BENTON — Ray M. Crowson,

85, of Benton, passed away Tuesday, April 6, 2021. He was born February 24, 1936, in Bauxite, Ark., to the late William Crowson Sr. and Mamie Ashcraft Crowson. Mr. Crowson served in the United States Navy, and later retired from Alcoa. He was a lifetime member of New Hope United Methodist Church and also attended Benton First Church of the Nazarene. He loved the Lord, his family, his cats, and his dog, Toby.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Thelma Ritchey Crowson, with whom he shared 51 years of marriage; brothers, John Crowson, Bobby Crowson, and Billy Crowson; sisters, Pearl Buckelew and Evelyn Faye Bledsoe.

He is survived by brothers, Dub (Bonnie) Crowson, his twin, Ralph Crowson, and Kenneth Billingsley; sisters-in-law, Pug Crowson and Doris Ritchey; son, Michael Crowson; daughters, Mamie Crowson, Theresa Crowson and Helen Whitson; granddaughter, Dr. Kristen Whitson.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, April 9 at Ashby Funeral Home. Chapel Services will be held at Ashby Funeral Home at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 10, with Rev. Shari Day and Rev. Brady Lane officiating. Burial will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery in Tull, Ark.

Memorials may be made to New Hope United Methodist Church c/o Judy Watson at 5613 Bauxite Cutoff Road in Bauxite, Ark. 72011, Benton First Church of the Nazarene, or the Saline County Humane Society.

Special thanks to Saline Memorial Hospice for their care.

Online guestbook @ www.ashbyfuneralhome.com