MYRTLE BEACH, S.C.

— Lonnie Ray Staton, Sr. went to be with the Lord on February 8, 2023. Lonnie was one of 12 children born to Seab and Modena Staton. He attended school in England and moved to Little Rock where he was a graduate of Central High School class of 1964. During high school, he played basketball where he developed a lifelong love of the game. After High School, he joined the National Guard where he trained as a medic. He had a heart of gold and was always willing to help friends and strangers alike. Lonnie was a manager for Safeway and later owned two liquor stores which he sold when he bought his first two tractors. He then began a life of farming, raising cattle, and bailing hay. He spent most of his life farming and loved working in the fields.

After retiring, he moved to South Carolina to enjoy watching Gunsmoke, continuing to watch his beloved Arkansas Razorbacks, and fishing on the beach with his family as often as possible.

Ray is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Bobbie Staton; a daughter Angie Staton Johnson (Ben); step-daughter Laura Michelle Allen (Chris); daughter Jill Staton; son Lonnie Ray Staton, Jr. (Brittney); grandchildren Reese Johnson, Matthew Allen, Brooks Johnson, Hunter Staton, and Brynley Staton. He is also survived by siblings Eugene (Mamie) Staton of Conway, Elsie Lee Dixon of Maumelle, Gail (Dorothy) Staton of Humnoke, Martha Cantrell of Sheridan, Faye Brown of Mabelvale, Seab Staton, Jr. (Brenda) of Sherwood, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Seab Staton and Modena Staton; brothers Joe Staton, Paul Staton, and sisters Ruth Grisham and Jeanette Newton.

Visitation will be Thursday, February 16, 2023, at 10 a.m., at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home with the funeral service to immediately follow at 11 a.m. Ray’s wishes were to be cremated.

Services entrusted to Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., North Little Rock, Ark., 72114. (501) 758-1170. Sign the guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com.