Ray Nolan Tedford

1931 - 2017

Ray Nolan Tedford, of Benton, passed away at his home Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, after a long illness. He was 85. His sweet smile and tender heart will be sorely missed by all who had the good fortune to know him.
Ray was born Nov. 3, 1931, in Dardanelle to Oliver Bert and Vera Stocks Tedford. He grew up in Bauxite where he played football for the Miners and may have caused a little mischief. It was there that he met and married his high school sweetheart, Gene Green.
Ray served as a master jumper with the U.S. Air Force as a pathfinder in the 1950s and then worked at Alcoa Aluminum Co. for 28 years. He retired early and enjoyed his days playing golf at Longhills, working out at Fitness Unlimited, and volunteering at CJCOHN and with Meals On Wheels. He was a charter member of Highland Heights Baptist Church where he served faithfully until he became ill. The greatest joy of his life was his family and they have never doubted it for a minute.
Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Vera Tedford; a brother, Burl "Curly" Tedford; two sisters, Ruth Tedford Harrell and Louise Tedford Richards; a granddaughter, Morgan Mize; and a great-granddaughter, Maddie Mize.
Ray is survived by his wife of 67 years, Gene Green Tedford; a brother, Robert Tedford (Myrlene), of Benton; a daughter, Shelley Mize (John), of Spring, Texas; a son, Gary Tedford (Susan), of Benton; a daughter, Laura McGhee (Tony), of North Little Rock; seven grandchildren, Megan Campos (Nathan), Danielle White (Matt), Amy Harrison (Bobby), Erin Calaway (Andrew), Josh Mize, Dustin Rhodes (Ashley) and Rindi Rhodes; 11 great-grandchildren, Cade Campos, Jace Cook, Gray Mize, Abe Harrison, Samuel Harrison, Simone Harrison, Joni Calaway, Hannah Calaway, Helen Ray White, Max Rhodes, Ben Rhodes, and Zoey Morgan Mize on the way; and his devoted caregiver and dear friend, Kitrina Fleeman.
Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home 315-4047 in Benton.
Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 4, at Highland Heights Baptist Church in Benton.
The Rev. Brian Moore and the Rev. Bobby Harrison will officiate. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander.
Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.