Captain Ray E. Carnahan of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away January 29, 2022. He was 77 years, 10 months. Born in Packsaddle to Joe M. and Elva (Breshears) Carnahan, he was a member of Calvary Nazarene Church. He was on the Church Board for several years. The last couple of years, Ray and Norma have been attending Geyer Spring First Baptist Church. Attending the Seekers Sunday School Class.
Ray went to troop school at Jacksonville Air Base in 1966. His first stationing was in Texarkana, Arkansas with Marvin Sinyard as his training officer. He transferred to Mena, Arkansas where he was injured in a car accident. Because of extensive injuries to his right arm, Ray was transferred to Little Rock where he worked as dispatcher as he healed. Returning to Highway Patrol, he also gave driver’s tests. He could tell you some funny stories doing that job. Ray was promoted to Sergeant and transferred to the Fire Marshal’s Division. After Ray was promoted to Lieutenant, he served as the State Fire Marshal for the next 20 years. Ray really had a passion for the fire services until his passing. Promoted to Captain and leading the Special Services Division, Ray retired in 2002. Appointed United States Marshal for the Eastern District of Arkansas by President George W. Bush, Ray retired for good in 2006.
Ray was a devoted husband to Norma, and they traveled and spent lots of time at the family home place in Packsaddle, Arkansas. A gentleman to his wife, he loved doing the simplest things for his high school sweetheart. Ray loved his nieces and nephews, caring about their success and milestones. He loved his son, Chris, and was proud of his accomplishments and career. If you knew Ray, you too will miss him, because he lived a life that touched others.
Ray is survived by his wife of 58 years, Norma Jeffery Carnahan and son, Judge Chris R. Carnahan of Conway, Arkansas (Micah, son Logan). Ray will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, mother, brothers: Fowler Police Chief Patrick Carnahan (Air Force) of Fowler, California, Denver Carnahan (Air Force) of Round Rock, Texas, Fred Carnahan (Army) of Houston, Texas, Melvin Carnahan (Marine) of Waldron, and a sister Melba Jo Carnahan-Bellows.
Ray’s celebration of life is 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at the First Church of the Nazarene in Waldron, Arkansas with Pastor Rodney Shanner officiating. Interment will follow in the Freedom Cemetery near Waldron, Arkansas.
Ray’s pallbearers will be members of the Arkansas State Police.
Ray’s visitation will be Monday, January 31, 2022 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
