Buford Ray VanZandt

B. Ray VanZandt, age 69, of North Little Rock, passed away on January 6, 2019. The following was written by Ray, a few days before he left for Heaven: "I was born at home, at Tomberlin, Arkansas on September 21, 1949, to Buford G. (Boots) VanZandt and Florene Thomas VanZandt. I left this earth, accompanied by angels, on January 6, 2019. I am survived by my sweet wife, Artamesa (Arti) Howell VanZandt of North Little Rock; my daughter, JoBeth James Hale (John) of Scott, Arkansas; my sisters, Jeannette VanZandt Horner (Dan) of Findlay, Ohio, Vannie VanZandt Hayley (James) of Little Rock, Ark.; sisters-in-law: Susan Howell Potter (John) of McGhee, Arkansas, Angela Green Post (Nelson) of El Dorado, Ark.; and Jamie Gibbs (Phil) of Papillion, Nebraska; brother-in-law, Phillip Howell (Susan) of Lonoke, Ark.; my step-grandchildren, Emily, James, Jack, and Tori Hale, of Oklahoma; my dachshunds, Freckles and Sissy, and many relatives and friends. I was preceded in death by my parents; my sister-in-law, Judi Howell Roberts; my brother-in-law, Ralph Green; and my dachshund buddies, Rusty, Rosi and Freckles. As a proud member of the England, Arkansas class of 1967, I joined the U. S. Navy in 1968. During my Navy career I rose from the ranks of junior enlisted to United States Navy Lieutenant, where I served primarily onboard aircraft carriers, and in carrier-based squadrons. In 1989, after 22 years in the Navy, God almost audibly spoke to me and told me to retire, go home and care for my aging parents. I resisted at first, so God, in His infinite wisdom, brought Arti into my life to sweeten the deal. That I could not turn down. What a great God we serve! Arti and I married in 1990 our years together have been the most wonderful 28+ years of my life. I could flower this up and tell you all my prideful worldly endeavors and accomplishments. However, those aren't the things I'm most proud of. What I am proud of is being a Christian; a blood-bought child of God. Don't grieve for me because I am right now experiencing joy in the arms of Jesus. Do you believe? Are you coming to Heaven too? I look forward to seeing you there." Ray and his family want to thank Dr. Jamie Burton and her staff at CARTI for their loving and compassionate care throughout his illness. There will be a celebration of Ray's life on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at First Baptist Church in England, Arkansas. The family will receive visitors at First Baptist Church from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 10, 2019. Ray chose to be cremated and his ashes will be buried, with military honors, at Mulberry Cemetery in England. Arrangements are with Roller England Funeral Home of England, Arkansas. It was Ray's wish that memorials be made to England First Baptist Church, 201 E. Haywood, England, Ark. 72046. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/england.