William Ray Bankhead

William Ray Bankhead passed away peacefully surrounded by his family Saturday March 8th 2014 at his home in Wellsville, he was 82. Ray was born September 16, 1931 to William Haslem and Elizabeth Bailey Bankhead in Wellsville Utah, the third of 4 Children. Dad grew up on the family farm working alongside his father until he was 19 when he enlisted in the United States Air Force and served in the Korean War from 1950 until 1954. His father passed away in 1952 while he was serving in Korea.
He met Janeil Hovey on the dance floor at the Elite Hall in Hyrum and they were married on June 3, 1955 in the Logan LDS Temple. They lived their entire married life in Wellsville where they ran the family farm raising beef cattle, crops, and a dairy operation for many years. Dad was also employed for many years at Hill Air Force Base, retiring in 1986 having served 37 years including his time in Korea.
Dads’ life was centered around serving others, his community, and his country. Here served on the Wellsville City Council, was a member and director of the South Cache Water Users, and treasurer for the Wellsville Mendon Conservation District. One of his greatest joys was placing flags on the graves of the Veterans at the Wellsville Cemetery for Memorial Day, a service he performed for over 55 years.  He was a member of the LDS Church and served in various callings throughout his life.
Ray was preceded in death by his wife Janeil, his son Lex, and his sister Audra.  He is survived by his sons Kent (Susan) Bankhead of Wellsville, Keven (Stacey) Bankhead of Wellsville, and a daughter-in-law Clareen (Lex) of Rexburg Idaho, 10 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Two sisters Sara (Ray) Lindley and Grace (Jay) Smith.  Bother-in-laws Arlan and Clint Hovey and their wives,  and a Sister-in-law Valoyce Jensen.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday March 15, 2014 at 12:00 Noon in the Wellsville 3rd Ward Chapel, 49 West 200 South, Wellsville. Friends may call at the Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center, Logan on Friday evening from 6 to 8pm and at the ward on Saturday morning from 10:30 to 11:30am. Interment will be in the Wellsville City Cemetery.
Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family online by visiting www.allenmortuaries.net .
Our family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to Dr. Nelson, Dr. May, and the many nurses and aides that rendered care and service to our father. A special thanks to Integrity Home Health and Hospice for making dads last days at home comfortable and enjoyable.