Ray Halbert,

Mr. Ray Halbert Sr., age 72, of Palestine, died Thursday, October 1, 2009, at the Baptist East Hospital in Memphis. Mr. Halbert was born November 30, 1936, in Palestine, and was the son of the late Claude Mallory Halbert and Sarah ChrisChana Lee Halbert. Mr. Halbert was a graduate of Forrest City High School and continued his education at the Arkansas State University for four years. On June 4, 1957, in Wheatley, he was united in marriage to Nancy Stephens. They were blessed with two children, Le'Ann H. Ross and Ray Halbert, Jr. He served in The Arkansas National Guard for 13 years with Battery B, 445 Howitzer, in Forrest City. He was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Palestine. Mr. Halbert was a farmer since the age of 12. He served his community by serving as a board member of St. Francis County Farmers for 33 years and as President for nine years. He served on the Palestine Board of Education for 10 years and as Preside for nine years. He was appointed Justice of The Peace of Prairie Township by Governor Winthrop Rockefeller in 1969. He was re-elected Three Terms before The Townships were redistricted. He served on the St. Francis County Farm Bureau for 10 years. He was a member of the King-Beasley American Legion Post. He was named as an Honored Professional in farming in The National Register's Who's Who in The 2000-2001 Edition. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Nancy S. Halbert of Palestine, one daughter, Nancy Le'Ann Ross and husband, Allen, of Caldwell, a son, Ray Halbert, Jr. and wife, Amanda, of Palestine, three grandchildren, Nancy Na'Cole Ross of Columbus, Indiana, Mallory Lee Ross of Caldwell, and Ray Halbert III, of Forrest City, one sister-in-law, Pat Stewmon and husband, Carl, of Cotton Plant, a nephew, Claude Halbert and wife, Cindy, and son, Chad, of Forrest City. A niece, Deana Miley and husband Gary, and children, Meagan, Gunter, and Justine, of Batesville, and a nephew, Jay Stewmom and children, Kassancee, of Brinkley, and Jayson of Jonesboro. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Lee Halbert of Little Rock, a great-grandson, Nicholai Caden Ross, and a dear friend and co-worker, Leroy Gardner. Services for Mr. Halbert will be held, 3:00 P.M., Sunday at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Palestine. Visitation will be Saturday evening 6:00 till 8:00 P.M., at Stevens Funeral Home with Stevens Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. You may log on to stevensfuneralhome.net for the on line registry.

Tributes

Ray Halbert,

November 30, 1936 - October 1, 2009