Johnny M. Ray, age 79, of Malvern, passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at CHI St. Vincent Hospital in Hot Springs. He was born June 26, 1947 at home on his family’s farm on River Ridge Rd. in Benton, Arkansas. He worked as a maintenance mechanic at Alcoa for over 25 years. He was a retired Marine Corp Veteran (4 years) and was a 32nd Degree Mason. He attended Reyburn Creek Missionary Baptist Church. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and just being outdoors.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte Darlene Ray; grandson, Talon Wayne Johnson; parents, Willie Jefferson Ray and Hazel Pauline (Magby) Ray; and brother, James D. Ray.

Survivors include his wife of 18 years, Jerilynn Ray of Malvern; sons, Thomas Ray (Darla) of Glen Rose, and Garner Gassman of Magnet Cove; daughter, Angela McCown of Malvern; step-sons, Troy Norman and Kevin Norman; grandchildren, Cody A. Ray (Ania), Jessilyn Ray (Brian), Kaley Johnson, Miranda Johnson, Sarah Willard (Chris), and Cameron Gassman; great-grandchildren, Randi Rickard, Bentley Johnson, Billy Lee, Ryder Rickard, Rush Ambriz, Hardin Peacock, Leela Ray, Nora Ray, Lexi (Alexandra) Luker, and Jaden Luker; sister-in-law, Linda Ray; and many other loved ones who will miss him dearly.

Funeral Services will be Thursday, August 13, at 11:00 AM at Regency Funeral Home with Brother Todd Bray officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM prior to service. Burial to follow at Copeland Ridge Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Ricky Wehunt, Frank Crawford, Josh Rodden, Cameron Gassman, Jimmy (Jim) Haider, and Raymond Masters.

Honorary Pallbearers are Garner Gassman and Cody Ray.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

Arrangements are by Regency Funeral Home. You may sign the guest book at regencyfuneralhome.com.