Raymond Odean McMurry

Raymond Odean McMurry, of Sheridan, passed away April 29, 2011 at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock at the age of 86. He was born Oct. 31, 1924 in Fordyce, Ark. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis Elmer McMurry and Minnie May Gober McMurry; a brother, James Alvin McMurry Sr.; and a sister, Virginia Fitzsimmons. Survivors include two nieces, Jean Cochran and husband Clayton of Fordyce, Ark., and Joan Hill of Diamondhead, Miss.; three nephews, Jim McMurry and wife Nancy of Sherwood, Ark., and Mike Fitzsimmons and Mac Fitzsimmons of Alexandria, La.; two great-nieces, Becky Bryant and husband Andy of Sheridan, Ark. and Gwynne Dunlap and husband Billie of Fort Worth, Texas; two great-nephews, Tim Crawley of Jackson, Miss. and James McMurry and wife Molly of Memphis, Tenn.; and many, many friends. Mr. McMurry graduated from Fordyce High School as valedictorian of his class. He had the opportunity to travel to many sites all over the world working for GeoSource performing oil and gas exploration. His later years, he worked with his life-long friend, Gordon Offutt and his family at Offutt signs in Little Rock, and then moved to Sheridan in 1994 to be near family. He was a member of Lifeline Baptist Church in Little Rock, Ark. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved visiting with family and friends. He was a prayerful, faithful servant to his Lord and contributed faithfully to many ministries to help others. Visitation will be held from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Monday at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce, Ark. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Monday at Stoney Point Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials made to your favorite charity will be appreciated. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.com.