James Ray DuVall, age 67, of Russellville, formerly of Atkins, died Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith, surrounded by his family.  He was born January 3, 1959, in Morrilton to Wayne Hoyt and Catherine Sue Johnson DuVall.

He was a graduate of Atkins High School, Class of 1977.  He was a wonderful son, brother, uncle, storyteller and a true-blue friend. He doted not only on his nieces and nephews but the children of his friends as well, attending birthday parties, graduations, weddings and other activities.

Ray's many careers included working at our dad's service stations, Atkins Pickle Plant, Crompton Mills, Brooks Roofing Company, Sears and as a wheelchair repairman, traveling all over the state. He made lasting friendships and gathered many stories from each endeavor. He was a connoisseur of movies and books and had amazing recall of plots and story lines.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Mike Brooks; and a nephew, J.J. Brooks.

Survivors include his brother and sister-in-law, Carroll and Karen DuVall of Conway; a sister, Becky Brooks of Russellville; nieces and nephews, Stephanie and Chris Beasley of Bixby, Oklahoma, Steve and Jamie DuVall of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Pam and Dennis Ward of London; three great-nephews, Carter DuVall, Madden DuVall and Andy (Katelyn) Ward; six great-nieces, Meagan (Thomas) Scott, Cate Beasley, Addison Beasley, Baylyn DuVall, Mia DuVall and Ashlyn Ward; his extended family, Vincent, Karri and Emmett Thiel; and a host of family and friends.

A family conducted Celebration of Life will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 28, 2026, at London First Baptist Church with Chris Beasley. Burial will be private in St. Joe Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff and Darla Embry, Jackey Ferguson, Scott Lemley, Phillip Haralson, Greg Pack, Jeff Carfagno, Kenneth Ehemann, Kevin Ehemann, Mark Pace, Nick Chapman, Kevin Bewley, Robert Duvall, Ron Butler, Donald Haney, David May, Dean Trigg, David Trigg, Dwayne Roberts and Jeff Howell.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Atkins Centennial Library, 216 NE 1st Street, Atkins, Arkansas 72823.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.