Carl Ray White

Carl Ray White, 85, of Jonesboro, passed away Friday, October 9, 2026, at Woodbriar Skilled Rehab. He was born June 16, 1941, in Jonesboro to the late Ray and Jessie White. Carl was a proud veteran of the United States Navy. He was a 1959 graduate of Valley View High School and a lifelong member of the Valley View Community. Carl served on the school board for many years and was inducted into the Valley View Blazer Hall of Honor. He was a longtime member of Central Community Church in Harrisburg, where he had attended since 1962 and served as a deacon for over 50 years.

Carl worked for Singer Sewing Company before it closed, then for American Greetings before later working for and retiring from Post. He enjoyed gardening, especially growing tomatoes, and growing flowers, particularly roses, for his wife. He also enjoyed refinishing furniture. Most of all, Carl loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He enjoyed watching them play basketball and baseball.

In addition to his parents, Carl was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Nancy White; his brother, Donald White; his sister, Lois Wilson; and Grandson, Josh Luff

Survivors include his son, Darrell (Sandra) White of Jonesboro; his daughter, Carla (Reggie) Smith of Jonesboro; seven grandchildren, Tyler (Courtney) Watkins, Brandon (Hannah) White, Daniel Watkins, and Will (Taylor) White, all of Jonesboro, Jeremy (Madeline) Luff of Harrisburg, Allison Mills of Jonesboro, and Matt (Sybil) Smith of Kansas City; and nine great-grandchildren, Maddox Watkins, Reed Watkins, Harrison Watkins, Allie White, Blakely White, Maddison Mills, Hadliegh Mills all of Jonesboro, Josie Luff and Jasper Luff of Harrisburg.

Funeral service will be Monday, October 12, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. in Emerson Memorial Chapel with Bros. Robin Foster and Allen Elkins officiating. Burial will follow at Jonesboro Memorial Park Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be grandsons: Tyler Watkins, Bandon White, Daniel Watkins, Will White, and Jeremy Luff. Nephews: Paul Jr. Blasingame, Brian Dudley, and Jan Morgan. Honorary pallbearers will be Keith Heckman, Tommy Holmes, Terry Osment, Roy Guthrie, Shane Blasingame, Mr. Bud Stacey, James Lyons, and Billy Ellerbrook.

Visitation will be from 1:00-2:00 p.m. prior to the service.

For lasting memorials, the family asks that consideration be given to Central Community Church, 15775 AR-163, Harrisburg, AR 72432.