To lose your father is to lose the one whose guidance and help you seek, who supports you like a tree trunk supports its branches. (Life of Pi) On Friday, May 18, Valerie Malueg (Leon) and Phyllis Youhas (John) lost their father Ray Thomas Arrington, the tree trunk that supported the Arrington family for decades. He was a loving husband to his wife Helen who died four years before him, a devoted father to his daughters Valerie and Phyllis, an adoring grandfather to Bret (Katie) Hedges and Michael Stephens, a proud great-grandfather to Alexandria and Jacob Hedges. His relationships with his younger sister Joyce Arrington Hicks and his older brother James Edward Arrington who predeceased him, spoke to his abiding love for them and the life they shared. Ray always put family first but not far behind was his love and devotion to his church family, the Milan Cumberland Presbyterian Church. His service to the church included serving on both the Board of Deacons and Elders. One of his most treasured roles was his tenure as Chairman of the Building Committee for the church now located on First Street. His third passion was his tenure with Milan Box Company where he worked for over 30 years and then Windsor Sandvik. When Ray finally retired from Windsor, he continued to enjoy woodworking, creating beautiful pieces of furniture and knickknacks for family members and friends. His craftsmanship with wood reflected his personality and his ethicseach piece was perfectly executed, exquisitely shaped to bring a smile to its lucky recipient, and unselfishly given. Although Ray is no longer with the branches of his family that he so lovingly cultivated, bravely protected, and passionately loved, his infectious smile and playful humor will live on in the memories of his loved ones. The family thanks all who cared for Ray while he lived in Milanhis fellow church members, Brentwood neighbors, Touching Hearts caregivers, NHC staff, managers and staff of Perkins Restaurant, and the employees and helpful customers of Wal-Mart who never tired of helping him shop. While in Chattanooga he met a special friend, Jewell Hash, who brought joy to his heart and a smile on his face. And the family will forever be grateful to Morning Pointe staff who respected his fiery independence and helped him adjust to a new life and also to Hearth Hospice for the compassionate care they gave him. Bodkin Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, May 22 at Oakwood Cemetery beginning at 11:30 am with Elder Ronnie Parks officiating. Family visitation will be held on Tuesday morning from 10:30 - 11:30 am at the Milan Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Milan Cumberland Presbyterian Church would make Rays heart smile. Milan Cumberland Presbyterian Church 6083 S 1st St Milan, Tennessee 38358 SERVICES Graveside Service Tuesday, May 22, 2018 11:30 AM Oakwood Cemetery US Hwy 45 Milan, TN 38358