Ray Blevins | Families

Volray “Ray” Blevins, 77 of Jonesboro departed this life peacefully Sunday April 15, 2012, at his home with family and friends at his side.

He was born April 29, 1934 near Violet Hill (Izard County) the son of Charles and Grace Beaver Blevins.

Mr. Blevins was a loving father, son, husband. He retired from the Jonesboro Fire Department after 20 years of service. He was a beloved member of the Sylvan Hill Neighborhood organizing the entry planting and neighborhood block parties. He was a member of the Nettleton Baptist Church and the Jonesboro Retired Firefighters Association. Ray enjoyed walking his beloved dog Riley, gardening, carpentry work, hunting and fishing and playing card games with friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Blevins and Grace Beaver Blevins; brothers Olar, Leonard, Arvis, and Wilson Blevins; sisters, Phenia, Johnson, Jeffie Melton, Zelma Campbell and two infant twin sisters.

Mr. Blevins is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sherry Hames Blevins of the home; daughter, Judy Akin of Nashville, TN; son, David Blevins and his wife Karen of Mt. Juliet, TN; grandchildren, Clay Akin of Nashville, TN, Austin and Lyndie Blevins of Mt. Juliet, TN; sisters, Theoria Rector of Melbourne, AR, Lessie Johnson of Colorna, MI; and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Emerson Funeral Home.

Graveside services will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday morning in the Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery with Dr. Stan Ballard officiating. Cecil Harris and Dan Melton will also be speaking during the services.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are the Jonesboro Fire Department Honor Guard.

Honorary Pallbearers are Jonesboro Fire Department Retirees, Charles and Wava Harris, Gene and Carma Dean May, and Pete and Polly Cronos.

Lasting memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society, 800-227-2345, PO Box 22718 Oklahoma City, OK 73123, www.cancer.org , in memory of Ray Blevins or to a charity of the donor's choice