John Merlin Ray

John Merlin Ray, 86, of Conway passed from this life on Monday, January 11, 2016. He was born Saturday, August 24, 1929 in Blytheville, Arkansas to Merlin M. and Jessie A. (Eskridge) Ray. Mr. Ray proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1948-1952. He was a member of Holland Baptist Church and American Legion Post 64. He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife of 37 years, Peggy Sue Cottingham Ray and several siblings. Survivors include his sister, Lou Dawn Watada (Art)of Bryant, children, John Ray Jr. (Jan) of Texas, Syndi DelaGarza (Chris) of Texas and Patty Ray of Montana, step-children, Brenda Liddell of Conway, Carol Zittritsch (Bruce) of Iowa, Dwight Liddell of Conway, Tony Liddell of Little Rock and Randy Liddell (Wanda) of Springhill. Other survivors include numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren along with a host of other family and friends. A time of visitation will be held form 6-8 p.m. Friday, January 15, 2016 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Saturday, January 16, 2016 at Holland Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Oakland Cemetery, Holland. Pallbearers will be Richard Johnston, Jerry Mauldin, TeJohn Petty, Steve Baker, Tedd Drysdale and Shawn Martin. Jimmy Johnston, Joe Bryant, Ronnie McGaha, and David Garrett will serve as honorary pallbearers. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in John's memory to Holland Baptist Church, 673 Hwy. 287, Vilonia, Arkansas 72173. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/conway.