Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Ray Nielsen Obituary
Ray Nielsen, age 86, passed away on September 26, 2025.
He was born on January 16, 1939, in Pennsylvania to the late Leo John Nielsen and Sara (Ruby) Nielsen. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Judith Nielsen; his son, Raymond Nielsen; his son-in-law, Johnnie Anderson; and his grandchild, Nolan Anderson.
On March 21, 1959, he married Judith Nielsen. Ray was a Veteran for 28 years, serving in Korea and Vietnam. He worked as a machinist until retirement and enjoyed playing golf and traveling with his family. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him.
Ray is survived by his son Rick and Shawna Nielsen of Edmond, OK; daughter Susan Anderson of Kirby; his two grandchildren and their spouses, Alese Nielsen of Nashville TN, Ryan and Breanna Nielsen of Edmond, OK; his two great-grandchildren Roman Nielsen and Havan Nielsen both of Edmond, OK, and a host of family and friends, who celebrate his life and the profound impact he had on them.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Smith Family Funeral Home Chapel - Glenwood.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Home- Glenwood.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
209 North 3rd Street, Glenwood, AR 71943
People and places connected with Ray
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Memories and Condolences
for Ray Nielsen
Tell your own story about Ray
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
How you can show support
Make a Donation
in Ray Nielsen's name
How to support Ray's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Ray Nielsen's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
