Obituaries

Ray B. Stanley

Photo of Ray B. Stanley
Ray B. Stanley, age 73, of Mena, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, May 31, 2017 in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Ray B. was born in Electra, Texas on December 25, 1943 to the late Ray B. Stanley, Sr., and the late Victoria Louise "MaMaw" Jordan Stanley. He was happily married to Vicki Stanley for almost forty years. For a majority of his life, he was dedicated to public service. This can be seen in his 20 years as a California Highway Patrolman, then 18 years as the Polk County Judge, and provided his services during post Katrina devastation in Louisiana. As Polk County Judge his mission was to provide a more reliable infrastructure to all the citizens of Polk County in which we enjoy today. Ray B. also loved wood working, while in California he would spend his spare time building houses for people. Ray B. built the home where he and Vicki raised their family and still reside today. Ray B. also enjoyed working with classic cars, toys and anything that required restoration. Ray B. also had a love for animals and wanted to save all animals he would see on ASPCA commercials. Primarily, Ray B. loved his family and especially his grandchildren. He loved God and was an active member of the First Freewill Baptist Church. He was a loving, dedicated husband, father, step-father, grandfather, brother, uncle, public servant, and friend to all. He will be dearly missed. He is survived by: wife: Vicki Stanley for 40 years of Mena, Arkansas; sons: Neil A. Stanley and wife Emily of Kansas, Travis L. Stanley and wife Jennifer of Springdale, Arkansas; daughters: Kimberly L. Shellner and husband Rodney of Florence, Arizona, Laura A. Hesse and husband Kenneth of Huntington Beach, California; grandchildren: Mason W. Stanley, Ralph O. Stanley, Keyton L. Stanley, Cameron S. Shellner, Kaylee A. Shellner, Ella M. Hesse and Alyssa M Hesse; step-children: Scot A. King of California, Nicole McCalmont of California; brother: William L. Probasco and wife Galen of Alabama; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and friends whom loved him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray B. Stanley Sr. and Victoria Louise "MaMaw' Stanley, two brothers, son, Godfrey and Grover Probasco and also a niece, Rebecca Probasco. Funeral service will be Sunday, June 4, 2017, 2 p.m. at First Freewill Baptist Church in Mena with Brother Donnie Jewell officiating. Interment will follow in the Pinecrest Memorial Park under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena. Family and friend's visitation will be Saturday, June 3, 2017 from 6-8 p.m. at Beasley Wood. Pallbearers will be Scott Rogers, John Herring, Dalton Doughty, Stacy Nash, Jeff Howard and Glen Wells. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Turner, Ed Aleshire, JV Brotherton, Leroy Friend, Jeremy Thorton, Mike Oglesby, and Mike Fortner. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St Judes Children's Hospital or Humane Society of the Ouachita.

Published June 3, 2017

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