John Wray

John W. Wray, 87, of Benton went to be the Lord on Sunday, April 15, 2012. He was born in Benton, Arkansas on November 9, 1924. He was a retired construction superintendent and a member of the Church of the Nazarene.

Johnny is survived by his wife of 62 years; Mary (Wilson) Wray, daughters; Debra Wray of Benton and Diane Jaco of Marshall, son; Jay Wilson Wray of Benton, grandchildren; Tara Raley (Brandyn) of New Jersey, Haley (Chandler) Mansfield of Benton, Hunter and Harper Lynn Wray of Benton, great granddaughter Lacey Rae Mansfield of Benton, son-in-law Jack Jaco of Benton, brothers Fred Wray (Sue) and Gerald Wray of Benton, Louis Wray (Cheryl) of Kingsport, TN, sisters Margaret Roberts (Terry) of Bryant, Martha Ferguson of Hot Springs. He is survived by a host of nephews, nieces and friends. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He enjoyed going to church, fishing, scuba diving, trained cutting horses, winning World in 1964, and making people laugh with his quick witted sense of humor. He was a member of the Gideon's International. He was preceded in death by his parents; John and Blanche (Praytor) Wray.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, 2012 at Peaceful Haven Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at Benton First Church of the Nazarene, 1203 W. Sevier St., Benton, with Rev. Brady Lane and Rev. Frank Hill officiating. Burial will follow at Old Rosemont Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Frank Friemel, Elmer Foreman, Larry Breashers, Russ Carron, Floyd Masoner and Gary Don Beck. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Shackleford, Manuel Carman, Don Carman, Gary Halpain, Floyd Long and Richard Green. Memorials may be made in Mr. Wray's name to Benton First Church of the Nazarene. Online guest registry is available at www.peacefulhavenfuneralhome.com.