Burnal Ray Knox

Dr. Burnal Ray Knox, 88, of Bella Vista, Arkansas, passed from this life into eternal glory on Friday, September 20, 2019. Dr. Knox, known to many as B.R. (or Ray), was born on March 29, 1931 near Rocky Comfort, Missouri, to Ray B. Knox and Retha Wooldridge Knox. Ray graduated from Bentonville High School in 1949, graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1953 and gained his PHD from the University of Iowa in 1964. Ray was a highly respected science professor and author who taught at Southeast Missouri State University for over 31 years. Ray loved to hike and backpack throughout Missouri, Arkansas and the wilderness areas of Colorado. He was proceeded in death by his parents and his brother, Major Edward Lee Knox. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Nancy Karen; brother Al (Jane) Knox of Prairie Creek and sister-in-law Jennie Knox of Bentonville; children, Paul Knox of Bella Vista, Susan (Steve) Roper of Bella Vista, and Laura Knox of Mesa, Arizona; grandchildren, Chea (Josh) King of Bella Vista, Jacqueline (Greg) Snider of Ocala, Florida, Harry (Leini) Roper of Biloxi, Mississippi, David Ward of Malvern, Natasha Ward of Maysville, and Charlie Roper of Okinawa Japan; great-grandchildren, Aleina Roper, Mason Johnson, Elijah King, and Nolan King; numerous cherished nephews and nieces and cousins. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by funeral services at 2 p.m., Tuesday, September 24, 2019 at Bella Vista Baptist Church. Rev. Tom Smith and Rev. David Knox will be officiating. Memorials may be made to Bella Vista Baptist Church. Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralmation.com.