Ray Allen Sawyer

Mr. Ray Allen Sawyer of Wynne passed away Saturday, May 3, 2014, at the age of 87. He was born April 27, 1927, in Dermott, Arkansas to Ray and Lou Stewart Sawyer. Ray lost his mother at a very young age. His father married Dovie Connard, who loved him like her own. Ray and his family moved to Fair Oaks, Arkansas in the late 1930's. He married Ms. Rosa Mae Fields on April 21, 1945. Mr. Sawyer was a deacon at Fair Oaks Baptist Church before moving to Wynne, he then moved his membership to Union Avenue Baptist Church. He was a member of the Happy Agers and also a member of the voter's registration. Ray worked for Empire Rice Mill for several years and later went to work for Halstead Metal and Copper where he retired 23 years later. He enjoyed working in his vegetable garden every year, coon and squirrel hunting, and spending time with his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents: Ray and Lou Sawyer, second mother: Dovie Sawyer, and three brothers: Eugene Sawyer, Walter Sawyer, and Murry Sawyer. Ray was survived by his wife of 69 years: Rosa Mae of the home, one son: Jim Sawyer and wife Marlene of Hardy, Arkansas, one daughter: Peggy Gaines and husband Ricky of West Memphis, Arkansas, one sister: Mae Robinson of Searcy, Arkansas, and Murphy Blankenship of Dermott, Arkansas who was like a sister, two grandchildren: Michael Gaines and wife Vicky, David Gaines and wife Priscilla, and two great-grandchildren: Rachel and Adam Gaines. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 6, 2014 at Thompson Wilson Wynne Funeral Home with interment in Crosslawn Cemetery in Wynne, Arkansas. Visitation will be 6 till 8 p.m. Monday, May 5, 2014 at Thompson Wilson Wynne Funeral Home. 870-238-9400. www.thompsonwilsonfh.com.