Mr. Bobby Joe Ray, fondly known to many by just "Louie", passed from this earthly life on Tuesday, September 4, 2017 at his home surrounded by family. Bobby was born January 8, 1936 to Harold "Hal" and Frances Florine Lichlyter Ray in Grannis, Arkansas, He attended Wickes High School, where he loved to dominate the basketball court, and earned the nickname, "Louie". After high school, he joined and served one term in the U. S. Air Force. On September 19, 1969, he married his longtime love, Betty Mae Jones. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of De Queen. Bobby spent his life very quietly and humbly serving his church and community on numerous committees and outreach programs. One of his favorites was helping serve breakfast to the local De Queen High School athletes every Friday morning. He was a diehard Wickes Warrior Basketball fan, and would travel hours to watch and support them. The only thing he loved more was following his Allie girl around and supporting her in whatever sport she was playing at the time. Bobby was an independent owner/operator truck driver contracted with Frozen Food Express, until his retirement. He was preceded in death by both his parents, his stepfather, Cecil Selman of De Queen and one brother, Jimmy Bethel of Wickes. He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Jones Ray of almost 48 years of De Queen, two sons and daughters-in-law, Randy and Jayne Cole of Gillham, Arkansas, Kevin and Leslie Ray of De Queen, Arkansas, four grandchildren, Melinda, Dalton, Kolbie and Allie along with four precious great-grandchildren, two sisters and a brother-in-law, Sue and Dave Dampier of De Queen, and Sandra Graham of Chattanooga, Tennessee, and a host of other family members and dear friends. Funeral Services for Mr. Bobby Ray will be held at 10:00 A.M., Wednesday, September 6, 2017 in the First Baptist Church of De Queen, with Bro. Jerry Hill and Bro. Dan Ford officiating.  Burial will follow in the Valley Cemetery, Gillham, Arkansas, under the direction of Chandler Funeral Home, De Queen. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Gideon's De Queen Camp, P.O. Box 713, De Queen, Arkansas 71832. You may send online condolences at www.chandlerfuneral.com .
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