Loney Ray Lunsford, age 85 of Bryant, Arkansas went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 19, 2010. He was born November 28, 1924 in Guy, Arkansas to the late Walter Wesley Lunsford and Rosie Hendrickson Lunsford. He was an insurance salesman. He was a member of Northside Church of Christ in Benton, Arkansas. He was a member of Masonic #60. He was a member of the Purple Heart Association. He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving in WWII and the Korean Conflict. He received a Silver Star Medal, a Bronze Star Medal, a Purple Heart Medal, an Army Pesidential Unit Citation, an Army Good Conduct Medal, an Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, a European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, a World War II Victory Medal, an Army of Occupation WWII Medal, a National Defense Service Medal, a Korean Service Medal and an Army Presidential Unit Citation. Our Brother Ray, a farm boy, a helpful son, a soldier, a wounded veteran, a husband, a father, a Christian man, a grandfather, and a super friend, that was Ray Lunsford. He was sensitive to others' moods and needs and always cheerful with a quip or story. Among his family and friends he was well known for being able to reply appropriately to any situation. Ray was a dedicated Christian man following his conversion to Christ, he not only talked the talk but walked the walk every day faithfully expressing his gratitude for his salvation. He had a servant's heart to others in a quiet unobtrusive way. He went on several mission trips and became a bible teacher. Ray was a decorated war vet who served in both WWII and Korea. In his later years as the country became more aware of the heavy cost our vets pay for their painful war memories, he began to open up a bit and shared some of his. He looked for and found some buddies from WWII and met with them several times, which was very meaningful to him. Ray, along with his cherished wife, Wilma was hospitable and generous. Together they opened their home to feed and shelter many as needs and opportunities came along. Ray was a family man, a beloved husband and father who doted on his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two sons, Marty and Gary; five brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Wilma of 57 years; daughter, Darlene Bagley (Mike) of Bryant; three grandchildren, Brooke Hammonds (J.D.) of Gurdon; Lauren Vick (Brad) of Hazen; Heather Bagley of Bryant; one great grandchild, Hannah Bagley; two sisters, Barbara Pickard and Linda Ledbetter and three brothers, Bob, Chuck and Clyde; numerous nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
Funeral service will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, June 23, 2010 at Northside Church of Christ, 917 North East, Benton, Arkansas with Mr. Brandi Kendall officiating. Interment to follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Family will receive friends 6-8 p.m., Tuesday at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock, Ark. 72209 (501) 455-5800. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/drummond.

Published June 22, 2010