Charles Freeman Ray

Charles Freeman Ray, 87, of Little Rock, AR, went to be with the Lord on May 22nd, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was born March 5th, 1938 in Malvern, Arkansas to his late parents Hetty Louise Efird Ray Sweeney and Perry Freeman Ray.

Charles had many titles: husband, father, grandfather, Papoo, brother, friend, Charlie boy, Chuck, athlete, runner, safe clown, watch dog, overtime king and many more. He proudly worked for the United States Postal Service for 41 years. Charles also served his country in the United States National Guard. Later in life he worked and volunteered at the Arkansas Heart Hospital where he was loved by so many and starred in many commercials.

In his later years, Charles spent time with his children and grandchildren by teaching them all how to swim and dive, pulling each one’s first tooth, and teaching them all how to ride a bike. He was always joking around with everyone, and playing tricks on them. He loved being outdoors and enjoying the sunshine and took pride in ensuring his lawn looked perfect. He participated in multiple races all throughout his life and going on walks/runs daily. Every year for his birthday he and his familywould participate in a real or “fake” race to celebrate his new milestone. He loved going on cruises with, the love of his life, Kathleen, and their friends and family. You could not have a conversation with Charles without him bragging on how well Kathleen took care of him or how good her cooking was. He loved any time he had with his family, whether it be family get togethers, picking his grandchildren up from school, or attending their school functions or sporting events. He had a love for the Lord like no other, and lived his life as true Christian. He always ensured that those he loved were taken care of whether it besomething as small as checking their car before they left his house, or purchasing AAA for them, or something as big as giving his family members a vehicle. To be loved by Charles was a gift and was an example of how he loved like Jesus.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Hetty Louise Efird Ray Sweeney and Perry Freeman Ray; his siblings, Lois Massa, Tommy Ray, Dorothy Ferguson, and Donald Ray; and his daughter Teressa Michele Ray Beemiller.

He is survived by his loving wife Kathleen Marie Ray; his daughter, Mary Melissa Ray Turner (Steve); his sisters Nancy Wilson (Tommy), and Joann Odom; sister in law Sharry Ray; his step-children Monica Gammill (Scott), and Bryan Castleberry (Brooke); his grandchildren, Scott Hunter Gammill (Giuseppe Cozza), Morgan Michele McCormick, Anna Elizabeth Turner (Will Martin), Hayden Melissa McCormick (JB Wells), Logan Makenzie McCormick, and Baylee Rayne Castleberry. He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews and friends.

His life will be celebrated Friday, June 6th, 2025 at 1:00pm at Pinecrest Funeral Home & Memorial Park, for his burial. Followed by a service at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home,starting at 2:30pm.

We are rubbing your head, Papoo!

Please make all donations to the American Heart Association