Biography: Ray Fureigh, 95, was born “in that field over thar” in Quitman, AR, on January 15, 1930 to Jerry and Mildred (Tapley) Fureigh. Ray and his family moved to the city early in his life, and he was proud to have grown up in downtown Little Rock. Ray enjoyed telling stories about his childhood and knew every corner and historic detail of downtown. His extensive knowledge of the city emanated from his first job, selling newspapers on a street corner for the Arkansas Democrat. He worked for the paper through high school in a variety of roles, but receiving his promotion from corner salesman to having his own paper route was when he knew he’d “made it big.”

After graduating from Little Rock High School in 1948, Ray enlisted in the US Army and was stationed in California. Ray’s time in the Army and Marine Reserve was short but meaningful, and he returned home to Little Rock in 1951. Shortly after his return and at the request of his brother, Alan, Ray agreed to go on a blind date with “some ole red head” friend of Alan’s wife. The blind date began the epic love story of Betty and Ray, and the two were married six weeks later.

Ray and Betty spent most of their lives in Foxcroft on Reynard Court, moving to what was in 1966, considered a far corner of Little Rock. They spent an adoring 60+ years together sharing one son, Dennis (Janelle) and eventually one granddaughter, Joanna. Dennis was Ray’s pride and joy, as well as his comic relief, constantly challenging Ray’s stern attempt at parenting with humor and sarcasm. Dennis's death was an incredible loss, one that Ray grieved deeply but privately. Ray and Joanna shared an indescribable bond and adoration for each other. He thrived in his role as grandfather to her, and in 31 years, she can only recall him telling her “no” one time.

In 1961, Ray began a remarkable career in the furniture business. After Ray’s first and exhausting day at Haverty’s Furniture, he recalled smoking a cigarette on the curb outside the old downtown store wondering “what in the hell have I done” leaving a steady job for the life of a commission salesman. 35 years later, he retired as a legend in the furniture business and as general manager of multiple Haverty’s stores in Little Rock and North Little Rock. He loved to tell stories about his tenure at Haverty’s, many involving relentless practical jokes on and in collaboration with his colleagues. Most included his beloved assistant manager, John Hewitt, and his favorite salesman turned lifelong friend, Terry Hartwick. Terry became an extra son to Ray, and the pair enjoyed countless adventures and misadventures together.

In 1968, Ray bought some acreage in Guy, AR, just down the road from where he was born. Ray found quiet respite on his plot of land “up in the country” for the rest of his life. Ray visited the farm at least weekly for years, tending to his horses, growing vegetables in his garden, fishing for whatever would bite, and drinking Old Milwaukee. He often reminisced that the farm added years and immeasurable quality to his life.

For more than 30 years, Ray bred, raised and raced thoroughbred horses. He spent countless weekends with them at the farm, at Oaklawn, and often traveled to other tracks across the country to watch his horses run. He was passionate about horse racing and an exemplary sportsman, building relationships with countless other breeders, owners, trainers and jockeys. He had many wins and many losses but enjoyed them all. Even after years of experience, if asked for betting advice, his standard answer was a simple shrug, wry smile and an “it's a horse race.”

Ray was extremely well read and self educated. He was a voracious reader and frequented the public library. Ray was a pilot; he loved to fly Betty and her gaggle of girl friends to the beach or Terry to wherever their most urgent mischief beckoned. His professional achievements were countless, including former president of the Arkansas Home Furnishings Association and former Chairman of the Better Business Bureau board. He loved his neighbors on Reynard Court and at the farm. He loved his incredible caregivers where he spent his last years at the House of Three. He deeply loved Trinity United Methodist Church where he was an active parishioner for his entire adulthood. Ray was a loving, dynamic, and grateful person who will be missed by all who knew him.

Ray passed peacefully on March 14th and is survived by his granddaughter, Joanna Fureigh, his daughter in law, Janelle Colaianni Fureigh (the late Dennis), his brother David Fureigh (Jeanne), his brother in law Jim Clinton (Susan), his favorite niece Kathy Fureigh Golden (Larry), Betty’s cousin Andy Langston (Debby) and his best friend, Terry Hartwick. He was welcomed to heaven by his wife, Betty Clinton Fureigh, his son Dennis Ray Fureigh, his grandson, Conner Dean Fureigh, his brothers Alan (Cheryl) and Wendell Fureigh, and his beloved dogs Suzy and Happy.

Services will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church on Saturday March 22nd with a visitation at 10:00 am and a memorial service at 11:00 am. Ray will be interned at the St. Mark’s Episcopal Church columbarium at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com