Jimmy Ray Clayborn

Jimmy Ray Clayborn, 76, of Rudy, left his earthly home and was welcomed into the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Friday, July 1, 2022. He was surrounded by his family and very special friends, Mike and Dodie Hamby. He was born June 12, 1946 in Woodsfield, OH. Jimmy served in the U.S. Navy for 24 years and drove a tractor-trailer over the road for many years before becoming the owner/operator of Clayborn Trucking Co. He was a Christian that showed the love of Jesus to others by always being willing to help anyone out no matter what the need was, he had a heart of gold, the biggest smile and the brightest blue eyes of anyone. He was happiest when he was spending time with his family and friends, he loved to camp and travel with his family and special friends Mike and Dodie. He enjoyed playing his guitar and singing. One of his favorite things was being a "Poppie" to his grandkids, he would chase them around to all of their ballgames and play in the pool with them every chance he got.
He was preceded in death by his father, Lincoln Harvey "Dick" Clayborn; his momma, Anna Mae Bly; his birth mother, Dorothy Irene Filkins; two brothers, Jerry and Richard Clayborn; eight sisters, Nina Patrick, Sue Marvel, Judy Ingram, Shirley Bly, Marsha Baker, Linda Carpenter, Charlotte Dobbin, and Debbie Sandy.
He is survived by his loving, devoted and caring wife of 51 years, Mary Lou Clayborn of the home; the biggest daddy's girl, Rebecca Rae "Becky" Arnold and husband Kevin (who he often jokingly referred to as "meat-head"); his loving son, karate buddy and basketball watching partner, Jeff Clayborn and wife Jennifer (that he fondly called "a keeper" since the day he met her), all of Rudy; one special dog, Lulu; five grandchildren, Shelby Taylor Keen and husband Joseph of Conway, Allie Arnold of Rudy, Hope Arnold of Rudy, Sierra Clayborn of Rudy, Dillon Clayborn and fiancé Kellsie Murphy of Natural Dam; six great-grandchildren, Harper and Paisley Keen of Conway, Kayson Drake Clayborn, Aiden Murphy, Trea Sousa and Lakelyn Murphy, all of Natural Dam; a brother, Eddie Baker of New Martinsville, WV; six sisters, Joyce Harris of Wichita Falls, TX, Jeanie Clayborn of New Boston, TX, Tami Mason of Van Buren, Vicki McKinney of Ozark, Shirley Roberts of Sardis, OH, and Donna Estadt of Caldwell, OH; as well as many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.
Funeral service will be 12:30 p.m. Thursday, July 7, 2022 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel with interment to follow at the Fort Smith National Cemetery, under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR.
Pallbearers will be his Navy buddies, David Tucker, Howard Edwards, Bob Reed, Mike Howard, Brian Holycross, and Kenny Edwards.
The family will visit with friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 6, 2022, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren, AR.
The Clayborn family would like to say a huge thank you to the staff of Heart of Hospice for the love and care shown to Jimmy and his family during this difficult time and to Dr. Jeffrey Hamby and Dr. Janice Keating for going above and beyond the call of duty.