Raymond Charles Baltz

Raymond Charles Baltz was called home to be with the Lord on April 13, 2014. Born in Pocahontas, Arkansas, on February 5, 1930, to Bartholomew and Rose Baltz, Ray was the eighth of twelve children. Throughout his life, he was blessed with siblings who remained close, caring, and supportive of each other throughout their lives. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his son Raymond Baltz Jr., and his brothers, Robert, Thomas, James, and Fintan. Ray is survived by Mary Henning Baltz, his loving wife of 60 years; and by seven of his eight children: Rosanna Smith of Cabot, Ark.; Becky Baltz of Little Rock, Ark.; Melinda Baltz of Mountain Home, Ark.; Marvin Baltz of Houston, Texas; Diana (Rick) Gregory of Little Rock, Ark.; Theresa (David) Fender of Fayetteville, Ark.; and Amanda (Mark) Wilson of Little Rock, Ark.. Ray is also survived by his 15 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, three brothers, Max Baltz, Lucian Baltz, and Curtis Baltz and four sisters, Alice Jansen, Catherine Barre, Helen Hunter, and Francis Steimel, and a host of nieces and nephews. Religion had a special place in Ray's heart, and he was a life-long Catholic and a long-time member of St. Paul's Catholic Church in Pocahontas, Ark., where he was a fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Ray was a proud and passionate man who overcame rheumatic fever as a child so that he could one day lead his own children by example in every aspect of life. He supported his family by utilizing his skills as a craftsman, working long, hard hours painting houses in order to provide for his wife and eight children. In his free time, he enjoyed duck and deer hunting with his brothers. Ray will be remembered as a compassionate husband, a loving father, and a cheerful grandfather. He was an avid angler who ardently fished every stream, river, and lake in Arkansas with his children, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great grand children. Ray was known for telling stories about the elusive "wampus cat" that dwelled in the depths of the lake. His grandchildren and great grandchildren will remember him for his love of gardening, sitting around campfires, playing cards, and winning big at the casino and horse races. Ray moved to Little Rock several years ago so that he could be closer to his family, but his heart never left Pocahontas, Ark. His funeral service was held at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Pocahontas, Ark., at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2014. All family and friends are invited to celebrate Ray's life. In lieu of flowers please make donations to St. Paul's Catholic Church of Pocahontas. Pallbearers: Mike Smith, Rick Gregory, David Fender, Seth Wilson, Alex Wilson, Mark Wilson, Wesley Davis, Payton Davis.