Joe Dan Ray III, 73, of Cabot passed away on June 23, 2016. He was born on May 27, 1943 in Monkey Run, Arkansas to the late Joe Dan Ray Jr. and Jewel Magdaelene Sentell. He followed his teen angel, Brenda Dean Spires Ray by one year and 13 days.
Joe Dan leaves behind to cherish his memories his daughter, Wendy Michelle Ray; grandson, Levi Carter; granddaughters, Kerri and son-in-law Matt Grimm, Jordan Waymack Victory and Jacy Waymack; one great-granddaughter, Aubrey Victory all of Cabot; brother, Jimmy Ray; sister, Nancy Ray Hollman and many nieces, nephews and cousins who he loved dearly.
He was a graduate of Cabot High School before entering into the United States Army, where he served for years in Germany.
Joe Dan was an entrepreneur, with many business endeavors. It all started with Ray & Boyd Construction with his cousin, Buddy Boyd and brother, Jimmy Ray. That company evolved to Ray & Ray Construction which led to the start of Crown Metal Buildings. During the years of Crown Metal Buildings, the company was recognized as National Top Sellers for Metallic Braden Products, twice. And they also received Top Sales Awards at the State level throughout the 80’s.
Not only was he a businessman but he had a huge heart. Joe Dan gave unselfishly to his community and the Cabot Chamber of Commerce recognized him for his outstanding community support by naming him “Man of the Year”. He was a member of the Jaycee’s for a number of years as well as many other groups and organizations.
Joe Dan’s love of sports began on the football field as a player for the Cabot Panthers which stayed with him his entire life. His love and support for the Panthers was beyond anyone else, he built and donated the Ray Field House that sat for years along the track by the football field. Hundreds of student athletes benefited from his generosity for many years. In 2011, he was inducted into the Cabot Panther Foundation Hall of Fame after years of being their #1 fan and supporter. Not only did he support the high school team he loved so much but he was big sponsor of many youth recreational teams in Cabot as well. And of course he was the truest of Arkansan, loving his Arkansas Razorbacks.
Music was a huge part of his and Brenda’s lives, especially that old time rock and roll…..50’s. He loved to dance and throw parties. In fact his company parties were infamous and back in the day an invitation was much sought after. He was a huge fan of The Marvell’s, an impersonation band, which he followed for years.
His love of music carried over into his spiritual life as well, he would always push for more singin’ than preachin’. He served as a Deacon at Campground Union Church for years as well as attended Mt. Springs Baptist Church.
Hunting and fishing were some other passions that he enjoyed. He was a very good shot and loved to go to deer camp and run dogs.
Most importantly, Joe loved his family, specially his “Mama”. Through family connections he, Brenda and Wendy spent many years on the road between Arkansas and Alaska, back when the ALCAN was just a dirt road. Anyone who know Joe knew he had a soft spot for all young people who crossed his path which resulted in many stops along the ALCAN picking up folks who needed a ride. Joe and Brenda were like gypsies going down the highway with dogs, kids and hippies hanging out the windows.
JOE DAN’S LAST PARTY will be held on Saturday, July 9th at 10:00 a.m. at Mt. Springs Baptist Church in Cabot with food, fellowship and music to follow. In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests that Joe Dan’s legacy be carried on through donations to the Cabot Panther Foundation.
Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Jacksonville, Arkansas. 501-982-3400.
www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com
9 Comments
Joe Dan was always a pilar in the Cabot community! And a great father, husband and all around trail blazer! The world was better because of him. My deepest sympathy to the whole Ray family, my Big Love to Wendy and her children, y’all got some big shoes to fill
So sorry for the loss of a good friend and class mate . Prayers go out to the family.
I never knew this gentle gentleman, but I couldn’t keep myself from reading his Obituary. I’m glad I did!!! What an amazing legacy to be left by ONE PERSON. SO MANY people of all ages have and are STILL benefiting in major ways from the generosity and kindness of this man. May God Comfort all loved ones. “Christ rejoices as a saint is delivered into heaven .”
Joe Dan was a one of a Kind Man. Prayers or all the family.
thinking of the family with lots of prayers
Praying for you all in this difficult time. So very sorry for your loss.
In the early eighties I worked for Joe Dan’s company. Joe was appreciative of his employees, always fair, hardworking and enjoyable to work for. He also had a good sense of humor and. could be very funny. I know he will be greatly missed by his family and friends. I remember Joe Dan and Brenda when they were young and dating. Brenda was a beauty and Joe Dan was very hip and cool – don’t you just know they still are. D. Dodson
I grew up in Cabot with both Jo Dan’s and Brenda’s families. The old phrase “keep it real” certainly applied to Jo Dan. His generosity with family , friends and strangers was real and genuine. He helped me when I was in the radio business supporting our football broadcasts and more importantly our charity programs during the Christmas season. Jo Dan was not a loud man and he would give you advice only if you ask for. Always real. He was so real, he wanted his food to be real. The only time I ever heard him complain was about people who couldn’t cook real food and cook it properly. After all beans have to be cooked down and cooked down long till the’yer right! I will never forget this real deal of a fellow and his lovely Brenda.
Many thanks to everyone for their kind words and prayers along with all the cards and food my family received during this awful sad time. Big thanks to everyone who participated in the service and to Natural State Funeral Services for their help. Missing my Daddy like you wouldn’t believe……
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