Ray Nolan Tedford

Ray Nolan Tedford of Benton passed away at his home on Saturday, September 30, 2017 after a long illness. He was 85 years old. His sweet smile and tender heart will be sorely missed by all who had the good fortune to know him. Ray was born on November 3, 1931 to Oliver Bert and Vera Stocks Tedford in Dardanelle, Ark. He grew up in Bauxite, Ark. where he played football for the Miners and may have caused a little mischief. It was there that he met and married his high school sweetheart, Gene Green. Ray served as a Master Jumper with the US Air Force as a Pathfinder in the 1950's and then worked at Alcoa Aluminum Co. for 28 years. He retired early and enjoyed his days playing golf at Longhills, working out at Fitness Unlimited, and volunteering at CJOHN and Meals On Wheels. He was a charter member of Highland Heights Baptist Church where he served faithfully until he became ill. The greatest joy of his life was his family - and they have never doubted it for a minute. Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Bert and Vera Tedford; his brother, Burl "Curly" Tedford; his sisters, Ruth Tedford Harrell and Louise Tedford Richards; his granddaughter, Morgan Mize; and his great-granddaughter, Maddie Mize. Ray is survived by his wife of 67 years, Gene Green Tedford; his brother, Robert Tedford (Myrlene) of Benton; his daughter, Shelley Mize (John) of Spring, Texas; his son, Gary Tedford (Susan) of Benton; his daughter, Laura McGhee (Tony) of North Little Rock; his seven grandchildren, Megan Campos (Nathan), Danielle White (Matt), Amy Harrison (Bobby), Erin Calaway (Andrew), Josh Mize, Dustin Rhodes (Ashley), and Rindi Rhodes; his 11 great-grandchildren, Cade Campos, Jace Cook, Gray Mize, Abe Harrison, Samuel Harrison, Simone Harrison, Joni Calaway, Hannah Calaway, Helen Ray White, Max Rhodes, Ben Rhodes, and Zoey Morgan Mize on the way; and by his devoted caregiver and dear friend, Kitrina Fleeman. A visitation will be held Tuesday, October 3rd, 6-8 p.m. at Roller Ballard Funeral Home (315-4047) in Benton. A funeral service will be held Wednesday, October 4th, 10 a.m. at Highland Heights Baptist Church in Benton. Rev. Brian Moore and Rev. Bobby Harrison will speak. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.