Mr. Frankie Ray Read, Sr. of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at the age of 80. He was born June 2, 1943, the son of Franklin Gordon Read and Mattie (Wells) Read.
Mr. Read was a graduate of Big Flat High School. On September 18, 1992, he married Miss Dena (Cook) Read. He owned and operated Read Roofing for 30 years as a self-employed roofing contractor.
Mr. Read was a man of Christian faith. He loved reading and studying God’s Word and he prayed every day. Most of his time was spent with his dog, “Little One.” He would take her for walks and then back home to nap on the couch together.
Mr. Read is preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, G.W. Read, Royce Read, Boyce Read, and Jerry Wayne Read; and five sisters, Betty Bryant, Glodean Dixon, Judy Jeffries, Annabelle Read, and Maggie Daniels.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Dena (Cook) Read of the home; two sons, Frankie Ray Read, Jr. and wife, Kathy, of Blytheville and Matthew David Read and wife, Stephanie, of North Pole, Alaska; one step daughter, Andrea Conn of Newport; eight grandchildren, KC and Kara Read of Blytheville, Mandi and Jared Powell of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Destiny Read of Blytheville, Matthew Read, Jr. of Fairbanks, Alaska, Drew Hembrey of Newport, Stephanie Roy Slocum of Ketchikan, Alaska, Samantha Roy of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Ronnie Salpino of Fairbanks, Alaska; sixteen great grandchildren; and special friend and daughter, Michelle Read, of Fairbanks, Alaska.
The family is honoring Frankie’s request, and no services will be held.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
