TSGT Ronald Ray Lark (Ret.), age 72, of Maumelle, passed away on Thursday, September 11, 2008. He was of the Baptist faith and a lover of Gospel music. He was born August 14, 1936 in Cromona, Kentucky to the late Charles Gimmel Lark and Lola Marie Stephens-Lark.

He is preceded in death by his parents Charles "Gimmel" Lark & Lola Lark-Hunter; two brothers, Gary & Charles Lark; one sister Betty Gail Voight; one granddaughter Trisha Renee' White; grandson Triston Robert White and great-grandson Baby Boy Shaw.

Ronald served his country for 20 years in the United States Air Force and was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. After retiring in 1974 he went to work for the United States Postal Service until his retirement in 2003. He will be remembered for his love of singing, enjoying the outdoors, the yearly camping trips and love for his family. He spent many of his years singing with his family at nursing homes throughout the state of Arkansas, Missouri & Kentucky. He was the Director of Music and a Charter Member of FBC Southbend for many years and started the Southbend Singers which traveled throughout singing at different places.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife of over 36 years Delores Lark of the home; two sons: James & Norva of Rineyville, Kentucky and Gary & Tammy of Lonoke; five daughters: Patty & Tony Horton of Hillsville, Virginia, Cheryl & Mark Thomas of Cabot, Paula Wood of Hillsville, Virginia, Donna Green & Jerry Nealey of Ennice, North Carolina and Ellen Strzelecki of Austin; one sister Janie & Carlos Kennedy of Las Vegas, Nevada; mother-in-law Mary Black of North Little Rock; twenty-four grandchildren: Andrew Fitzpatrick, Christopher Fitzpatrick, Steven Lark, Melissa & Jeffery Reynolds, Brandon & Rosetta Pinson, Adam Pinson, Ambra Shaw, Jimmy Shaw, Heather Shaw, Tara Shaw, Chris Shaw, Tiffany "Michelle" Thomas, Angel Thomas, Sammi Thomas, Shanna Sawyers & Sy, Jared & Melissa Sawyers, Logan Cole, Jaden Cole, Savannah Green, Trenton Green, Brianna, Aron Strzelecki, Josh Strzelecki & Matthew Strzelecki; twelve great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and many other family members and dear friends.

A time of visitation is scheduled for 1:00 to 9:00 pm on Monday, September 15, 2008 with the family receiving friends from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Funeral Services are scheduled for 11:00 am on Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at First Baptist Church of Southbend in the Southbend Community of Jacksonville with Bro. A.B. Hicks and Bro. Kerry Gandy officiating. Graveside Services with full military honors will be 1:00 pm at Arkansas State Veteran's Cemetery in Sherwood. Arrangements are by Thomas Funeral Service, 713 S. 2nd St. Cabot, AR 72023, (501) 941-7888. Please send condolences to www.thomasfuneralservice.com.