Darren Michael Ray

Darren Michael Ray, 54, of Fayetteville, Arkansas passed away peacefully surrounded by his family, Friday, May 11, 2018 at Willard Walker Hospice Home in Fayetteville. He was born September 26, 1963 in Texarkana, Texas to Jack and Joan Ray. Darren Ray was a well-known musician and a Fayetteville legend. He was a singer, song writer and solo artist as well as played lead guitar and bass for several bands. He played in casinos, clubs and restaurants and his bands opened for several nationally known bands. Everyone that ever met him loved him and he never met a stranger. He was grateful for his musical gifts, and enjoyed sharing those gifts with others. He lived life to the fullest. He was preceded in death by his parents. Darren Ray is survived by the love of his life, Kelli Collins; her mother, Virginia Elmore and Kelli's children, Hillary, Cody, Isabel, and her granddaughter, the apple of his eye, Poppie Jo. He is also survived by one brother, David Ray and wife, Lisa of Springdale, Ark., and their children, Lauren and Skyler; his sister, Debra Harris and husband, Don Harris of Fayetteville their children Brittany Adcock (Aaron), Melissa Doty (Blake) and Robert Harris; 2 great-nieces and 2 great nephews and many fellow musicians, fans and dear friends. A celebration of Darren Ray's life will be held at 3:00PM, Tuesday, May 15, 2018 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, in Fayetteville with the Reverend Lowell Grisham officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Darren Ray's memory to Willard Walker Hospice Home, 325 E Longview St, Fayetteville, Ark., 72703. Arrangements have been entrusted to Stockdale-Moody Funeral Services of Rogers. Words of comfort or memories may be shared at stockdale-moodyfs.com.