Ray L. Cash

Ray L. Cash, age 90, of Hot Springs, went to be with his Lord on January 1, 2021. He was born December 9, 1930 at Arkadelphia, AR, the son of Tedford N. and Eston Madden Cash. On October 21, 1950, he was married to Betty Royce Sparks. He was retired as President and Chief Executive Officer of Arkansas Bank & Trust Company (now Regions Bank). After retirement, he continued to serve the bank as Vice Chairman of the Board and a member of the Directors Loan Committee. He was active in his church, having served as Sunday School teacher, Finance Chairman, and Church Trustee. He also served as a member of the interim leadership team, long range planning committee and Board of Directors of Hot Springs Baptist Church. Ray was a graduate of Arkadelphia High School and attended Louisiana State University School of Banking, Ohio State University Mortgage School and Purdue University Automation School. He was active in civic work having served as President of Arkadelphia Junior Chamber of Commerce, President of Hot Springs Lion Club, President of Garland County Industrial Development Corporation, Chairman of the Hot Springs Water Commission, member of the Hot Springs School District Board of Education, a director of the Arkansas Bankers Association and on the Ouachita Memorial Hospital Board. He was an Army Reserve Infantry Major and a private pilot. Though he was appointed to many titles, the titles he took pride in the most were "Dad" and "Papaw". There was no greater joy he had than when he was with his family. He enjoyed sharing old memories, delighted in the accomplishments of his grandchildren, and he looked forward to every family birthday and holiday meal gathered around his own dining room table. He loved history, nature and gospel music. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, spending many seasons at deer camp with his friends. Ray was predeceased by his father and mother, his wife of 54 years, Betty R. Cash; and his two brothers, William N. Cash and Joe Mack Cash. His survivors are his two daughters, Lynn Gilliam and husband, James; and Gayle Drobena and husband, Jimmy, all of Hot Springs. Also surviving him are four grandchildren, Alayna McCourt and husband, Sean, of Charlotte, N.C., Stephanie Porter and husband, Brian, of Hot Springs, Allison Drobena of Bentonville, Ark., and Blake Gilliam and wife, Haley, of Conway, Ark. His four great-grandchildren are Eli, Brooks and Olivia Porter of Hot Springs, and Nora Gilliam of Conway. A visitation will be held Friday morning, January 8, 2021, at 9 a.m. at Hot Springs Baptist Church. A celebration of Ray's life will follow at 10 a.m. with Pastor Mike Smith officiating. Burial services will be private. Honorary pallbearers are Gerald Mauldin, Ralph White, Bill Sanders, Johnny Kirkpatrick, Jim Hale, Hughie Lambert, Harris Kimbell and the Sam Windell Sunday School Class of Hot Springs Baptist Church. COVID mandates of face coverings and distancing will be followed. Memorials may be made to Hot Springs Baptist Church or Jackson House, 705 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs, AR 71901. Online condolences at www.caruth-hale.com.