Darrell L. Ray

On Saturday, July 6, 2013, Darrell L. Ray, 74, of Benton, passed from this world to the next. He was born on November 30, 1938 in "San Francisco, California. He was preceded in death by his parents, Byron and Pauline Ray and his brother, Gene Ray. Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Pam Ray, son and daughter-in-law, Randy and Karen Ray, the twinkle of his eyes and the light of his life, was his three granddaughters, Elizabeth, Rebecca and Riley. In-laws, Kenneth and Barbara Atchison, all of Benton; and many, many friends and extended family. Darrell was a United States Army Veteran, serving in German during the early 1960's. In 1991, he retired as a successful building contractor. He loved golf and bowling. He once had a hole-in-one and a 300 game in the same week! He was a Senior All Star Bowler of the year in 1998. Darrell was a friend of Bill W. and a sober member of Alcoholics Anonymous for more than 20 years. During his service in AA, he shared his sobriety in prison ministries, Rivendell, Alexander Youth Services and countless newcomers. He served as a sponsor to numerous men and was always available to help someone in need. Darrell's commitment to God and his fellow man was amazing and endless. The impact he had on people will never be fully appreciated. His legacy in AA will live on and will be felt for years to come because he was always there to "plant the seed". A spiritual Celebration of Darrell's life will be held at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton on Thursday July 11th at 2 p.m. Orville Wolf will moderate and friends will be invited to share their thoughts and memories of Darrell. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ashby's. The family suggests donations to C-JCOHN IN Darrell's memory at P.O. Box 1146, Benton, Ark. 72018. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.