Donald L. Ray

Mr. Donald L. Ray, 81, of Newport departed this life on Friday, March 15, 2013 at his home. He was born December 7, 1931 at Pitts, Arkansas, the son of Doffie and Juanita (Bryant) Ray. Mr. Ray was a 1951graduate of Newport High School, and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree from Arkansas A&M in Monticello. While at Arkansas A&M, he also played football and baseball. Mr. Ray joined the Marine Corp following graduation, where he was a fighter jet pilot, and retired from the Marine Corp Reserve as a Major. His life has been a life of service. In 1979, Mr. Ray was elected Jackson County Sheriff, a position he held 16 years, longer than any other sitting Jackson County Sheriff. He was a member of the National and Arkansas Sheriff's Associations. Mr. Ray was an active participant in his community and state, serving one term as an Arkansas State Representative. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, hunting deer, duck, and anything else that was in season. He enjoyed taking care of his farmland and hunting grounds at Pitts. Mr. Ray was a wonderful cook, and was known as one of the best fish fryers in Jackson County He was a genuine and honest man, always giving more than was required or ever expected, and a friend to many. His family was his greatest love, and he encouraged his children and grandchildren to excel in all aspects of their lives. He was preceded in death by his father, Doffie Ray. Mr. Ray is survived by his wife, Margaret (Harris) Ray of the home; two sons, Charles Ray and wife Donna of Hawaii and Marshall Ray of Newport; one daughter, Tracy Ray Massey of Beebe; his mother, Juanita (Bryant) Ray of Newport; one brother, Dennis Ray of Newport; seven grandchildren, Scooter Landrum and wife Susan of Virginia, Shane Landrum of South Carolina, Andrew Ray of Jonesboro, Matthew Ray of Alaska, Hannah Ray of Newport, Sarah Massey of Beebe, and Caroline Massey of Beebe; three great-grandchildren, Andrew Alyssa, and Allison; many other family and a lifetime of friends. Friends may visit at the funeral home, Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Jackson's Newport Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Billy Ed Morris officiating. Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Shane Ray, Andy Ray, Matthew Ray, Bobby Harris, Dudley Neely, and Joe Williams. Honorary pallbearers are Glenn Hill, Bill Fletcher, and Past and Present Employees of the Jackson County Sheriff's Department. To leave a condolence, view the guestbook, or light a memorial candle, visit our website at www.jacksonsfh.com. Arrangements by Jackson's Newport Funeral Home.