W.D. "Rabbit" Ray

William Dennis Ray, better known as "Rabbit" went to be with his Lord and Savior, Sunday, July 27, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. Rabbit was born February 2, 1937 to George W. Ray and Virgie (Henry) Ray in Jenkins, Arkansas. Rabbit was 88 years old. Rabbit was a long time member of Harmony Baptist Church in Waldron. He lived his life serving the Lord and showing love and kindness to everyone he knew.

As a young boy Rabbit would get to ride with his dad on the KC Southern Railroad every other week between Mena and Kansas City, Kansas. He sometimes would get on at Heavener, Oklahoma. He loved the railroads and spending time on the train was unforgettable.

He was a graduate of Waldron High School and spent most of his life in and around the Waldron area. After high school, Rabbit found himself drafted by the United States Army. He also proudly served in the United States Army Reserves for a total of 12 years of service.

In his younger days, Rabbit learned to Square Dance and it became a favorite hobby for him. Rabbit was not shy about his love of all Razorback sports, it could be said that he was a "sportaholic". Rabbit enjoyed being on the bowling league in Waldron and for many years he was the coach of the Bank of Waldron "Championship Ladies Softball" team. He was proud of his players, their hard work and their drive and ambition to be that championship team. It was on the ball field that lasting friendships formed and many became like family.

Rabbit retired from The Waldron Furniture Factory and after a little time had passed he put his talents as a Master Designer back to work. Along with his life long friend Alvin Carnahan, they developed C&R Designs. It was here, Rabbit got to really show off his custom designs, custom builds and see his visions become beautiful masterpieces for people to have in their homes. In 2010, Rabbit again retired and began to travel with his beautiful bride along with his siblings and their spouses. These trips were places that great memories were made, good times were had and many laughs could be heard.

When Rabbit wasn't loving on his family, going to grandchildren's ball games or doting over Billie Sue, he could found sitting on his front porch just soaking in nature and just enjoying life.

Rabbit leaves behind to cherish his memory, two daughters: Simone Ray and Lisa Ridenhour both of Waldron, Arkansas and daughter in law, Kim Hale of Hale Town, Arkansas. "Poppa" will forever remain in the hearts of grandchildren: Jodi (Joe) Perry of Poteau, Oklahoma, Chelsea (Jacob) Lord of Wasilla, Alaska, Kendra Kisling of Waldron, Arkansas, Dustin (Hope) Kisling of Dover, Arkansas, Kayla (Ronnie) Cox of Waldron, Arkansas and grandson in law Austin Thomas of Ola, Arkansas. His great grandchildren include: Bryson (Codi) Jones, Jake Perry, Raylyn Thomas, Miles and Rhett Lord, Isaiah, Zachery, Kenya, Natalie Cagle, Luke, Connor and Ethan Kisling, Madison and Joejoe Cox and one great great grandchild Walker Jones. Rabbit is also survived by one brother John (Susan) Ray of Waldron, Arkansas and will be lovingly remembered by his nieces and nephews: Debbie Taff, Judy Self, David Lawson, Dilan (Brianna) Powell, Devin (Dani) Powell, Diane Morris, Beverly Deutschman, Jonette (Brock) Moses, David (Denise) Ray as well a host of great nieces and great nephews. Rabbit will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including many friends, neighbors and loved ones dear to his heart.

Rabbit was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 38 years, Billie Sue (Lawson) Ray, his parents George and Virgie Ray, one daughter, Shannen Ray, one son Billy Joe Hale, one brother Joe Bob Ray, sister and brother in law Virginia and L.D. Powell, brother and sister in law, George W. "Sonny" and Sylvia Ray, one granddaughter Lyonette Thomas, one niece Shelly Powell and nephews, Russell Ray and Brad Powell.

Rabbit's celebration of life will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, July 31, 2025 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Bro. Jeff Jenson officiating. Interment will follow in Duncan Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Rabbit's pallbearers will be Bryson Jones, Jake Perry, Dilan Powell, Devin Powell, Dustin Kisling, Ronnie Cox and Travis Taff. Honorary pallbearers will be Alvin Carnahan, David Lawson, Jacob Lord and Austin Thomas.

Rabbit's visitation will be Thursday, July 31, 2025 from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.