Jerrel Dale "Sonny" Ralls

December 5, 1936 - September 17, 2019

Jerrel Dale “Sonny” Ralls was born in Wayne, Oklahoma on December 5th 1936 and would be raised in Nunley Arkansas on a one-hundred and seventy acre plot. His birth marked the fourth addition to the family of Vess and Pauline Ralls. His teenage adventures would lead him to the West Coast where he would eventually marry, settle in California’s fertile San Joaquin Valley and raise two beautiful girls. It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of a Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great-Grandfather, and friend to anyone in need. In the early morning hours of September 17th, 2019 dad suffered a catastrophic cerebral hemorrhage and passed peacefully, at the age of 82, in the city of Fort Smith, Arkansas. Dad had a tremendous work ethic, cherished family time, and enjoyed the serenity of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Whenever possible, he enjoyed a weekend getaway, spending time with close friends and loved ones, on the Carson Valley River. The cool waters of the river, teeming with life in the form of an abundance of rainbow trout, cold brews, and evenings filled with storytelling, humor, and card games, were more than a welcome relief from the demands of everyday life. Dad loved to travel and traveling with him meant that there would be a casino stop, or more precisely, many casino stops, throughout the course of a multi-day trip. He also enjoyed horse racing and his grand-children found a welcome benefit, as they accompanied him on his annual pilgrimage to the California State Fair, where they would enjoy the waterslides, carnival rides, and deep-fried treats. In early 2019, after spending sixty-five years in California, and twenty-two years apart from our mother, dad embarked on a homecoming to Mena Arkansas and to his estranged wife. In her company he found a mutual joy, and in the town of Mena, he found a welcoming people. My only wish is that they could have spent more time together. Dad’s passing leaves a deep void within the family. He was a compassionate and welcoming man, that touched the hearts of everyone that knew him. We will forever miss his candid visits and humorous conversations. Sonny is survived by his wife of sixty-five years, Evaughn Ralls. His daughters: Belinda Menezes and husband George, and Terri Aguirre and husband John. His sister: Loretta Isom of Mena Arkansas. His brother-in-laws Elmer Simpson and James Gortemiller. His sister-in-law Jennie Ralls. His grandchildren, listed in descending order of age: Travis Menezes, Jozsef Nemeth, Jeremy Nemeth and partner Jillian, Chad Menezes and finance Mireya Lopez, and Guy Menezes. As well as his two great grandchildren Jonathan and Jaylynn Nemeth as well as numerous nephews, nieces, and friends. Sonny was preceded in death by his parents: Vess and Pauline Ralls. His brothers James and Wayman Ralls. His sister Sandy Batoon and his grandson Jonathan Dale “JD” Nemeth. He has come full circle and will be laid to rest on Monday, September, 23rd 2019 at 2:00 p.m.at Nunley Cemetery, a short jog from his boyhood home, near Nunley Arkansas. Services are under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home of Mena. Pallbearers will be George Menezes, Travis Menezes, Chad Menezes, Jerry Ralls, Robert Standridge, James Simpson, and Roger Simpson. Honorary pallbearers will be Guy Menezes and Ronald Standridge. Family and friends visitation will be Sunday, September 22, 2019 at Beasley Wood Funeral Home at 5:00-7:00 p.m.