Anthony Ray Scalf, 68, passed away August 11, 2021. He was born June 18, 1953 in London, Kentucky to Roy Scalf and Treva Inez Williams.
Ray honorably served in the US Army for 22 years. He became a school teacher for 3 years in Carlisle, AR and then became a principal for 10 years at England Elementary. Ray was a member of McArthur Church- Assembly of God in Jacksonville, Arkansas where he served as a Deacon. He was a faithful and devoted husband, father, papaw, brother, and friend. Ray’s family was his world.
Ray is preceded in death by his parents Roy and Treva Scalf; brother-in-law’s Lytel Smith and Bill Johnson; nephew Anthony Lytel Smith; and grandparents Boyd and Sally Williams and Daniel and Betty Scalf.
Ray leaves behind his loving wife of 48 years 11 months and 2 days, Wanda Scalf; children Martha Nicole (Sean) Kubin and Melissa Renae (Mark) Exley; grandchildren Hadassah Kubin, Maria Exley, Arabella Kubin, Maya Exley, and Maverick Exley; siblings Joyce Ann Smith, Brenda Johnson, Jeff (Julie) Scalf, and Linda (Brian) Ealy; and many more family and friends.
Visitation will be Monday, August 16, 2021 at A Natural State Funeral Service from 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Funeral Service will be Tuesday, August 17, 2021 at 10:00am at McArthur Church in Jacksonville. Burial will follow at Mt Carmel Cemetery in Cabot, Arkansas. The family will be streaming the service live- please click link for live feed 5 minutes before service time: https://boxcast.tv/view/ray-scalf-funeral-647096
Arrangements entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400
Please click link for Tribute of Ray’s Life:
https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/J5HWG5FRTH9YPNK8
31 Comments
Wonderful friend from High School
So sorry for your loss. Mr. Ray was a good man and he showed that by how he treated the kids at England elementary school.
Ray was a good Christian man, have known him all my life. I remember how he always enjoyed my Mom’s carrot cake. Our love and prayers are with all the family.
My favorite brother-in-law
I Always Heard Wonderful Things About Mr. Ray when he was the Principal at England Elementary.; The kids Loved Him.
What an awesome man of God Ray was and a great family man as well, I was blessed to call him friend as well. Wanda we are praying for you and the family for peace and comfort during this time, I’m so thankful in knowing we will meet again soon.
I will miss the “how are you young man” greeting that he gave me. Even though he was 14 years my junior. It was an honor and a blessing to be his friend. He will always be remembered with love.
Ray was my friend and we use to sing in choir for a lot of years Together. He will always be my brother in Christ. I will see hi I’m again in heaven someday. Thank you for being my friend.
May God Bless Mr. Ray’s Family. I am thankful for him hiring me at England Elementary and his words of wisdom.
Ray was a wonderful neighbor growing up. I have many memories. When I began teaching Ray became my student more memories, I was cheer sponsor and loved watching Ray play basketball. My parents loved Ray like their own. We need more men like Ray he will never be forgotten.
Heaven gained a great man that will be greatly missed! Thanks for always being so kind and loving to my family! We will see you again!
My heart is broken
I am speechless
A great man and friend will be missed until one day when we will rejoice together again.
Such a great and Godly man. He has finished his race and won the fight! We need more men like him. He will be greatly missed. This isn’t goodbye but see you later! Many prayers for the beautiful family he has left behind…such an amazing legacy.
What an imprint he left n everyone he met‼️ What a legacy for all of us to follow. He loved the Lord with all his heart, he loved his family with all he heart and he loved his friends and country with the same passion and ♥️ See you soon my friend💙. Praying for God’s comfort and peace for Wanda, Nicole, Melissa and the rest his family 🙏♥️ Love y’all 💖💖💖
Went to school with Ray and his wife. He was also on the basketball team and I was a cheerleader cheering him on such good memories. Reading all these sympathy notes he was a well love man and a man of God what a blessing to be remembered for. Wanda many prayers for comfort for you and your family🙏🏼🕊
I’ve known Wanda and Ray since I was very young. Wanda and I were church friends and we became great friends that spent almost every Sunday together. I know her heart is breaking, as is all of Rays family. He was so well thought of and loved by so many. A short separation from him because of where we know he is. I love you, Wanda, and you’re in my prayers. Prayers for all the family.
Mr. Ray was a friend and a mentor. He left a lasting impression on my life and everyone he met. He loved Jesus and his family more than any words could express. I feel blessed to have known him, to have worked with him, and to have had the opportunity to be mentored by him.
Ray was a was a friend’s friend, a man’s man, and a brother’s brother. A faithful friend. A man true to his convictions and a leader who was worthy to be followed. A brother who loved and a brother’s keeper even to his hurt.
I loved Ray, I will miss him, I know I will see him again. Thank God for our blessed hope in Jesus that he and I both share.
Mr. Ray was my Principal at England Elementary. I knew him from going to church with him and I remember thinking the kids are gonna behave themselves now because he was just a big presence wherever he was. It turned out to be true. The kids loved him as well as the staff. It was sad to see him go. No more animal noises in the hallway or morning announcements telling everyone that he was happier than a tornado in a trailer park or I am more nervous that cat in a room full of rocking chairs. (Testing days)
I loved this man and I will continue to love his beautiful family. Mr. Ray the Good Lord willing I will see you in that big classroom in the sky. Thank for making an impact on me and my family. Mary says that she was sad to hear about Mr. Incredible. She will always remember him as the big guy in the little truck.
I WAS PROUD TO HAVE KNOWN A TRUE HERO
A Poem By Rick Combs, Honoring The Life of Ray Scalf
I was proud to have known a true hero,
Who stood for the red, white, and blue.
He was eager to serve for his country,
Whate’er it might need him to do.
But a hero is not just a soldier,
(Although that deserves honor as well).
It’s a husband, a dad and a grandpa,
And a friend with great stories to tell.
He will be sadly missed by his family,
And the many who called him their friend.
His influence will not be forgotten.
And his legacy never will end.
As long as we hold precious memories,
His presence will not go away.
I was proud to have known a true hero,
And I pray for his family today!
What a family reunion they are having in Heaven. Love to Wanda, Nicole and Melissa and their families. Safe travels to Brenda, Jeff and Linda. Prayers to Joyce. Love you all.
Recently we enjoyed having Ray and Wanda for lunch and hearing their story of how God brought them together. It was precious to hear them both tell their stories. Going to miss hearing Ray tell me to tell Tom he loves his old hide. He touched so many lives. What a day of rejoicing when we are all together again!
I sure miss my brother already. Ray was such a good friend, always ready to help and encourage others. We can learn so much from his life and his example. He would always talk about how you word is your bond, if you say you’re going to do something, you better do it. keep your word. Looking forward to the ressurection when I can see that old hid’s new hide…😂 Ray is loved by so many!
I am so heartbroken. Ray was such a good man and lived his life to the fullest. I love Ray, Wanda and her girls. God bless your family and I will be praying for comfort for your all.
Sad news for us, great gain for heaven. He will certainly be missed.
Wanda, Nicole & Melissa we are so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers
On behalf of Central Junior High, we offer our deepest sympathies to Mrs. Melissa Exley and family. Each of you are a legacy to a great man; a man who made a difference in the lives of so many. You all too will carry on his example, his legacy, his purpose. Again, we express our condolences.
Sincerely,
Central Junior High Family
Our hearts sorrow with you during this time of Ray’s Homegoing. We know he is in the Lord’s presence. You and your family are in our prayers during this time of loss.
Harold and I are so sorry to hear of Ray’s passing. We are sending up prayers for Wanda and the whole family. Our only source of comfort is in the Lord and I pray he covers you with His mercy and comfort. RIP old friend.
My heart is broken to hear of Rays passing . Praying for comfort for Wanda and her children and their families . They were a special couple in school who I looked up to . Sure he will be missed by many !
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