Allen Ray Marcantel was born to Allen and Lou Marcantel on September 15, 1943, in Iowa, Louisiana. He passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at JRMC in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He attended school in Fenton, Louisiana and McNeese University.
Ray was a rice farmer, farmed tomatoes and a logger. At one time he owned and managed five logging crews. He cruised and sold timber. And he worked with legislation with timber management and conservation. Ray had a long career in the timber business and was well known throughout Arkansas. He was a member of the ATPA.
Fundraising was one of his favorite past times and he supported local schools, churches and holiday functions. A founding member of Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Ray helped start Log A Load for ACH Bradley County Chapter which to date has donated as a state to ACH over 9 million dollars. He also helped create the Southeast Bradley County Rural Water Association and served on the committee for many years.
Ray was a member of Hermitage Lions Club, the Cattleman’s Association and Pirtle Deer Hunting Club. He loved nature, farming and gospel music.
Ray was a devout Catholic and a member of St. Mark’s Catholic Church. He loved everyone he met and enjoyed life.
Ray is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Joey Marcantel, grandson Roger Dominey, great-granddaughter Arleigh Edwards and her father Bobby Edwards and stepson Chris Roberts.
He is survived by his wife, Gaylon Marcantel whom he married September 20, 2003. Also surviving is his son and his wife, Vernon and Bonnie Marcantel of Hampton, Arkansas, his daughter and her husband, Penny and Travis Hill of Murfreesboro, Arkansas and a stepson and his wife, Scott and Kim Roberts of Hermitage, Arkansas. His brother and his wife, Kevin and Patty Marcantel of Iowa, Louisiana, a sister Vera Serice of Sulphur, Louisiana, a sister-in-law Cathey Marcantel of Sulphur, Louisiana, brother-in-law and his wife, John and Melody Ferguson of Hermitage, Arkansas and a sister-in-law, Cherrie Huitt of Warren, Arkansas. Grandchildren are Bridget Parker (Erik), Samantha Kroll (Cliff), Emma Huchabee (Brandon), Tess Hollingsworth (Lacey), Ethan Dominey (Hannah), Kaylee Roberts and Katelynn Roberts. Great-grandchildren are Cassie Weeks (Jameson), Kamdyn, Justin (Tabitha), Bryce, Peyton, Austin, Owen, Avary, Guy, Jed, Caroline, Olivia, River and Hadleigh and a great-great-grandchild Sophia. Ray is also survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends he considered family.
Memorials may be made to Log A Load Arkansas Children’s Hospital or to St. Mark’s Building Fund in Monticello.
Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 6, 2025, at Frazer’s Funeral Home with a rosary starting at 9:30 a.m. Burial will be in Union Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at Frazer’s Funeral Home. All arrangements are by Frazer’s Funeral Home in Warren, Arkansas.
