Sammy Carl Ray

Sammy Carl Ray, age 82, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2024 at Pink Bud Nursing Center in Greenwood, Arkansas. Born April 18, 1942, in Amarillo, Texas, he was the beloved son of Kenneth Ray and Marie (Lyle) Ray. Sammy married the love of his life, Emily Ray, on August 30, 1969 at St. Boniface Church in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and they enjoyed many wonderful years together in marriage. An accomplished individual, Sammy graduated from Northside High School and attended Okmulgee Tech in Oklahoma, and obtained a degree in Accounting. He was also a proud veteran, who served as a member of the Marine Corps in Vietnam. Sammy also enjoyed a long career with the Southwest Times Record up until his retirement. In his free time, he loved to go fishing, play golf, and above all else, he loved spending quality time with his children and grandchildren. As a true patriot and man of God, Sammy was a devoted member of St. Boniface Catholic Church, and was a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather. Sammy is survived by his wife, Emily Ray; three children, Samantha Cole; Ryan Ray and wife Paige; and Kristal Langhorn; five grandchildren; and his sister, Darlene Ray. He is preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Marie Ray. Services will take place at St. Boniface Catholic Church, located at 1820 N B St, Fort Smith, AR 72901, on Thursday, August 1, 2024, with a Rosary at 11 AM and Mass to follow at 12 PM. A Committal Service will also take place at 2 PM on August 1, 2024, at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, located at 522 Garland Ave, Fort Smith, AR 72901. The family requests that Memorial Donations be made to the St. Boniface Bell Fund in Sammy’s honor. Cremation is under the thoughtful direction of Lewis Funeral Chapel. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sammy Carl Ray, please visit our floral store.