Ray Earl Poynter died on March 25, 2019 at the age of 95 after a lengthy battle with COPD and a worn out, broken heart from the passing in 2016 of the love of his life, Wanda Jeane Hendrix Poynter. Their love spanned over 70 years and produced 7 children, 14 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.
Ray and Jeane were not just in love… they were the true fairy tale. Born on March 16, 1924 in Sachse, Texas to Fred S Poynter and Faye A. House Poynter, he grew up with 4 sisters and three brothers.
Ray was drafted into the Army in 1943 and bravely defended his country for over 25 years through WWII, the Vietnam War (2 tours) and Korea. He was awarded a true hero's collection of medals, citations, certificates, and awards including The Purple Heart for wounds received in WWII and the distinguished Patriot of the Year award which was presented by Arkansas Congressman, John Boozman.
On trips with his family he would make detours, sometimes miles out of the way, because he had to make sure a business or homeowner knew it was disrespectful to fly the tattered worn out American flag.
The concern for the welfare of his family was evident in every sandwich he made for them. He would take one bite before handing it over… just to be sure.
He rarely passed a stranger in need without stopping to help either by changing their tire, feeding them a meal or handing them the few dollars he had in his wallet.
His well worn and marked Holy Bible was passed on to him by his wife. His daily routine was to study and reread every passage she highlighted.
Loved ones that cleared the path for Ray are his parents, all seven of his siblings and infant daughter Deborah Annell Poynter. Loved ones that will miss him until they meet again are his children: David Poynter of Tucson, Ariz.; Stephen Poynter of Berryville, Ark.; Jennifer Poynter Hadley of Fayetteville, Ark.; Paul Poynter of Post Falls, Idaho Cynthia Poynter Echold Isaaks of Waxahachie, Texas; and Timothy Poynter of Berryville, Ark. as well as all his grandchildren, nieces, nephews, old military comrades, and anyone who was privileged enough to know him.
Heroes Never Die… They live on forever in the hearts and minds of those brave enough to follow in their footsteps.
Services are in the care of Nelson-Berna Funeral Home, visitation will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, 2019 with a service to follow at Sequoyah United Methodist Church, 1910 Old Wire Road, Fayetteville, Ark. Interment will take place on Monday, April 1, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Fayetteville National Cemetery at 700 S. Government Ave., Fayetteville, Ark. Condolences may be given online at www.nelsonberna.com.,

Published March 29, 2019