Raymond Springer

We gather to celebrate and remember Raymond Don Springer, who earned his heavenly wings on December 28, 2023. Raymond was born December 21, 1941, in El Dorado, AR, to the union of Donnie and Frances Springer.

Raymond accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Beulah Grove Baptist Church. He received his education in the El Dorado school system. Being extremely intelligent, he graduated high school at the age of 16 and went on to attend Gamble State University. He worked at Lion Oil chemical plant for 30+ years until retirement.

His life was filled with being a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. He always made sure home was taken care of first. He was a great provider. He worked two jobs for most of his life to ensure his wife and children were well provided for. His loving wife, Minnie L. Springer, of 51 years, was his top priority. He never wanted her to be without, do without, or live without. He always took every opportunity to make sure he bought her gifts and cards for every occasion. He was always concerned about her wellbeing. His love for her was truly undeniable.

He was a great father and grandfather, ensuring his children and grandchildren never did without. He spoiled them by buying everything they needed and didn't need. He bought them cars, horses, 4-wheelers, diamonds, and the list goes on. His family never did without. He made sure of that. He was also devoted to helping his wife care for his mother-in-law, Anner Payton, for 15 years until God called her home. When his wife had to work out of town Monday-Friday, he stayed home and took complete care of his mother-in-law for 5 1⁄2 years because he was retired. What a testimony of his unselfish love!

Besides being wonderfully devoted to his family, Raymond loved reading, cooking, hunting, and landscaping his lawn. As a young boy, he sat under a tree and read. He continued his love for reading as an adult. Raymond read the Bible for an hour and a half every morning. He also loved to cook. He made cakes, pies, and the best chicken and dumplings from scratch. None of his children developed the talent to love cooking as he did because they were all too busy running and hiding from the kitchen, hoping he wouldn't call their names. They all knew if they were close to the kitchen, he would say, "Give me that pot. Pass me that pan. Wash this out because I need to use it again." So, his children learned to run and hide but still enjoyed the delicious meals and desserts he made when it was ready. He loved to hunt until 2 or 3 AM. He and a work buddy would meet at the house, load up his hunting dogs, and hit the woods. At any given time, Raymond owned 15 or more hunting dogs. He loved hunting so much that he built a cage, then caught a raccoon and put it in the cage to train his dogs to recognize the animal scent. His youngest daughter Stephanie at the age of 5 cried and pouted because she wanted to go hunting and he told her she was too young to go.

He worked in his yard 6 days a week. His grass had to be cut a certain way, and he didn't want anyone else cutting it. He gained great pleasure in planting different assortments of beautiful flowers in his flower bed every summer. His yard was so well-manicured that strangers would stop and give compliments on how beautiful the yard was. He was brilliant at anything that he put his hands to. He was a shining light and a great role model for his family and the community. He will be TRULY MISSED!

Raymond Springer was preceded in death by his father Donnie Springer, mother Frances Springer, brother Terry Springer, brother Eddie “Tubby” Springer, sister Doris Springer-Morris, son Donald Springer, and great-grandson Asher Springer.
 
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Minnie L. Springer; five children, Lolita Springer-Smith, Stephanie Springer-Threets, Demetria Springer-Bursey, Doris Springer- Piper; and Terry Springer; three brothers, Lee Springer, Jimmy Springer and Booby Springer; two sisters, Betty Springer-Roberson and Kathy Springer, eight grandchildren, great grands, and a host of nieces and nephews.