Ruby Ray Carlton, age 74 of Low Gap, Arkansas went home to be with the Lord on Friday, July 31, 2015. He was at home with his family.

The son of the late Arlie Carlton and Florence Villines Carlton, Ray was born October 16, 1940 at Low Gap, Arkansas. The family spent his early years moving a lot due to the end of the Depression not being realized in rural Arkansas and jobs still being in short supply. So Ray started school late and finished his "formal" early education by the 8th grade. In 1962 Ray joined the Army Reserves and served in the National Guard until 1967. But in 1962 one of the most important things ever to happen to Ray was meeting his future bride, Miss Bobbie Matlock of Parthenon. They married in January 1964 and remained like two young sweethearts until Friday, when he went home to be with Jesus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Gus Carlton and by a baby sister.

Ruby Ray is survived by his loving wife, Bobbie of 51 years and 7 months and a very dear daughter Lisa Carlton and son-in-law Dr. Jack Patterson of Clarksville, Arkansas. Also survived by his "Missouri brother" Bill Schnetzer and wife Mary; four uncles, an aunt, many dear nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of friends he has worked with and gone to church with throughout the years. Our wonderful church family at Low Gap and from several churches throughout the surrounding communities.

There will be a visitation from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 4th at Coffman Funeral Home in Jasper. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 5th at Low Gap Full Gospel Church with Donnie Villines, Kenny Clark and Billy Paul Matlock officiating. Interment in the Low Gap Cemetery under the direction of Coffman Funeral Home of Jasper.

Pallbearers include Kelvin House, Mike Montgomery, Brock Matlock, Jacob Smith, Stevie Reynolds and Gary Matlock. Honorary pallbearers include Loyal Breedlove, Kirby Carlton, Gene Woodell, Bill Schnetzer, Hillard Kilgore, Ronald Carlton, Gary Hicks, Derek Poyner, David Poyner, and Dale Villines.