CHARLES RAY SULLIVAN
Charles Ray Sullivan, 83, of Van Buren, was called home to be with the Lord on March 18, 2020, at his residence. He was born on August 3, 1936, to Tom H. and Anna Sullivan in Briggsville, Arkansas.
Growing up in rural Arkansas, Charles developed a love for the outdoors which led to a career in forestry after four years of military service and graduation from University of Arkansas at Monticello in 1963. He and Nina married and settled in El Dorado, Arkansas, where he accepted a position as district forester with the Arkansas Forestry Commission which he held until his retirement 42 years later.
Charles played an active role in his church and community, serving as El Dorado Boys & Girls Club President, a Boy Scout leader, and a volunteer baseball and softball coach for many years. He was a founding member of the Kiwanis Club in Van Buren and served on the Van Buren Boys & Girls Club Board of Directors.
Charles was a man of great compassion and empathy whose generosity knew no bounds. He had a heart for people and made everyone he met feel loved. He was a servant leader who led by example, a kind and benevolent peacemaker with abounding wisdom. His faith in God was evident in everything he did. He quietly and humbly lived out the love of Christ in his daily walk. His children and grandchildren will cherish their memories of the hours of time spent with their Dad and Papaw on the ball fields and in the woods.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nina Stahl Sullivan, and his sons, Mark (Maria) Sullivan of Van Buren, Brad (Jill) Sullivan of Hot Springs, and Wes (Melissa) Sullivan of Gravette, Arkansas and daughter Sarah (Byron) Sartor, of Alma, Arkansas. He was the proud grandfather of Bethany, Emily, Hayley, Allison, Caitlin, Faith, Madison, Bryce, Rhyan and Zach, great grandfather of Drake.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Tom H. and Anna Sullivan, sister Anna Jewel Fryar, brothers Thomas Sullivan and Paul Sullivan, and granddaughter, Hannah Joy Sullivan.
Pallbearers will be Byron Sartor, Mark Sullivan, Brad Sullivan, Wes Sullivan, Ron Sullivan, Greg Cheshier and Chris Primm.
Service for family will be held at Heritage Church on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at 10:30AM and streamed online with burial to follow at Zion Cemetery in Briggsville, Arkansas at 4PM under the direction of Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren.
Due to the current public health concerns the family asks that you please sign the online tribute, since they will be having no formal visitation.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to While We’re Waiting PO Box 22823, Hot Springs 71903 and Heritage Church 1604 East Pointer Trail Van Buren, AR 72956. Online tributes: www.ockerfuneralhome.com. Heritage Church Van Buren Live Stream-you tube.com