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Submitted: 6/12/20 • Approved: 6/12/20 • Last Updated: 6/15/20 • R1322978-G0-S3
Aug 25, 1922 - Mar 13, 2017
Evan Ulrey was born in Martinsville, Illinois, on August 25, 1922, to A Melvin and Mary Robinson Ulrey. He had eight siblings, all of whom are deceased. He died on March 13, 2017 after a lengthy illness.
He came to Harding as a student in 1942 and received a Bachelor's Degree in 1946 with majors in Bible, English, and Speech. He then attended L.S.U. where he earned The M.A. and Ph. D. degrees in Speech. While there, he preached at nearby churches first and then shared the pulpit with Ira North at the Convention Street Church of Christ in Baton Rouge.
Returning to Harding in the fall of 1950, Ulrey was named Chairman of the Speech Department. Through the years he coached Harding's debate team to successes on numerous state, regional, and national levels He served as national president of the Pi Kappa Delta, the debate society, and was honored to be placed in their Hall of Fame. He was also named the state's outstanding teacher by the Arkansas Speech Communication Association and received the Distinguished Teacher award at Harding in 1969.
In 1951 Ulrey married Betty Thornton. As members of the College Church of Christ, they determined to open their home to visiting missionaries, prospective students, new church members, and others. Ulrey served as an elder for over 30 years.
Always dedicated to mission work, Ulrey served as chairman of the missions committee immediately after Dr. Benson resigned the position. He also served as chair of the Avanti Italia committee for many years and represented the church on the board of Zambia Christian Schools. He helped found the International Care Foundation and was chairman of the board. He traveled extensively to various mission points in Africa and Europe, leading several campaign groups to Germany, France, and England.
Evan and Betty have three children who graduated from Harding Academy and Harding University: Rebecca An Ulrey, Bonnie Barnes (Cary), and Robert Ulrey (Jill); their four grandchildren and two step-grandchildren: Dylan Baker, Evan Baker, Grace Ulrey, James Ulrey, Heather Jackson (Tommy), and Margret Bans (Jason); and their four step-great grandchildren, as well as many other relatives and friends.
The family wishes to express appreciation to Dr. Ulrey's physicians and caregivers. In lieu of flowers, the family request the donations be made to the Ulrey Thornton Scholarship at Harding University or the charity of their choice.
Friends may view on Thursday, March 16th, 2017 from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 17, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. at the College Church of Christ with a reception to follow. Interment will be private.
Roller-Daniel Funeral Home in Searcy in charge of arrangements.
On line guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com
Contributed on 6/12/20 by hawkinsdonna48
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Record #: 1322978