Carl W. Ray, Sr., age 88, passed away on November 10, 2025, after a brief illness. He was born to Tommy and Preston Ray on October 13, 1937, in Pemiscot, Missouri.

Carl is preceded in death by his parents, Tommy and Preston Ray, his brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Mary Lou Ray, and his brothers-in-law, R.O. Plunkett, Everett Lott, and Freddy Battles.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Inis Ray; his children, Joy Ray (Mike) Gipson of Little Rock, Arkansas, loving son and daughter-in-law, Carl Waymon Ray, Jr. and Oreo Ray of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and his cherished daughter Christi Ray (Robert) Baugh of Pine Bluff, Arkansas.  He is also survived by his dearest former daughter-in law, Lisa Story of Georgetown, Texas.

He is also survived by his siblings: Mary Ella Lott Battles, Thomas “Buddy” (Brenda) Ray, Nancy Plunkett, Albert (Leveta) Ray, Elmer Ray, and Robert (Elaine) Ray.

Carl was the proud grandfather of 11 grandchildren: Will Norwood (Stephanie), Michael (Marina) Swindle, Leland Kerlin, Daniel Ray, Ashley Ray, Wade Ray, Matt Ray, Jessica Ray, Benjamin Ray, Jake (Angela) Martar, and Rebecca Raven (Thomas) Gateley. He also leaves behind 5 great-grandchildren: Heidi Swindle, Otto Swindle, Dyess Norwood, Brooklyn Culin, and Barrett Culin, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Carl graduated from Armorel High School in 1955 and began his banking career as a teller, holding positions in Arkansas and Missouri banks before joining The Bank of Benoit, where he also served as a councilman and Vice-Mayor of Benoit, Mississippi.  He later moved to Cleveland, Mississippi where he joined Cleveland State Bank as Vice President and attended Delta State College. Carl was the President of the Cleveland Community Theater, where he had the pleasure of meeting actor Gary Collins during a Whistlestop Playhouse production.

In 1977, Carl moved his family to Eudora, Arkansas, where he joined The Eudora Bank serving in various positions and ultimately named President. He was deeply involved in the Eudora community, serving on the Chicot-Desha Port Authority, the Chicot County Conservation Committee, Eudora Lions Club, President of the Eudora Chamber of Commerce, and as a Director of the Lake Village Country Club.

In the late 80s Carl settled in Pine Bluff, working for the city until his retirement.  He attended the Pine Bluff First Assembly of God, Watson Chapel Baptist Church and Double Wells Assembly of God.

Throughout his banking career, Carl had the pleasure of meeting several Arkansas governors and once met with royalty.  He enjoyed golfing and bowling and was very proud of winning the Bowling Association Tournament’s All Events Handicap Trophy with a score of 1913.

Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m., with funeral services at 2:00 p.m., on Friday, November 21, 2025, at A Natural State Funeral Service and Crematory, 2620 W. Main St., Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076.

Arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com