Pulaski County

RUDOLPH FREDERICK WILHELM “RUDY” BISCHOF JR., 76, of Little Rock, left his earthly domain to blow his horn at his permanent gig in the big band of Heaven on May 19, 2017. Born Jan. 12, 1941 in Hot Springs, Ark. to Rudolph Frederick Wilhelm Bischof Sr. and Magthaliegne Orfanus Bischof Cecil, both of whom preceded him in death. He proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and was an icon and highly respected member in the Insurance Claims Industry from 1964-2017. Rudy was also a long time member and servant to Grace Lutheran Church.

Rudy was a fitness buff who enjoyed golf, fishing and jogging. He was a founding member of the U.S. Crappie Corp which in its day pulled many a fish from Lakes Overcup, Nimrod and Peckerwood.

Jazz music has always been a part of Rudy’s life as he earned a baritone scholarship to ASTC (UCA) and went on to play his valve trombone in his church brass band as well as a member of Swing Band Reunion with whom he played three weeks prior to his heavenly gig.

Rudy was preceded in death by his wife of almost 50 wonderful years, Sherry Bischof. He was loved and is survived by his wife of two glorious years, Joann Crowe Bischof; sons, Bill Bischof (Maia) of Denton, Texas, Ben Bischof (Jennifer Johnson) of Little Rock and his daughter, Barrie Bischof Torrey (John) of Little Rock; step-sons, Nick Crowe (Megan) of Little Rock, and Ben Crowe (Kristin) of Boston; brothers, John Barry Bischof (Lise) of Houston, Ark. and Rob Bischof (Diane) of Hot Springs, Ark.; grandchildren, John David and Jesse Bischof, Maggie and Luke Torrey and Alexios (Sonny) Bischof; as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be May 24 at 11:30 a.m. at the Grace Lutheran Fellowship Hall located at 5124 Hillcrest Ave., Little Rock Ark. 72205 followed by a 1 p.m. funeral service officiated by Pastor James Walter.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 250769, Little Rock, Ark. 72225 or to a charity of your choice. Arrangements are by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– ORVILLE M. “PAPPY” COLEMAN JR., of North Little Rock, died May 19, 2017. Born Nov. 17, 1919 in Montana, he was the son of Orville M. Coleman Sr. and Anna E. Houchena Coleman. He was preceded in death by his wife, Evelyn Terry Coleman; his daughter, Ann Coleman; sister, Enid Alsobrook; and brother, Keith Coleman.

He is survived by his daughter, Glenna (James) Sloan; sister, Fayetta Murray; brother, Neil (Sarah) Coleman; step-daughters, Kay (Terry) Mobley, Deronda (Hugh) Honeycutt; step-sons, Dwight (Jane) Terry, David (Debbie) Terry, Don (Alecia) Terry; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Graveside services, with Military Honors, will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 24, 2017 at Rest Hills Memorial Park with Greg Clark officiating. The family would like to thank Unit 1E at North Little Rock VA and their wonderful staff for the care given to Mr. Coleman. Memorials may be made to Sylvan Hills Church of Christ, 117 W. Maryland Ave., Sherwood, Ark. 72120. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.griffinleggettresthills. com.

–––––❖––––– ROY RICHMOND GRIFFIN of Little Rock, departed this life to join his beloved wife of 61 years and 13 days, Bertha (Bert) Cooper Griffin, on May 18, 2017. He was born on April 3, 1918, in Anderson, Alabama. During the 99 years of his life he was an inspiration to many; a beloved father to Jackie Griffin, Susan Griffin (Tom Kilgore), and JoAnn Kirchner (Jeff); cherished grandfather to Angela Kelly, Walt Kelly (JeanAnne), Christen Kirchner, and Jessica Thein (Jason); and adored great-grandfather to Griffin Melson, Noah Melson, Aiden Kelly, Cooper Kelly, Phoenix Erlmann, and Preston Thein. He is survived by two of his nine brothers and sisters, Ray Griffin of Silsbee, Texas, and Betty Ann Morris (Jack) of Cullman, Alabama. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and scores of friends who became part of his family because he so generously welcomed others into his life.

He was an extraordinary man who lived a life unlike any other. Roy’s early life was spent in the cotton fields of Alabama and Mississippi, where his family sharecropped. On September 20, 1940, prior to Pearl Harbor, he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army. Before being deployed to Europe, he “stole” the love of his life out of her senior high school classes and married her in secret with only his mother and baby sister (Betty Ann) as witnesses.

During his military service, he helped establish the 531st Engineer Shore Regiment, the first land sea unit in the U.S. Army, training with British and Canadian forces in the Irish Sea. This unit subsequently established beachheads allowing troops and heavy equipment to land in French Morocco in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, and Normandy, where he was wounded and received a Purple Heart on the battlefield. Following the invasion of France and then Germany, he and 150 men were stranded without weapons during the Battle of the Bulge. While the rest of his unit returned to the United States, he was reassigned to serve under General Patton, re-entered Germany, and helped liberate Buchenwald Concentration Camp. He remained on the front lines until V.E. Day. In total, his service record lists nine campaigns in the European Theatre. He only spoke of his war experiences after the death of his beloved Bert, because he didn’t want to upset her with what he had seen and done during the war.

The day after his discharge from the Army, he began a job “rough-necking” on oil rigs, the only job he felt he could do after the war because the noise and the focus it required kept him sane. After losing two fingers on the oil rigs (which he affectionately called what was left “nubby” and “nubby junior” to the delight of all children), he held many positions, ultimately working as an equipment manager for International Harvester.

Following the 2003 death of his wife, he traveled with his family and extended family, retracing his steps in WWII through France, Italy, and Sicily. In each setting he was celebrated by the children and grandchildren of those that he had liberated during his service.

He was a man of strong but quiet faith, the one who would mow the minister’s lawn at night so that no one would know who did it. He once stated that “You can be rewarded for your good deeds on earth or, if you do them without recognition, you can be rewarded in heaven.” He is certainly basking in his rewards with his cherished Bert today.

Roy was always a behind the scenes hero and never sought glory or fame. However, in his later years, he was recognized with several honors. He received the Amazing Spirit Award from Baptist Health in 2004. Later that same year, he was honored for his participation in the Normandy invasion in Valognes, France, by the French Government, during the 60th anniversary celebration of D-Day. Most recently, the ARVets Organization honored his military service as the 2014 Outstanding Veteran of Past Conflicts in a ceremony at the Clinton Library.

Most will remember these things: his unwavering faith; his exceptional wit; his mouthwatering biscuits and sawmill gravy; treasured time “porch sitting” with anyone who happened by; and his blackberry jam and home-grown tomatoes, which were, the best, period. He never

had much material wealth, yet it would be hard to find a richer man. Those that were given the opportunity to know him were truly blessed.

The family acknowledges the exceptional healthcare he received from the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Arkansas Hospice, and Arkansas Veterans Hospice. In addition, the family thanks his special friends who loved and cared for him during the later years of his life, especially his “girls,” Suzanne Allbright and Paula Nance, Ed Slater, “the Limousine Driver,” and Kia Parker, his remarkable caregiver.

Visitation will be held on Monday, May 22nd from 5:30-7 p.m. at Griffin, Leggett, Healey and Roth Funeral Home, 5800 W. 12th St., Little Rock, Arkansas. Funeral services, May 23rd at 10 a.m., Woodlawn Baptist Church, 5520 Woodlawn Drive, with Bro. Ben Jones officiating. Burial, with Military Honors, May 23rd at 3 p.m., County Line Cemetery, Glen Allan, Miss.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you send a donation in his honor to Arkansas Hospice Veterans Program; 14 Parkstone Circle, NLR, Ark. 72116. To sign the online guestbook, go to www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

–––––❖––––– LUCIAN J. KITTA, 80, of Sherwood went to Heaven on Wednesday, May 17, 2017. He was born Feb. 2, 1937 in Marche, Ark., to John and Rose Kitta. Lucian was a faithful parishioner of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He was a 1955 graduate of North Little Rock High School. He retired from Crow Burlingame Auto Parts after 48 years of service. Lucian was a master chef, avid gardener, clock builder, self appointed meteorologist and nature lover, except for the squirrels who attacked his vegetable garden (that he had to relocate).

L.J. is survived by his wife, JoAnn (Prause) Kitta; son, Jon A. Kitta (Melissa); brothers, Arthur Kitta (Maggie) and Edward Kitta (Irene); and many nieces, nephews, loving friends and loyal coworkers. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Cyril Kitta and sister, Connie Kaplon.

The family will receive friends from 4-5 p.m. on Sunday, May 21, 2017 at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St. A Rosary will be held at noon, Tuesday, May 23, 2017 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Marche, with a Mass of Christian burial to follow at 1 p.m. Burial will be at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cemetery.

Arrangements by Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home. Guest register at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

–––––❖––––– PAUL JAMES PEEPLES, 87, of Sherwood, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 21, 2017. Paul was born near Beirne, Ark., to Dan and Lena Peeples on Dec. 15, 1929. He attended Gurdon High School and then graduated from Henderson State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. After college he served as an officer in the United States Army. Paul worked for Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Sales and Marketing for 40 years. He retired from Blue Cross in 1992

and then sold church furniture for several more years. His favorite hobby was golf and he excelled at it to the point of being a scratch golfer for many years.

He is survived by his beautiful bride of 63 plus years, Zola Jo Peeples; son, Steve Peeples of Cabot; daughter, Lyn Peeples Pruitt and son-in-law Chip Pruitt of Little Rock; son, Daryl Peeples and daughter-in-law, Terry Griffin Peeples of North Little Rock; grandson, Aaron Peeples and granddaughter-in-law, Ashley Peeples of Little Rock; grandson, Spencer Pruitt; grandson, Griffin Paul Peeples; and granddaughter, Jessica Pruitt; great-granddaughter, Morgan Peeples; and great-grandson, Carson Peeples.

He was a committed follower of Christ, a Deacon at First Baptist Church of Sherwood, and a great teacher of the Bible; whether taught within the walls of his local church or without.

The family requests memorial contributions be sent to the Arkansas Baptist Children’s Home, 10 Remington Dr., Little Rock, Ark. 72204 or to Ouachita Baptist University, 410 Ouachita St., Arkadelphia, Ark. 71998.

His service will be held at First Baptist Church of Sherwood at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 23. A reception with friends and family will follow the service.

Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Paul’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

–––––❖––––– MARY SUE GODFREY RAMSEY, age 88, of Little Rock, passed away peacefully on Friday May 19, 2017. She was born on Aug. 24, 1928 to the late Winnie Elvira Davis Godfrey of Little Rock, Ark., and Frank Corbett Godfrey, of Dublin, Texas.

Mary Sue married Dr. Raymond Gilbert Ramsey Jr., in Little Rock, Ark., on Aug. 21, 1953. They had two children, Melinda Kaye and Ramona Suzanne. Mary Sue worked, prior to marrying Raymond, as an Administrative Assistant for 1st United Methodist Church in downtown Little Rock. After both her children grew older and until her retirement, she worked as a library assistant at Joseph T. Robinson Elementary School. She enjoyed reading stories to and working with the school children. Mary Sue was a longtime member of First Baptist Little Rock, and served in many capacities over the years. She loved her family and her daughters, enjoyed reading books, sewing, shopping, dinner parties, social events with church friends, and traveling with her husband of 61 years prior to his passing in January 2014.

Mary Sue will be remembered by her loving children: Dr. Melinda Kaye Ramsey of Central Arkansas, Ramona Suzanne Griffith and husband John B. Griffith III of Little Rock, Ark.

She is survived by a sister, Amy McInturff of Pea Ridge; and niece, Dr. Rachel Marian McInturff of Austin, Texas; nephew, Charles Anthony McInturff of Kansas City; niece, Carol Ann Riegler; along with many other extended family members.

Memorials can be made in her name to the following: Alzheimer’s Association, Susan G. Komen Foundation, and/or First Baptist Little Rock.

A memorial service will be held at Little Rock’s First Baptist Church on Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at 2 p.m. The family will host a visitation from 6-8 p.m., on Tuesday, at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth.

Please share your messages of love, comfort and support with the family at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

–––––❖––––– LLOYD B. WILLIAMS SR., 103, of Little Rock, Ark., passed away May 17, 2017. His loving survivors include: grandchildren, Javier Williams, Monto Williams and Lloyd B. Williams III; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, cousins and a host of friends. Home going services will be Thursday, May 25, 2017, 11 a.m., at St. Bartholomew Church, 1622 Marshall St., Little Rock, Ark. Interment will follow at Haven of Rest Cemetery, Little Rock, Ark. Family visitation: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, 6-8 p.m., at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 S. Chester St., LR (501) 372-1305.