Philip Calvin Petray, 78, passed away on October 7th surrounded by his children. Philip grew up in Malvern where he was active in sports, DeMolay, and Emmanuel Baptist Church. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Henderson State University, and a master’s degree from University of Central Arkansas. Philip’s self-professed calling was to become a teacher. Although he was a two-term mayor of Beebe and a successful political analyst, when asked about his profession, he always answered, “Teacher.” Philip served ASU Beebe as an assistant professor of social sciences for 47 years, and was an integral part of ASU Beebe’s growth. Not much for pomp and circumstance, he did not wish to be called sir, mister, or professor; he simply went by Petray. If you were his student, please know you enriched his life; your spirit kept him alive and thriving. Throughout his life, Philip enjoyed playing softball, skeet shooting, and duck hunting. He played a mean game of tennis in his Stan Smith Adidas, cleared a pool table with ease, and treasured his days of coaching Little League. Philip loved music, owned an extensive vinyl collection, and never went a month without reading Rolling Stone. He was highly intelligent, but never boastful about his capabilities. Philip had a firm grasp of Latin, could recite Poe’s “The Raven” by memory, and knew the tiniest detail about every county in his beloved state of Arkansas. Philip was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Crystelle Petray; and younger brother, Allen Dean Petray. He is survived by his children: Christy Lea Petray Talley and husband Paul Talley of Austin, Texas; John Petray and Adrienne Petray of Hickory Plains, Arkansas; and Elizabeth Petray and Jason Sharp of Springdale, Arkansas; as well as four grandchildren. Per Philip’s request, a private celebration of his life will be held at a later date. If he were to have a funeral, his pallbearers would be his best friends: Brian Stroud, Paul Mcculloch, Mike Burris, Carol Reed, David Widener, Johnny Fisher, and Aubrey Bell. The first three mourn with us; the last four welcomed him at the pearly gates. In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Philip’s devotion to Arkansas and grassroots efforts, please donate to www.whitecountyhistory.net/beebeschool.
