Raymond Lee Edrington, Sr., 80, of Springdale died Thursday, June 18, 2015 in Springdale. He was born December 24, 1934 in DeWitt, AR. to Silas and Beadie Merritt Edrington.
Ray served in the U.S. Air Force; was a youth coordinator at many of the Methodist churches where he was a member; also spent many years as a Sunday school teacher; was a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children; worked for GMC Truck Division of General Motors as a district sales manager for twenty-five years; and owned and operated a GM dealership for seven years. He attended Arkansas State University and Portland State University.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Silas and Beadie Edrington; and eight siblings.
The most important things in his life were God; his beloved wife of sixty years; his children; grandchildren; and his CASA kids.
He loved going on family trips and teaching his grandchildren many things, such as the perfect way to barbecue.
Survived by his wife, Shirley Shoemaker Edrington, of the home; children, Lee Edrington and wife, Gay of Fayetteville; Beth Edrington McEver and husband, Rob of Fayetteville; and Susan Edrington of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Trey and Elise Edrington of Fayetteville; Elizabeth Edrington of Portland, OR.; Drew, Matt and Billy McEver, of Fayetteville; and Kailee Henry of Fayetteville.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Monday, June 22, 2015 at Central United Methodist Church with Reverend Jody Farrell officiating. Private interment will take place at the Fayetteville National Cemetery.
Visitation will be held at 1:00 P.M. until service-time at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CASA of Northwest Arkansas, 3825 Cawood Ln., Springdale, AR. 72762.
Cremation arrangements by Beard’s Funeral Chapel.
Ray made a profoundly positive difference in the lives of so many people, including my own. He had a unique gift of being able to talk to, and truly show how much he cared about all people. He always could find time to help those in need no matter how large or small that problem happened to be. He was always thrilled to hear about the good times in your life, and if needed could help you find comfort and peace in you life. He will be missed and never forgotten
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Edrington family. I had known Ray for 35 years and always enjoyed his company and respected his opinion. He will be missed by all, but never forgotten.
Life is the greatest gift God has given us.
Death is only a bridge towards eternal life with God.
Certainly, Heaven is rejoicing for another soul
has finally reached his true home.
Our deepest condolences.
It has sadden my heart to hear of Ray’s passing. Ray was one of the kindest, neatest, funnest, smartest, truest man I have ever known. Known Ray since March 1954, and we were roommates in Aug 1954 at Arkansas State. I cannot recall anyone that I enjoyed their presents more. I hope just being one of Ray’s family members will keep your heart to be strong during one of the hardest times you’ll ever know. Illness will keep me from his service, but my heart will with Shirley and all of Ray’s family. God bless you all,
Shirley, and rest of family, I am so sorry that you are going through a bad time.
Ray was a truly nice, genuine person. I enjoyed working with him on the Census. The work he turned in was always correct. He helped me, many times, find places that someone else could not find. He also corrected the work that some other people had turned in.
Shirley, I count it an honor to have worked with you during the Census also.
If you need a shoulder to cry on, please call me.
Ethna Billings
Prayers for you and your family