Leonard Evans Ray

Leonard E. Ray, 89, of Fort Smith, died September 4, 2015 in Fort Smith. He was born April 15, 1926 in St. Louis, MO to Bonne Odell and Nola Violet Evans Ray. He was a retired Brick Mason and a veteran of the U.S. Navy where he served in the USS Warrick in the South Pacific in the amphibious division, delivering artillery and personnel in the Battle of Iwo Jima. He was honorably discharged May 23, 1946 in Memphis, TN returning home to join the family tradition of brick masons. He was a lifetime member of the International Union of Bricklayers and Craft workers, AFL CIO and CLC.

He married his life-time soulmate on November 5, 1948. They shared 66 years and 9 months as man and wife. They were married in Marie's family home in Woodward, OK. Being raised in the Assembly of God Church, he was baptized by his grandfather in the White River at West Fort, AR. He loved to hunt, fish and travel in their RV. They visited 48 states from Alaska to Mexico and stayed winters in Mission, TX. He dearly loved his grandchildren, teaching them water sports, hunting, and fishing, and riding their bikes at lake fronts and other activities.

He is survived by his wife, Marie of the home; one daughter, Ellen Field and husband Mike of Fort Smith; one son, Bobby Ray and wife Virginia of Lewisville, TX; three grandchildren, Leann Barton and husband Wilbur of Fort Smith, Brett and Barry Ray of Dallas, TX; great grandchildren, Jagger Ray of Dallas, TX and Evan and Aaron Barton of Fort Smith, and great-great grandchild, Emery Barton of Fort Smith, AR; one brother, Ronald Ray of Rudy, AR; three sisters, Judy Hunter of Fort Smith, Ora Lee Spaulding of Fort Smith, and Delores Wright of Diamond Bar, CA. He was preceded in death by two brothers and one sister.

Graveside service will be Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at 1:00 PM at the U.S. National Cemetery of Fort Smith under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.

The family will greet friends at Edwards Funeral Home on Monday from 2-4 PM. Memorials may be the Sebastian County Humane Society, 3800 Kelley Hwy, Fort Smith, AR 72904. To sign an online guestbook visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com