Ray Bromley

1927 - 2023

Alvin Ray Bromley, age 95, of Russellville, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Monday, July 31, 2023. He was born September 12, 1927, to Alvin Terrell and Mollie Ann Wood Bromley in Gilliland, Texas.

Ray graduated valedictorian from Gilliland High School and went on to Draughan Business School in Wichita Falls. He then found a job at National Biscuit Company in Wichita Falls but was soon transferred to Shreveport. There he met Dorothy Kinard, who became his wife and life partner of 75 years, and the mother of their three children. In 1954 they moved to El Dorado, where he worked for Murphy Oil in Data Processing. He loved to garden and raise green beans, corn, tomatoes, peas – all which Dorothy then had to spend her summers canning and freezing. We knew things were changing when the garden didn't go in just a few years ago.

He had a wonderful, dry sense of humor. He was an encourager, and a loyal friend, and was well loved and respected by all who knew him. His family was everything to him. The grands loved nothing better than riding on the lawnmower with Papaw, and we, his adult kids, never left his home to go back to ours without his asking about our tires and telling us not to drive too fast. We always knew he had our back no matter what.

His God, faith, and church were an integral part of who Ray was. He taught Sunday School, was a deacon, served on many committees, and sang in the choir with his beautiful baritone voice at Immanuel Baptist Church for many years. In 1965 he was asked to come to Ebenezer Baptist just outside El Dorado to be the lay Music and Youth Director, where he stayed for 16 years. He and Dorothy eventually went back to Immanuel, where he served on staff for several years as Financial Secretary, before moving to Russellville in 2004 to be closer to children and grandchildren. They have been faithful members of First Baptist Church there as much as their declining health has allowed ever since.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Treat Bromley; two sisters, Elba McMahon, and Elsie Lawson; one nephew, and three nieces.

He is survived by Dorothy; two daughters and sons-in-law, Debbie Beard (Travis) of Russellville and Kerry Ward (John) of North Little Rock; a son, Terrell Bromley (Chris) of Milwaukee, WI.

His beloved grandchildren, Melanie O'Patry (Bryan) of Rogers, Emily Durham (Aaron) of Ft. Smith, Andy Beard (Megan) of Little Rock, Blake Palmer of North Little Rock, Mollie Palmer of Little Rock, and Nick Bromley of Milwaukee. And then there's those great grands, Cali, Bo and Owen O'Patry, Oliver and Chloe Durham, and Jonathan Palmer. He is also survived by two nephews, Jim Eiland and Ken Lawson.

A memorial service will be 10 a.m., Monday, August 7, at First Baptist Church in Russellville, followed by a time of greeting. A private burial for the family will be in Rest Haven Memorial Park, under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

The family wishes to thank Gentiva Hospice, and Atkins Nursing and Rehab for their kind, considerate, and invaluable help.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Russellville Benevolence Fund, or Gentiva Hospice of Arkansas.

Sing with the angels, Daddy!!!

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.