Orvil Ray Freeman, age 87, of Russellville died Monday, October 10, 2022, at Conway Regional Medical Center.  He was born June 4, 1935, in Dardanelle to Pleasant Orvil and Ella Cross Freeman.

He was a race car driver and track champion in 1971 at Raceway Park in Blue Island, Illinois.  He carried the checkered flag at every race track he raced including New Smyrna Speedway in Florida. He retired from Ford Motor Company after 35 years.

He was a loving father to four children, and their hero.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia May Freeman; a brother, Dewey Jr.; two sisters, Syble and Joyce McTigrit; and a daughter, Mary.

Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Buddy and Sherrill Freeman; two daughters and sons-in-law, Clara Szabo and Mike Griffin and Vicki and Dave Hetrick; numerous grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

All services are private and arrangements are under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

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