Dondle Ray Taylor

 Dondle Ray Taylor, known as Dondle Ray Williams in his youth, was a dedicated individual who lived a life full of hard work, compassion, and faith. Born on May 2, 1937, in Rison, Arkansas, he sadly passed away on June 30, 2024, at John L. McClellan Memorial Veterans Hospital.

Dondle's work ethic was truly remarkable. He spent over 19 years at the AMF bicycle factory and eventually went on to establish his own successful roofing company. Not only was he committed to his career, but he also proudly served in the United States Army.

A strong believer in spreading the message of faith and love, Dondle was an active member of Victory Baptist Church for many years. He dedicated two decades to running a church Sunday school bus route that lead to numerous children going to church and later took on roles as a greeter and usher. Known for his unwavering faith, Dondle shared his beliefs with everyone he met, from telemarketers to hospital staff. His generosity knew no bounds as he distributed salvation tracks in both English and Spanish wherever he went. Dondle would tell telemarketers how glad he was they called so he could tell them about Jesus. When he received junk mail with prepaid postage envelope inside, he would fill it with a tract and send it back in the mail.

In his leisure time, Dondle found joy in hunting and fishing throughout all seasons. He hunted raccoons, rabbits, squirrels, hogs, and deer. Dondle held the position of President of the Saline County Coon Hunters Association, showcasing his passion for outdoor pursuits.

Dondle was strong minded and strong willed, yet he had a soft spot in his heart for others. He enjoyed making others laugh and had a great sense of humor. His faith never wavered despite the storms of life that may have come his way. He kept pressing on and taught his children the importance of never giving up, as "with God, all things are possible."

Preceding Dondle in death are his wives, Ruth Evangle Taylor and Sandra Taylor; son, Donald Bruce Taylor; grandchild, Casey Lynn Archer; parents, Rayburn J. Taylor and Myrtice Mozell (Cash) Williams, stepfather Earnest V. Williams; and siblings, E.V. Williams, Jr. and Martha Jo Howe.

Dondle is survived by a loving family that includes children: Sheila Herndon and husband Charles of Nashville, Arkansas; Becky Archer and husband Greg of Benton, Arkansas; Raymond Taylor and wife Bethany of Bryant, Arkansas; grandchildren: Daniel Herndon-Lewis and husband John, Paul Herndon and wife Kayla, Bethany Heath and husband Cole, Matthew Archer and wife Caitlin, Katelynn Abshire and husband Kaleb, Adam Archer, Jacob Taylor, Olivia Taylor, Diana Taylor, Timothy Taylor,and Warren Taylor; great-grandchildren: Amelia Rose Herndon, Lucas Zayne Herndon, Connie Ann Heath, Delilah Rose Archer, Henry Dean Archer, Devina Grace Abshire, and Wrenlee Rain Abshire; siblings: Rosie Lee Sanders of Traskwood, Berniece Evans of Prattsville, James E.Williams and wife Nickie of Prattsville, Patricia Parson and husband Tony of Jacksonville, Florida, and Marie Gortney of Vilonia; as well as a host of other relatives and friends who will cherish his memory forever.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Friday, July 5 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street in Benton. Funeral service, officiated by Bro. Maury Gibson and Bro. Paul Herndon, will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, July 6 at Victory Baptist Church on Hwy 67 in Benton, Arkansas. Burial to follow at Mt. Harmony Cemetery with Prentis Fields, Kenny Nalley, Wyatt Henson, Doug Kindy, John Overturf, and Gene Branch assisting as pallbearers.

Dondle Ray Taylor's life serves as an inspiration to many—a testament to hard work, kindness,and unwavering faith. He will be deeply missed by all those whose lives he touched.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.