Walter Ray Gabbard, age 90, of Benton passed away peacefully on October 22, 2026. He was born on April 13th, 1936 in Pryor Oklahoma.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife Lenore Gabbard, daughter Jamie Gabbard, sister Nora Gabbard, and parents Otis and Pearl Gabbard.

He is survived by his son Steve Gabbard and his wife Jennifer, grandson Gage Gabbard and his wife Greer, and grandson Nicholas Gabbard and his wife Kinley.

Ray was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. He loved his family deeply and found joy in spending time with them every chance he had. When not doing that he enjoyed working, hunting, fishing, and woodworking.

The family will be having a private graveside service officiated by Scotty Nalley.

The family would like to thank Suzette Handwork and all of the caregivers at Southern Charm’s Senior Services for the love and compassion they showed both he and Lenore and for making the final chapter in their lives as comfortable as it could be.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Jamie Lynn Gabbard Memorial Scholarship Fund. Memorials may be mailed to Jamie Lynn Gabbard Memorial Scholarship Trust, PO Box 2, Benton Ar 72018.