William Edward Ray

Bill was born on August 9, 1937, in Brownstown, Arkansas to Martha B. Ray and John Robert “Bob” Ray. From an early age, he developed a love for the outdoors, a strong work ethic, and a deep appreciation for family and friendship.

Bill devoted 42 years of service to International Paper before retiring. Throughout his career, he was known for his dedication, dependability, and pride in a job well done.

Outside of work, Bill found his greatest joy in the outdoors. He was an avid fisherman who loved spending time at Overcup, White Cliffs, and especially Lake Erling, where he maintained a lake house for many years in a close-knit community of lifelong friends. The lake was a gathering place and one of the highlights of his life.

He was also a passionate hunter and a devoted member of the Saline Deer Club for 65 years. Through his decades of dedication, he was later named an honorary member of the club—a recognition of his loyalty, commitment, and the lifelong friendships he built there. The deer club was a place of tradition, fellowship, and family-like bonds that meant a great deal to him. The family would like to express their deep appreciation to the club members who prepared his stand each year and had everything ready for “Mr. Bill” to come hunt during his later years. That care and friendship shown to him will always be remembered.

Above all, Bill was a devoted family man. He was a loving and steady presence who gave selflessly as a caregiver for his wife and his daughter, Misty. His strength, patience, and unconditional love were a source of comfort and support to those closest to him.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Martha B. Ray and John Robert “Bob” Ray; his daughters, Elise Dawn Ray and Melissa “Misty” Ray; his sister, Betty Vines; and his brother, Robert “Bobby” Ray.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Jacklin Ray; his sister, Francis Garrett of Texarkana, Texas; his daughter, Gwen (Norman) Harris of Texarkana, Arkansas; his granddaughter, Amber (Michael) Ferguson of Genoa, Arkansas; his grandsons, Joseph Waggoner of Texarkana, Arkansas, Blake (Hailey) Harris of Sweetwater, Texas, and Justin (Alycia) Harris of Texarkana, Arkansas; five great-grandchildren, Deven (Aaliyah) Ferguson of Texarkana, Arkansas, Lauryn (Kanon) Garrett of Texarkana, Arkansas, Kaleb Harris of Texarkana, Arkansas, Lily Harris of Texarkana, Arkansas, and Hunter Mae Harris of Sweetwater, Texas; and two great-great-grandchildren, Kolson Garrett and Kutter Cline, both of Texarkana, Arkansas.

The family would like to express their deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of Texarkana. Their kindness, patience, and gentle care brought comfort not only to Bill but to the entire family. They cared for him with true compassion and dignity, as if he were their own loved one, and their support throughout this short journey will never be forgotten.

Bill leaves behind a legacy of hard work, loyalty, friendship, and deep love for his family and the outdoors. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will live on in the stories shared, the lessons taught, and the love he gave so freely.

The family will receive friends during visitation on Sunday, June 21, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at East Funeral Home on Moores Lane.

Chapel farewell services celebrating Bill’s life will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at East Funeral Home on Moores Lane.

Online tributes may be sent to www.eastfuneralhome.com