Clarence "Ray" Wallace, age 83, of Sheridan, Arkansas, entered into his eternal rest on September 26, 2025. Born on March 25, 1942, in Carthage, Arkansas, Ray lived a long life filled with family, hard work, and simple joys.
Ray was preceded in death by his beloved first wife of 34 years and mother of his children, Irma Lee Wallace, as well as his bonus son, Danny Eakin.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 26 years, Betty Sue Wallace, who not only shared in his life's later chapters but lovingly cared for him until the end. Together, they built a blended family filled with love and laughter. Ray is also survived by his children, Terry Wallace (Susan), Tamara Keesee (Steven), and Ronnie Wallace (Clarissa); five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Through his marriage to Betty, Ray gained a loving extended family: Deborah Land (Ray), Kenny Eakin (Becky), Denise Haynes (Jeff), Tennille Michel (Paul), and Kristen Tippit. He leaves behind 14 bonus grandchildren and 22 bonus great-grandchildren.
Ray graduated from Carthage High School in 1960. He was an avid deer hunter who looked forward every season to time spent in the woods with his sisters, brothers-in-law, and cherished friends. Among his oldest and dearest companions were his brothers-in-law Curtis and David, who shared countless memories with him through the years.
A man of determination and ingenuity, Ray was self-employed for most of his life, embodying the true spirit of a jack-of-all-trades who could fix nearly anything. Later in life, he retired from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2024 at the remarkable age of 82. Alongside his many talents, Ray had a gift for music, able to play almost any instrument by ear, bringing joy and entertainment to those around him.
Those who knew Ray will remember him as a hardworking, dependable man, devoted to his family and blessed with many skills, stories, and songs to share. His legacy of resilience, love, and family connection will live on through all who were fortunate to know him.
Pallbearers will be Colby Rushing, Dustin Free, Dusty Craig, Sean Craig, Dennis Free, and John Horn.
Visitation with family and friends will be held Monday, September 29, 2025, from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Memorial Gardens in Sheridan. Funeral services will take place at the same location on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. The service will be officiated by The Reverend Tommy Jones, with music provided by Rachael Jones. Ray will be laid to rest at Philadelphia Cemetery in Prattsville, Arkansas.
The family invites all who knew and loved Ray to join in celebrating a life well-lived and a man deeply loved.