Arthur Ray Townsend

Arthur Ray Townsend, 75, of Great Falls, passed away Sunday, February 25, 2018. Arthur “Ray” was born on May 15, 1942 in Birmingham, Alabama to Arvie and Nellie Townsend. He got his GED and shortly after joined the Air Force and worked as a security police officer at MAFB. Ray transferred to the Air National Guard/MANG and retired from there in 1988. Ray was a member of the Moose and Elks Lodges. He was an avid golfer, and outdoorsmen who enjoyed fishing and hunting. He also liked to attend horse races and anything his grandchildren were involved in. Ray’s family meant more to him than life itself. Ray is survived by his daughter, Leslie Ann (Trace) Thomas of Fort Shaw; brother Wesley “Buddy” (Ellen) Townsend of Oklahoma; grandchildren Alyshia (Colton) Mury, Tori, Timer, and Taya Thomas; and great-grandchildren Keelyn Townsend and Nevada Mury. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Steve Townsend. A celebration of Ray’s life will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 4:00 p.m. at the City Bar. Please join us as we share stories of Ray’s life. Memorials in Ray’s name may be made to the Danny Berg Memorial Christmas Dinner, C/O Wade Gehl, 225 22nd Avenue NW, Great Falls, MT 59404. Condolences for the family may be posted at www.schniderfuneralhome.com or mailed to Leslie Thomas, 303 Birdtail Creek Road, Sun River, MT 59483.