Raymond Leon Self Sr., 81, of Waldron, Arkansas went to be with his Lord and Savior, Friday, April 21, 2023 in Hot Springs, Arkansas surrounded by his loving family. Raymond was born February 6, 1942 to Roy and Sadie (Kopf) Self in Waldron, Arkansas. He was a member of the Waldron Church of Christ for 44 years.
Raymond was married to Gwenda for 44 loving years. Together they raised seven amazing children and played a huge role in the lives of their grandchildren and great grandchildren. Raymond enjoyed all things outdoors – riding his beloved horses and hunting were among his favorites, but his kids would say hunting was just an excuse to be outside, leaning against a tree and eating peanuts. He loved working with his hands and often doing carpentry, tinkering around the farm or planting in his garden. Raymond was quite the jokester; always playing pranks, telling jokes or being silly just to make others smile. He loved his family more than anything and those special memories made will forever be a treasure to every life he’s touched.
Raymond leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Gwenda; seven children: Lisa McEntire of Greenwood, Arkansas; Melinda Hutchens of Waldron, Arkansas; Carrie Rose and husband Stuart of Fort Smith, Arkansas; Ninna Chapel and husband Bobby of Benton, Arkansas; Amanda Holland of Mobile, Alabama; RL Self and wife Tasha of Waldron, Arkansas and Hala Evans and husband Travis of Parks, Arkansas. Papa will forever remain in the hearts of his 21 grandchildren: Bradley Rhyne, Chelsea Slate, Taylor McEntire, Daniel McEntire, Maggie Hutchens, Shauna White, Casey O`Mara, Allison Rose, Sydney Hudgens, Kristin BeLue, Tori Chapel, Spencer Chapel, Savannah Holland, Logan Holland, Kolton Holland, Avery Self, Adysen Self, Hunter Evans, Gage Evans, Karlie Evans and Gunner Evans and he was blessed with many great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
Raymond was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Sadie Self; grandchildren: Emily Hutchens, Zachary McEntire and Christopher Zimmer; siblings: RD Self, Evaleta Thomas, Pauline Mitchell, Athadean Weir and Robbie Marie.
Raymond’s life celebration will be at 10:00 am, Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Jeff Wilkinson officiating. Interment will follow at Birdsview Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
Raymond’s visitation will be Monday, April 24, 2023 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.
