Ellis Ray Vest

of Melbourne, Arkansas

Ellis Ray Vest, son of the late Erthel and Mamie Rush Vest, was born February 2, 1937 in Jumbo, Arkansas. He departed this life October 26, 2019 in Batesville, Arkansas at the age of 82 years, 8 months and 24 days. He was united in marriage to Betty Sullivan April 23, 1989 in Blanchard Springs, Arkansas and together they raised 6 children. Ellis was a lifelong resident of Izard County. For many years he owned and operated Vest Auto Body Shop in Melbourne. He enjoyed working on his farm and raising cattle. Ellis was of the Baptist faith and a member of Belview Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of 30 years: Betty Vest of the home; three children: Terri Vest of Vermont, Kevin Vest of Conway and Anita Harris of Brookland, Arkansas; three step children that he loved and raised as his own: Danny Vest of Melbourne, Angie Gould of Sulphur Rock and Brian Vest of Melbourne; three brothers: Eldon Vest (Kathleen) of Rogers, J. W. Vest (Alice), Kenneth Vest (Helen) all of Melbourne; seven grandchildren: Carson Harris, Easton Massey, Brianna Lunsford, Hannah Vest, Ella Vest, Gunnar Gould and Addie Jo Gould and a host of other relatives and many good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters: Ina Faye Vest and Ruth Campbell and one brother: Emmett Vest.

Visitation and funeral service will be Wednesday, October 30 at Eddie's Family Funeral Home in Melbourne. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. Funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Ronnie Treat officiating. Burial will be at Combs Cemetery in Melbourne.

Pallbearers: Carson Harris, Charlie Harris, Kevin Vest, Rocky Campbell, Ronnie Vest and Jack Yancey.

Honorary Pallbearers: Danny Vest, Brian Vest.