Ray Trammell

Ray Trammell, age 94, of Fayetteville, died Friday, January 9, 2015 in Fayetteville. He was born June 26, 1920 in Russellville, Arkansas to Raymond and Hazel Lewis Trammell. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sue Jeffcoat Trammell and his parents. He was the retired General Counsel of the University of Arkansas System and a Professor of Law at the University. His association with the University of Arkansas as student, faculty member and system administrator spanned 45 years. He received a B.A. degree with honors (history and political science) and a J.D. with honors from its School of Law. He was awarded a fellowship by Columbia University, New York, N.Y. and completed the L.L.M (Law) degree, with honors there. Upon graduation from the Law School in 1944 he joined its faculty and rose through the ranks to become a tenured full Professor in 1955. He taught 14 different legal subjects, including the first courses in Oil and Gas Law and in Arkansas Taxation offered by the University. While with the Law School he also served as Assistant to the Dean 1948-1951. He published books on Arkansas Taxation and on Oil and Gas Tax Depletion as well as numerous research articles. He was an incorporator and Board of Director member of Arkansas Law Review, Inc., and served as its Secretary-Treasurer and Business Manager from 1946-1960. Beginning in 1948 Mr. Trammell assumed the duties of providing legal advice to the University's central administration. He furnished legal services for the Razorback Athletic program over the years, and frequently traveled with its football teams. Mr. Trammell was an authority on state government law. He was frequently requested to share that knowledge with various state agencies, boards and commissions, and with the other Arkansas universities and colleges. He was also often a speaker and seminar panelist before chambers of commerce, labor organizations, banks, Bar associations and civic groups. During his career he was selected for listing in Who's Who in American Education, the Directory of American Scholars, Who's Who in the south and southwest, Leaders in Education, and Who's Who in Arkansas. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa and had other memberships in honorary academic societies. He was also a member of Central United Methodist Church in Fayetteville. In addition to following Razorback sports, Mr. Trammell enjoyed fishing, horse racing, the collection of books and political memorabilia and extensive travel in the U. S. and abroad. In 1986, after he retired, Mr. Trammell was elected Director of the Arkansas Alumni Association and served until 1992. He is survived by several nieces and nephews including Gary Huselton and his wife Jeanie of Dallas, Texas. The family wishes to thank the caregivers, Sharon Snell, Bonnie Dobbs and Anita Martin. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, January 16, 2015 at Moore's Chapel. Burial will be private. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Alumni Association, P.O. Box 1070, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72702 or to Central United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1106, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72702 or to other charities. To sign the online guest book, visit www.mooresfuneralchapel.com.