Clifford Dean Ray

Funeral services for Clifford Dean Ray, 83, of Crossett will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 19, 2016, at First Baptist Church of Crossett with Bro. Jamie Staley officiating.  Interment will follow at Lakewood Cemetery under the direction of Medders Funeral Home. 

Dean passed away on February 17, 2016, with his wife and family by his side.  He was a lifelong Crossett resident and member of First Baptist Church. After graduating from Crossett High School in May of 1950, Dean began working at the Crossett Lumber Company Sawmill.  By summer’s end, Dean had earned enough money to buy engagement and wedding rings for Carolyn Emory - the one he lovingly called his “bride” throughout their marriage.  Dean and Carolyn married in June 1951 and were the epitome of devotion for over 64 years.  After a 32-year career at Georgia Pacific, Dean retired in 1982. Shortly thereafter, he began working as City Engineer for the City of Crossett, retiring from city service in 1997.

A World War II buff, Dean believed strongly in the importance of patriotism, history, and civics.  His carpentry skills turned everything his family ever envisioned into reality.  His original designs and attention to detail gave way to unique works of unparalleled quality, beauty, and functionality.  Dean loved the Arkansas Razorbacks, and he and Carolyn enjoyed many memorable trips up The Hill and to War Memorial Stadium to call the Hogs.

Dean was preceded in death by his parents, Louise Williams Ray and Lonnie William Ray, Sr.; a daughter, Lynn Ray Courtney; and a brother, Robert C. “Bobby” Ray.  He is survived by his wife, Carolyn; one son, Bill (Kim) Ray; two daughters, Fran (Johnny) Blankenship and Pamela (David) Oliver; four grandsons, Jason (Jennifer) Blankenship, Josh (Kristi) Blankenship, Brad Courtney, and Will Oliver; three granddaughters, Deanna (Mike) Oden, Carrie Jenkins, and Katy (Matt) Morgan; as well as 13 great-grandsons, three great-granddaughters, and one great great grandson.  Survivors also include one brother, Lonnie W. (Shirley) Ray, Jr.; one sister-in-law, Judy Ray; and a multitude of other family members, including many nieces and nephews who adored him.    

Pallbearers will be Jason Blankenship, Josh Blankenship, Brad Courtney, Will Oliver, Casey Oden, and Kason Brooks.  Honorary pallbearers will be his great-grandchildren:  Tanner Oden, Erica Oden, Jayden Mann, Kate Kilcrease, Braden Courtney, Cameron Muirhead, Blake Morgan, Briton Blankenship, Judd Blankenship, Joel Blankenship, Isaac Blankenship, Maddox Morgan, John John Blankenship, Jacob Blankenship, Bailey Cook, Kinsley Jenkins, and Jasie Blankenship.

“Until we are reunited with Dean, may we honor his memory by living our lives with an unyielding devotion to the things he held dearest:  faith, family, and country.  Dean placed a premium on family and found a very special place in his heart for every single member of our extended family.  He loved us and was proud of everything we accomplished; and to his credit, we knew it.  Both individually and collectively, we will never forget the unfailing support and unconditional love he gave so freely.”

Visitation will be Thursday, February 18, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Medders Funeral Home, 1564 Hwy 52W, in North Crossett.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 701 Main Street, Crossett AR 71635; or CARD (Crossland Zoo), PO Box 1550, Crossett AR 71635.

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