Raymond Harris

RUDY - Raymond Ford Harris, 84, of Rudy, passed away Friday, Jan. 19, 2024 in Fort Smith. He was born Nov. 21, 1939 in Fort Smith to the late Richard and Mamie (McGlothen) Harris. He was the owner/operator of Ray Harris Furniture, a member of First Baptist Church, and a retired deacon at Shady Grove. He loved rodeos and calf roping, started the music group The Dream Catchers and loved singing at Willies Wagon Wheel with the Big Bear Band and loved singing at the Mountainburg Senior Center on Thursday nights and at the Mercy Crest Retirement Home or anywhere else he could find to go and sing.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Velma Harris Adams Wilson, Dorthy Harris, and Beaulah Harris Stewart; and a brother Lois Harris.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Rita Harris of the home; two daughters, Lisa Montgomery and husband Carl, and Stacey Watkins and husband Ronnie; a son, Teasie Harris and wife Kathy; six grandchildren, Philip Moore, Johnna Moore, Lacey Watkins, Shane Watkins, Jeremy Watkins, and Bradly Harris; and eight great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel with burial to follow at Sarah Grove Cemetery under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home in Van Buren.

Pallbearers will be Glen Adams, Scott Thompson, David Burkhart, Shane Watkins, Jake Copeland, and Ronnie Watkins. Honorary pallbearers will be Lisa Montgomery, Judy Lawrence, Scott Thompson, Kay Jordan, Phillip Trammell, Gayla Trammell, Vernon London, Cliff Brownlee, Claudia Brownlee, Charles Jimerson, and Kevin Hunt.

The family will visit with friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25, at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home, 4100 Alma Highway, Van Buren.

To place an online tribute, go to www.edwardsvan-alma.com.