BENTONVILLE — Ray T. Johnson,

age 87, of Bentonville, Ark., formerly of Eureka Springs and Holiday Island, Ark., passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 16, 2023, at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers, surrounded by his family. He was born September 18, 1935 in Jonesboro, Ark., the son of Daisy Wood and Fred Ray Johnson.

Ray T. was preceded in death by his parents; and his favorite cat, Flash.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years, Sara Gage Johnson; his children and their spouses, Michael Ray Johnson of Ipswich, Mass., and Libby Young (Robert Young) of Houston, Texas; and three grandchildren, Morgan Young (Eli Perez), Holly Young, and Faith Johnson.

Ray T. graduated from high school in Jonesboro, Ark., and from college at the University of Arkansas, where he earned his Masters of Science degree in Geology. After graduating college, he served in the U.S. Army as 2nd Lieutenant in Korea.

He was a petroleum geologist with Exxon Exploration, working in Singapore, Japan, and Indonesia from 1969 to 1979, where he and his family experienced wonderful adventures during their many overseas travels.

After retiring from Exxon, Ray T. and Sara moved to Eureka Springs in 1991 and, as innkeepers and owners of Lookout Cottages, helped hundreds of tourists fall in love with Eureka Springs. He enjoyed playing golf, finishing every crossword he could find, watching Arkansas Razorback football games, and spending time with his grandchildren.

Ray T. spent much of his free time in retirement volunteering for numerous civic and charitable organizations, including the Eureka Springs Rotary Club, Flint Street Food Bank, and the Holiday Island Golf Association. He served as an elder, deacon, and Clerk of the Sessions at the First Presbyterian Church of Eureka Springs, and on the board of Equity Bank in Eureka Springs for nearly 20 years.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ray T.’s name to the Eureka Springs Rotary Club at P.O. Box 686, Eureka Springs, Ark. 72632.

Condolences to the family may be sent through Epting Funeral Home Bentonville (www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com). Details of the upcoming services will be posted on the Epting Funeral Home website.