Raymond Gayle Erickson, age 79, of Lewisville, Arkansas, passed away on June 17, 2026, after a two-week battle with pneumonia at CHRISTUS St. Michael Health System. He was surrounded by his loving family, including his devoted wife of 45 years, Linda Beasley Erickson.

After graduating from Hampton High School in 1965, Ray attended college for several years before joining the United States Air Force in 1968. He proudly served for four years. During his service, he thoroughly enjoyed traveling, especially throughout Europe. Anyone who knew Ray knew he had a remarkable ability to learn languages and often enjoyed speaking them whenever he had the opportunity. Following his active-duty service, he remained in the Air Force Reserve for an additional four years.

Ray later graduated from the University of Southwestern Louisiana with a degree in Agronomy and Earth Science. He was a lifelong gardener with an extraordinary knowledge of plants—how to grow them, care for them, and where and when they would thrive. Gardening was not only his passion but also a way he brought beauty and happiness to others.

Ray served as a Soil Conservationist in both Lafayette and Miller Counties. Following his retirement, he taught science for two years at Columbia Christian School in Magnolia. He then worked at Logoly State Park until he truly retired.

Always a writer, Ray excelled in both poetry and fiction. His love of reading and writing was encouraged by his parents, who gave him books for every occasion. That passion for books remained with him throughout his life.

Plants and flowers were among his greatest joys, and he also found delight in watching birds in nature. He loved spending time reading and writing, often losing himself in a good book or putting his thoughts to paper. Above all else, his deepest love and devotion were always reserved for his family.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Erickson; his daughters, Maleah Williamson (Ted) of Stamps and Mindy Morton (Dickie) of Lewisville; and his granddaughters, Megan Morton Cullipher (Joe) and Madison Morton (Zac).

He is also survived by his sister, Angela Erickson Stewart (Britt) of El Dorado; his niece, Brigette Stewart Haney (Billy) of El Dorado; his nephew, Aaron Stewart (Faith) of Huntsville, Alabama; and several beloved great-nephews and great-nieces.

Above all, Ray found his greatest joy in his great-grandchildren, Lillie Jean Cullipher and Lennon Brooks Cullipher, who brought immeasurable love and happiness to his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alex Erickson and Jean Ables Erickson of Hampton, Arkansas; his maternal grandparents, Myrtle Haynes Ables and Ray Ables of Hampton, Arkansas; and his paternal grandparents, Alex Erickson, Sr. and Helen Nelson of Brainerd, Minnesota; and his mother-in-law, Connie Beasley Wilson of Lewisville, Arkansas.

Ray will be greatly missed by the Lewisville Church of Christ family. He was always eager to serve wherever he was needed. The Lord whom Ray faithfully served throughout his life has now delivered him from earthly suffering and welcomed him into eternal glory.

Matthew 25:21 (KJV)
"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord"

Funeral Services will be 10A.M. Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the A.O. Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Stamps, Arkansas, with Bro. Nick Peryy officiation under direction of A.O. Smith Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Wilson Cemetery in Lewisville, Arkansas.

Visitation will be Friday, June 19, 2026 from 6P.M. until 8P.M. at the Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Stamps.