren: Beatrix Hoover, Whitaker Hoover, Mary Mowatt, Theodore Burke, and Isaiah Burke.

Funeral services will be 5:00 P.M. Saturday March 7, 2026 at the Christ Fellowship Baptist Church in Salem, Arkansas with Bro. Cory Synder and Bro. Luke Humphries officiating. Interment will be 1:00 P.M. Sunday March 8, 2026 at the Harrisburg Memorial Park in Harrisburg, Arkansas. Pallbearers are Benjamin Burke, Shaun Burke, Baylor Wrubel, Douglas Burke, Truett Ray, Sam Hoover, Justin Burke, and Titus Ray.  Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas.