Virgil L. Ray

SPARKMAN -- Virgil L. Ray, 77, of Sparkman died April 4, 2005, at the Ouachita County Medical Center in Camden. Born Aug. 18, 1927 at Sparkman, he was the son of the late John L. Ray and Lalah Shambley Ray. Mr. Ray was a retired clerk and mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He was an active member, deacon and pianist/organist for 50 years at Sparkman First Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Jack Ray.

Survivors include: His wife of 49 years, Frances Sims Ray of Sparkman; one son, Michael Ray and his wife, Susan, of Franklin, Tenn.; three daughters, Robbie Wilkins and her husband, Buddy, of Camden, Melissa Gordon of Sparkman, and Betsy Miles and her husband, Ken, of Arkadelphia; one son-in-law, Johnny Gordon of Sparkman; one brother, Raymond Ray and his wife, Lavena, of Malvern; one sister, Frances Sue Ritter of Camden; seven grandchildren, Jason Freeman, Brandi Bryant, Steven Wilkins, Jordan Ray, Rayanne Gordon, Rachel Gordon and Johnathan Miles.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday, April 7, 2005, at Sparkman First Baptist Church. Burial will be in Sparkman Cemetery under the direction of Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce.

Memorials may be made to Sparkman First Baptist Church, 213 North Broadway, Sparkman, Ark. 71763.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Sign the online register at bentonfuneralhome.com.

Published: Wednesday, April 6, 2005 12:03 PM CDT in The Daily Siftings Herald