Rafael Curiel

Rafael (Ray) Carl Curiel, born November 20, 1953 in Belleville, IL to the late R.I. and Erla Curiel, passed away unexpectedly at his home in Conway, Arkansas, Thursday, September 7, 2023.

Ray grew up in Forrest City, Arkansas and moved to Conway to attend the University of Central Arkansas, graduating with a major in Political Science and History - a fitting major for someone who, even as a child, was an avid student of WWII. While attending UCA, Ray worked at Wards Bus Company and remained there after graduating for the next 18 years, working as an inventory control manager. During this time, Ray took one of his many hobbies to a new level, working weekends and evenings as a freelance wedding and glamour shot photographer, and shooting all over central Arkansas. In 1992, Ray married Cindy Jones, the person he was always meant to be with. They moved shortly afterward to Castle Rock, Colorado, where they lived for the next 30 years.

Ray and Cindy found their true home in Colorado. Living in the West enabled Ray to explore many of his passions. The beautiful desert scenery of Monument Valley and the New Mexico Balloon Festivals took his photography in new directions. He loved exploring the rugged terrain looking for geodes and minerals, often taking his granddaughter, Halee on these rock excursions. Since childhood, Ray was enamored with trains and Colorado’s railroad history was rich. He collected model trains and all types of train memorabilia. He walked many miles on many tracks looking for old electrical insulators.

While living in Colorado, Ray continued his work in inventory management for various companies throughout the Denver area finally leaving the 40-hour work week behind to devote his full time to antiquing. He was a collector, a meticulous restorer of furniture, and always in search of the perfect piece. Ray loved to drive and a good road trip was one of his favorite things to do. Ray and Cindy would set out in the morning with a good station playing on the radio and a couple of cold drinks and see where the road would take them and what they would find on the way. Always an adventure.

Ray was an avid reader, a music lover, a challenging chess opponent, and a bit mischievous. Ray was the neighbor you called when you needed help or needed to borrow one of his immaculately kept tools. He was the quietest one in the room sometimes, but he was always observing everything and everyone around him.

Ray and Cindy moved back to Conway in 2021 to be close to family. Ray continued his “junkin” and he and Cindy maintained a booth at Crystal Hill Antique Mall.

Ray is survived by his wife of 30 years, Cindy Jones Curiel of Conway, Arkansas; a stepson, Jason Jones of Pennsylvania; two grandchildren, Halee Jones and Dustin Ogg and their mother, Jessica Brooks all of Utah; Ray’s mother-in-law, Mary Schulze of Conway, Arkansas; his sisters, Christine (Roger) King of Florida and Diann (Slaton) Fry of Conway, Arkansas; nieces, Sara King Cotet, Julia King, and Elise Fry all of New York and a nephew, Evan Fry of Little Rock, Arkansas.

Memorial service information for friends and relatives within Conway area will be held on October 4, 2023 from 4:00 to 6:00 pm in the families home. Please call 720-443-7087 for the details and location. A celebration of Ray’s life will be held at a later date in Castle Rock, Colorado. A memorial page can be found on the Griffin Leggett website. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the charity closest to your heart.