As a young man, Ray worked for the Civil Conservation Corps and was a pipeline welder. He was an airline mechanic for Catalina Flying Boats, American Airlines and Boeing Aircraft Company. He also worked in maintenance at Burlington Mills. In addition, he was a logger and cattleman and enjoyed reading, gardening and woodworking. He was a proud World War II United States Army Veteran and a member of the Christian Church.
Ray's service to his country began in August of 1944 during World War II in Company B 194th Glider Infrantry, 17th Airborne Division, and was a volunteer paratrooper. His decorations included the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, American Campaign Ribbon with 2 bronze stars, good conduct medal, Army of Occupation Ribbon (Germany) Victory Ribbon, 1 overseas service bar and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He served in the Rhineland Central Europe Campaign with occupation specialties as a rifleman, cook with the 325th Glider Infantry and Mess Sergeant. He also served in the postwar effort in the Enlisted Reserve Corps in Aircraft Assembly. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Emma Victoria (Vicki) Truman; two brothers, Johnny King and Ralph King; and one sister, Olive Clark.
Ray is survived by his wife, Patricia King of Little Rock; children, Ray King Jr. (Denise) of Hagerman NM, Mark King (Sandi) from Oologah, OK, Linda Marcum (Ron) from Harrison, John King (Luisa) from Plano, TX, and Rebecca Hupp (Michael) from Little Rock, 20 Grandchildren, 34 Great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren; and sisters: Frances Hale of Brandon MS, Paula Jean Tredwell of Wichita, KS and Joann Drake of San Antonio, TX.
Funeral services with military honors will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 6, 2022, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Chuck Ball officiating. Burial will be in Tyro Cemetery on Hwy. 54 in Tyro, AR. You can sign Mr. Ray's guestbook page at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(10)
Carl Sivils
El Dorado, AR Tuesday, August 9, 2022 So sorry for your loss.Gloria
Monticello, AR Tuesday, August 9, 2022 Mr. King was such a sweetheart. Pat you lived across the street from me in Western Pines for a little while and I remembered you as Librarian many years ago. I’m thinking of you and your family.Marshall and Sheila Morgan
Dumas, AR Saturday, August 6, 2022 We’re so sorry for your loss! We missed you after you left Tyro. Mr Ray Thomas will be greatly missed. Our prayers are with your family.Wanda Kulbeth-Harris
Vilonia, AR Saturday, August 6, 2022 I am so sorry for your loss. Lifting you all up in my prayers for the tough days ahead!Dan Shockley
San Diego, CA Friday, August 5, 2022 Sorry for the loss of Mr. King. I knew Johnny and Becky as we grew up together at Tyro. Ms. Pat is a wonderful woman and the love between Mr. Ray and her shown constantly. Bless you all in the King family.Martha Huffman
Monticello, AR Friday, August 5, 2022 Ms Patricia, Linda and all the family. My prayers are with you all. Keep close to God and he will help you with your grief.ricky king
tyro, AR Friday, August 5, 2022 first of all, to MS pat and the kids I'm truly sorry for the loss of your dad. Ray was my dad's first cousin and my my neighbor for over 20 years, we worked cows, rode horses and spent quite a few hours just talking about family and life together. He was tough when he thought he needed to be and caring and compassionate when he needed to be...he was a good man and a good friend...and I'm going to miss him ...our hearts and prayers go out to all of you during this time...rickJennifer Buck
Great Falls, MT Thursday, August 4, 2022 Love and prayers to the King family.Joe H Hale
Shreveport, LA Thursday, August 4, 2022 Rip uncle Ray. Mom has great brothers and sisters.Carl W Hale
Pueblo, CO Wednesday, August 3, 2022 So sorry about Uncle Ray, I still remember visiting when I was in high school, deer hunting with cousins, fun times.