Obituaries
Pulaski County
ROBERT ADAMS, 66, of North Little Rock passed away on Nov. 21, 2018. If there are any family members, please contact Superior Funeral Service at 501-9459922.
–––––❖––––– DOYLE BIGGS, 80, of Sherwood died December 5, 2018. He was born August 16, 1938, in Tie Plant, Arkansas. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 12, 2018, with a visitation prior to service at 12:00 p.m. at Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online obituary at www. SmithFamilyCares.com.
–––––❖––––– MEL BOOTH JR., 36, of Jacksonville passed from this life on Monday, December 3, 2018.
He was born Friday, August 13, 1982, in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Mel Booth Sr. and Lisa Barber.
Survivors include his mother, Lisa (Ronald) Barber of Jacksonville; father, Mel (Vicky) Booth Sr. of Cabot; children, Jordon M. Ross of Washington, Maddox Booth of Florida; sister, Tiffany Wilson (Mark Tabor) of Jacksonville; nieces and nephew,
Ciara and Hailey Earnest and C.J. Wilson; along with a host of extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Park. Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday, December 10, 2018, at the funeral home. Arrangements entrusted to Moore’s Jacksonville Funeral Home (501) 982-2136. Online guestbook: www.mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– DARREL LEE BRILEY, 54, of North Little Rock passed away on Friday, Dec. 7, 2018. He was born in Little Rock, Ark., on Feb. 13, 1964, to Ruby Jean Poe Briley and the late Donald Weldon Briley, Sr. Darrel was preceded in death by his father and younger brother, Danny Briley.
Survivors include his mother, Ruby Jean Poe Briley; brothers, Donald Weldon Briley, Jr. (Stephanie) of Conway, Doyle Briley (Sheila) and Denny Briley (Wendy), both of North Little Rock; sister, Karen Williams of North Little Rock; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family that will miss him.
Memorial visitation will be held Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 6-8 p.m. at Smith Sherwood Funeral Home (7700 Hwy 107) with Memorial Service Wednesday evening, Dec. 12, at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Please visit our online guest register, www.smithsherwoodfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– BOOKER “T” COOPER, 69, of Little Rock, Ark., departed this life November 30, 2018. Service: Monday, 11:00 a.m. at Shiloh Seventh-Day Adventist, 2400 S. Maple St., Little Rock, Ark. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 371-0111. “Service You Can Trust.”
–––––❖––––– ROBERT DALE COVER, 91, of Sherwood passed away Tuesday, December 4, 2018. He was born May 15, 1927, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, to Chester and Viola Mae Cover. He was retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Senior Master Sergeant after 28 years of service.
He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Monica Cover; children, Teresa Williams, Barbara Cover, Lorraine Masters (Mark) and Billy Cover; grandchildren, Cheryl Glenn (Brian), Jill Mills (Tony), Bailey Dietrich (Blake) and Casey Masters (John); great-grandchildren, Riley and Reece Mills, Jackson and Harper Glenn and Brewer Dietrich.
A private family service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Smith – Sherwood Funeral Home. Online obituary at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
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NETA M. EVANS, 73, of North Little Rock, died Wednesday, December 5, 2018.
She was born on May 1, 1945, in Hoxie to the late Gay and Mary Lee Riggs.
She is also preceded in death by brothers, Junior, Kenneth, Linuel and Uen Wayne Riggs; and sisters, Daphine Broadway, Imogene Bearden, and Bonnie Sue Riggs.
Neta worked with the Ouachita Council Girl Scouts for 30 years as Membership Director. She enjoyed reading, flower gardening, watching the Razorbacks, and Dr. Pepper.
Neta is survived by her husband of 54 years, Donald D. Evans; daughter, Angela D. Evans; son, Jeff Evans (Michelle); grandchildren, Grace Wetherington, Rachel Wetherington, Hope Meinecke, Jarod Evans, and Sara Evans; brothers, Leon, Joe, Conway, and Jerry Riggs; sister, Lavada Harrell; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CARTI Foundation, P.O. box 55011, Little Rock, Ark., 72215.
Memorial service will be held on Wednesday, December 12, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. at Roller-Owens Funeral Home, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, Ark., 72116. Inurnment to follow at Edgewood Memorial Park.
Online Guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.
–––––❖––––– T. SHERLINE DILL FILAT, 83, was born on Oct. 23, 1935, in Osceola, Ark., to Earnest “Dick” and Margie Welden Dill. She passed away on Dec. 1, 2018, and unselfishly donated her body to science. She will subsequently be cremated.
Sherline, aka “GiGi”, was the owner of Filat’s Jewelers Inc. on Rodney Parham Road, a successful small business for over 30 years, where she developed a long list of clientele that became her friends as well. Sherline loved oldies music and loved to dance. She was a member of the Little Rock Bop Club, which is where she met her Life Partner.
She was preceded in death by both parents; a brother, Willie; two sisters, Billie and Johnnie Dill; and her beloved Pomeranian Josh.
She is survived by her children, Lameice (Herbert) Kimbrough and Jamall (Patricia) Filat; grandchildren, Lauren, Erika and Z. Patrick Filat, Haley (Mycah) Love, Gianni (Danielle) Bruno, Meisha, Herbert III and Kayla Kimbrough; three great-granddaughters; sisters, Parmalee Key and Betty Nieburg; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives to include her Life Partner of 25 years, Jim Holland.
A Memorial Service in remembrance of Sherline Filat “Our GiGi” will be held on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Central Church of Christ Fellowship Hall, 823 W. 6th St., Little Rock, Ark. 72201. Dinner will be served.
–––––❖––––– GLENDA ADAMS FORTNER, a longtime resident of Little Rock and Pine Bluff passed away on Thursday, December 6, 2018, after a short illness. Glenda was born on June 10, 1941, in Banks, Arkansas, to parents Mary Wyman Adams and William Terrell Adams. Glenda is a graduate of the University of Central Arkansas and received her masters from The University of Arkansas. A longtime teacher in the Pine Bluff School District, Glenda was a teacher at Pulaski Academy at the time of her retirement. She was a member of Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock.
Glenda is survived by her husband, Wendell Fortner of Little Rock, Arkansas; two sons, Tim Fortner and wife Lisa of Lakewood, Ohio, and Blair Fortner and wife Margaret of Ladue, Missouri. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Burke, Harrison, Walker and Lele.
A Memorial service will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 11, 2018, in the Chapel of Second Presbyterian Church of Little Rock with a memorial reception following the service. Memorial gifts can be made to the CARTI Foundation, P.O. Box 5501, Little Rock Ark., 72215.
To sign the online guestbook, please visit www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.
–––––❖––––– ROY HALLIBURTON III, 58, of North Little Rock, passed away Dec. 3. Survivors: mother, Bertha Verser; three daughters; three sisters; two brothers. Funeral Services 11 a.m., Tuesday, Grace Baptist Church, 4425 Vinson Rd., Little Rock. Services entrusted to Gillespie Brothers Funeral Home, 2420 S. Arch, Little Rock (501) 376-7892. gillespiebrothersfuneralhome@gmail.com.
–––––❖––––– LYNETTE ELAINE OLDS DAVIS HAMPTON, 92, passed away at her home in Maumelle on Saturday, December 1, 2018.
She was born on July 25, 1926, in Marmaduke, Ark., to Lonnie Earl and Beulah Fay Alcorn Olds. Lynette spent
36 years in the automotive industry, retiring from Parker Cadillac in 1983. She loved crossword puzzles and worked one every day. She loved watching sports, especially golf and football, and she loved her Razorbacks.
She is preceded in death by her husband, AA “Bates” Hampton; siblings, Lonnie Earl Olds Jr., Shirley Hill, Lyndel Olds and Arlyss Olds.
Lynette is survived by her son, John Morris Davis II (Jan); grandchildren, Amy Davis Davidson (Ronnie) and Dylan Davis; great-grandchild, Gryphon Davidson; and two sisters, Melva Bailey and Ilma Renaud (Bill).
The family would like to express heartfelt appreciation to Baptist Hospice, especially Nathan and Gena.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 10825 Financial Centre Pkwy #330, Little Rock, Ark., 72211.
Services will be scheduled at a later date, under the direction of Roller-Owens Funeral Home.
You may sign the online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/owens.
–––––❖––––– JESSIE BRADFORD LATIMER, 67, of Little Rock, Ark., transitioned December 3, 2018. Memorial Service: Monday, 12 p.m. at Robinson Mortuary South. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary-South, 6400 Mabelvale Pike, Little Rock,
Ark., (501) 565-0110. “Service You Can Trust.” Visit www.robinsonmortuary.com to sign online guestbook.
–––––❖––––– JAMES MICHAEL LIVEZEY, 67, of Jacksonville, passed away November 17, 2018. Born in Independence, Mo., to Wayne and Phyllis Brown Livezey, he was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a former security guard for Razorback Security of Little Rock. He is survived by his wife, Charlene Livezey; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way.
Graveside services with Military Honors will be Friday, December 14 at 11 a.m. at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501) 224-2200. Jim’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
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MRS. BEATRICE MARY LEE MCBRIDE, 91, of Little Rock passed away Dec. 4, 2018, surrounded by her loving family. Memories are left to children, Michael (Sabrina) Nance, Gary McBride, Ethel Santiago, Zenobia Smith and Octavia Nance; 20 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren and other relatives.
Home-Going Celebration will be Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018, 11 a.m. at Longley Baptist Church, 9900 Geyer Springs Road, Little Rock. Dr. Dwight Townsend, Pastor. Her body will lie instate Wednesday, 10 a.m., until service. Services entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, 2704 Commerce Circle, Pine Bluff, Ark.
–––––❖––––– ALTON CARROLL OWENS, JR., born on January 20, 1931 near Sulphur Rock,
Ark., passed away on November 24, 2018 in Little Rock.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Rempel Owens; his parents, Alton Carroll and Roxie Ford Owens and his sister, Betty Wilson.
He is survived by his three daughters: Chrysanne Demirel (Ismet) Little Rock, Terry Graveley (John) Quitman and Laura Borec (Robert) Clovis, Calif.; six grandchildren: Evin and Tanner Demirel, Leah and Joseph Graveley, Carleigh and Brenner Borec; one great-grandchild, Eden Demirel and his dear friend Nadine Rail.
In high school, Al worked as a stocker and delivery boy at Cecil’s Grocery in Batesville, and graduated from Batesville High in 1948. Cecil was so impressed with Al’s hard work and innovative ideas that Cecil wanted him to buy his business. However, Al had bigger ideas, graduating from Arkansas Tech in 1951 with a business degree and served as a Sergeant Major in the Arkansas National Guard. In December 1950, while at Tech, he married Barbara. They moved to Little Rock to start their family and his career.
Al was employed by Kraft Foods as an account manager. In 1962, he became an owner/ agent with Travelers and formed Benton & Owens Insurance in Little Rock. During the 1970’s he built an extensive rental property business. In 1981, he sold his Little Rock businesses and built a home overlooking Greers Ferry Lake looking forward to an early retirement.
He lived the last two years at the Arkansas State Veterans Home in North Little Rock. There will be a memorial service for family and friends at Blue Springs Cemetery in Newark, Ark.
Please visit www.arkansascremation.com to leave online condolences.
–––––❖––––– RUDOLPH PIPPINS, 85, of Little Rock, Ark., departed this life Dec 4. Family Hour: Monday, 5-6 p.m. at Robinson Mortuary, LR Rock; Service Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. at Union AME, 1825 South Pulaski, LR. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. MLK Jr. Drive, Little Rock, Ark. (501) 371-0111. “Service You Can Trust.”
–––––❖––––– MARK STEVEN RAUCH, age 57, of Mabelvale, passed away Thursday, December 6, 2018.
He was born October 14, 1961 in Austin, Ark. Mark was self-employed.
He was preceded in death by his father, George Allen Rauch, Sr.
He is survived by his wife, Natalie Rauch; son, Justin Rauch; two daughters, Amanda (Kyle) Bryant and Jenna (Michael) Collier; mother, Maxine Rauch; brother, Allen (Tammie) Rauch and four grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Layne Penfield, Scott Phillips, Doug Volkman, Todd Crook, Wayne Young and Gary Cheek. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, December 10 at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 11 at Ashby Funeral Home with Charlie Manning and Bro. Luke Brown officiating. Burial will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Park in Jacksonville.
On-ine guest book at www. ashbyfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– WILMA CATHERINE SPURGEON, 85, of
North Little Rock, passed away December 6, 2018. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at the Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be at Edgewood Cemetery. Full obituary and guest registry at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
–––––❖––––– JAMES “BUCK” VENABLE, 88, of North Little Rock passed away Tuesday, December 4, 2018. He was born June 1, 1930 in North Little Rock, Ark., to James and Carrie Venable. He served in the United
States Air Force and was retired from the Army National Guard with 42 years of service. He is survived by his children, Susan Jeffers (David), James Monroe Venable III and Rebecca Tyler (Toby); three grandchildren, Aundra Boeckman (Mitch), Amanda Browning (Ryan) and Nathan Jeffers (Jessica); great-grandchildren, Emma Browning, Lily Browning and B. Boeckman; and two sisters, Stevie “Pete” Joncas and Lillie Erwin; and a host of extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Wesley Venable, Sonny Venable, Alice Mobbs, Martha Donham and Mary Ann Ward.
Memorials may be made to Dorcas House Christmas Toy Drive or Gideon Bible.
A visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, December 10, 2018 at Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Bayou Meto Cemetery.
Online obituary at www. SmithFamilyCares.com.
Arkansas
BENTON — Rose Lillian Anstey, 93, of Benton, passed away on December 5, 2018. She was born in London, England. She was surrounded by the love of Robert, Peggy, Katherine, Shelly and her beloved Che Che. Rose served in the Women’s Royal Air Corps and worked as a Physician’s Asst, raising her family in Brooklyn, New York.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Anstey.
Rose is survived by her four children, four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
A private Memorial service will be held at the National Cemetery in Little Rock at a later date.
Family Comments: The family would like to thank Saline Memorial Hospice for all their care. Sweet Dreams my Luv.
On line guestbook at www. ashbyfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– BENTON — Bobby L. Mathis, 45, of Benton, Arkansas passed away December 5, 2018. He was born April
3, 1973, to Linda Bearden Green and Bobby G.
Mathis, Sr. in Conway, Arkansas. He enjoyed computer repair, and tinkering with any and all electronics. He had a knack for being able to fix anything and make it better. He was compassionate, and would help anyone who asked no matter the need. He loved his wife, Kim Ramsey Mathis, dearly. He loved to garden, and play in his yard improving anything and everything he could think of. He had a quirky sense of humor and a different perspective on life. He always knew how to make anyone laugh.
He attended college at Ouachita Technical College in Malvern, Arkansas. He graduated with an Associates Degree in Electronic Engineering. He was self-employed as a computer repair technician with A+ certification.
He was preceded in death by his father, Bobby G. Mathis, Sr., his brother, f G. Mathis, Jr., grandparents Polly & Henry E. Bearden, and Fred & Hazel Mathis, & Albert & Lorene Arey.
He is survived by his wife, Kim Ramsey Mathis, their cats Jade & Molly, his mother, Linda Bearden Green, his uncle Jimmy Bearden & his cousin Randy Bearden (all of Benton), his uncle Tom Mathis (Vilonia), his aunts Doris Wooley (Jacksonville), Kathy Smith & Peggy Mathis (both of Mayflower).
There will be a private graveside service for his closest family & friends at Summit Cemetery on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at 1:00 pm. His wife would like to thank their family and friends for the support that has been given.
–––––❖––––– BRINKLEY — Willa Gunter, 99, died Wednesday, December 5th, 30 days short of her 100th birthday. A daughter of Wade and Ethel Nowlin, she was born January 4, 1919 in Almyra, Arkansas. Due to the death of her mother, Willa
at age 13, was given the responsibility of the younger children and housework. She and Corbett Gunter were married March 4, 1934 and became lifelong residents of the Brinkley area. Along with the role of homemaker, Willa worked many years at the Van Heusen Shirt Factory in Brinkley. She was well known for her cooking skills, especially her fried pies. She was a faithful member of the First Assembly Of God Church in Brinkley and enjoyed fellowship with the senior groups; Young of Heart, Westside of 50 and Widows Well. Willa was preceded in death by her parents; husband; five siblings, Monroe, Hoyt and T.W. Nowlin, Opal Hutchins and Neoma Wooten. She is survived by three children; Carl Gunter (Nellie) of Stuttgart, Anita Miley (Jerry) of Brinkley and Brenda Thompson (Wayne) of Moro; one sister, Lillian Hadaway of Memphis; 5 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Visitation 10:00-11:00AM with services following at 11:00 both Monday at the First Assembly Of God Church in Brinkley. Obit/ guestbook/www.bobnealandsons.com.
–––––❖––––– BRYANT — Nancy Carolyn Lydick, 86, of Bryant, Arkansas passed away December 5, 2018. She was born January 29, 1932 to George and Grace Lewis in Indiana. She enjoyed playing pool and listening to music at the Bryant Senior Center, spending time with her family and playing with her dogs.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, Edward Charles Lydick, Sr., son, Mike Tom; sister, Bettie Whitlow.
Survived by her four sons, Kenny Tom (Ann) of Plainfield, Indiana, John Tom (Yvonne) of Plainfield, Indiana, Chuck Lydick (Kim) of Bryant, Arkansas, and Donnie Lydick (Lisa) of Benton, Arkansas; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the staff at Alcoa Pines for the exceptional care Nancy received for the last 3+ years.
Memorials may be made to an animal shelter of your choice.
Celebration of life will be held on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. with the visitation an hour prior at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home.
Online guestbook: www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– CABOT — Larry Alan Sanders, 59, of Cabot entered Heaven on November 29, 2019.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 15, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Kellogg Valley Baptist Church, 9516 Bamboo Lane, Sherwood, Arkansas.
Arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, Arkansas.
His online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.
–––––❖––––– CABOT — Judie Marie Stender, 75, of Cabot, passed into the embrace of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on the morning of December 6, 2018. She was born on August 19, 1943.
Family visitation will be held Monday, December 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. with funeral services immediately following at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Jacksonville. Entombment immediately following, Chapel Hill Memorial Park, Jacksonville.
Arrangements were entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, Arkansas. 501982-3400
Her online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.
–––––❖––––– CLINTON — Linda Sue Howard, age 67, of Clinton passed away December 6, 2018.
Visitation will be December 10, 2018 at 1 p.m. with services to follow at 2 p.m. at the Roller-McNutt Funeral Home chapel in Clinton. Interment will be at Plant Cemetery in Clinton.
For online guestbook, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton.
–––––❖––––– CONWAY — Janelle Wilcox Stanton entered her heavenly home on Dec.
5, 2018. She was born in the Pleasant Valley community of Faulkner County on April 24, 1929. She was the sixth of nine children born to Sam and Clarice Milam Wilcox.
She graduated from Greenbrier High School in 1947. In 1953, she married Thaddeus Stanton. During their 60-year marriage, they lived in DeWitt, Morrilton and Conway, Ark., where she was active in churches and made many friends. She worked various jobs, but her most cherished position was that of wife, mother and homemaker.
An excellent cook, she fed many family members, friends and hundreds of youths and adults at First Baptist Church of Conway. She was most recently an active member of Fellowship Bible Church of Conway, where she was part of the “Women of the Well.” These women meet for Bible Study, fellowship and wrapping shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.
Janelle was predeceased by her parents; her husband; four brothers (Doyne, Dennis, Wiley and Kenneth Wilcox); three sisters (Lou Hall, Jewell Dean Boswell, Mary Mitchell); and one grandchild (Olivia Grace Stanton).
Left to miss her are her brother, Cecil Wilcox (Georgia) of Conway; her children, Nancy LeMaster (Gray) of Little Rock, Dr. Michael Stanton (Denise) of Wooster, and Susan Gray (Glenn) of Conway; fifteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, Jeff LeMaster (Beka, daughters Cosette and Cora) of Little Rock; Jacob LeMaster (Leighann, son - Griffin) of Petit Jean Mountain; Will LeMaster (Kathryn, son Liam) of North Little Rock; Seth LeMaster (Sarah) of Brooklyn, N.Y.; Luke Stanton of Fayetteville; Zack Stanton (Molly, sons Conner and Shepherd; daughters - Julia, Margaret and Emilie) of Iowa City, Iowa; Spencer Stanton (Ashley, daughters - Olivia, Audrey and Eliza) of Nashville, Tenn.; Caleb Stanton (Shannon) of Conway; Isaac Stanton (Evie Grace) of Fayetteville; Gabe, Silas and Eli Stanton of Wooster; Jessica Huddleston (Daniel) of Grapevine, Texas; Hailey Johnson (Evan, son - Cooper) of Lenexa, Kan.; and Anna Ottens (Jason, sons - Matthew and Mitchell) of Lenexa, Kan.
A service of remembrance will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Dec. 21, at Fellowship Bible Church of Conway. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20, at the church. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her honor to Fellowship Bible Church - Operation Christmas Child or Samaritan’s Purse.
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EL PASO — James H. “Jim” Hamner, age 75, passed away on December 1, 2018 in Conway, Ark. Jim was born on March 7, 1943 in Little Rock, Ark., to Earnest and Geneva Carr Hamner and was their only child.
Jim was co-owner of Halco Fire Protection in California until his retirement and move back to Arkansas. His many and varied interests included gardening, racing, driving his sand buggy, racing in and winning the Baja, and also flying his Cessna. He was an avid sportsman, loved to fish and hunt. He also did wrought iron work. He was a longtime NRA member and a member of the Big Jack Northwoods Deer Camp and Social Emporium.
Jim honorably served his country in Vietnam with the 5th Special Forces in Thailand, where he trained troops in jungle warfare and parachute insertion. He also accompanied them on combat missions. He was combat injured in Vietnam by a mortar fragment for which he was awarded a Purple Heart. His other service medals and awards include Combat Infantry Badge, Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam Civic Action Medal, Vietnam Campaign, Vietnam Service, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and National Defense Service Medal.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest and Geneva Carr Hamner, and his daughter, Darla.
He is survived by his faithful longtime feline companion, Tiger.
He is also survived by his daughters, Deanna Vaughan and her husband Earl, Teri Stillwell, Lisa Hamner, and his son, James H. Hamner, Jr. He is survived by his cousin, Robbie Hoyle and her husband, Roy, by his adopted brother, Calvin Terry and his wife, Karen, his Mountain View family: Mama Deane, Big Jack, Jack Jr, Henry, and the rest of his Big Jack Deer Camp family with whom he spent many a happy hour. Jim is survived by 6 grandkids and two step grandkids, Heather Updyke, Eric Riddle, Jillian Stillwell, Jeremie Stillwell, Jessica Stillwell, Amber Stillwell, April Vaughan and Cassie Vaughan. He is also survived by two ex-wives, Arleen Norris and Pat Fuller.
The family would like to express our deepest appreciation to the nursing staff of 3 North at Conway Regional, Dr. Tsuda and staff, Dr. Hillman and staff, Dr. France and staff, Dr. Tukaye and staff, and Dr. King for the wonderful care given during his illness. Online Registration: rosewoodcremation.com.
–––––❖––––– HEBER SPRINGS — Seclena L. Tatum came into this world on May 27, 1949 in Newport, Arkansas and passed from this world to be with her
Lord and Savior on December 4,
2018. Seclena was the tenth of eleven children born to the late Rosie and
Joseph Daniels.
Seclena was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Marvin Daniels, her sisters Fay Peirce, Lillie Daniels, Phyllis Billings, Eunice Daniels and Myrtle Lucy all of Newport and Thelma Jones of Little Rock. She is survived by in Seclena’s words “The love of my life, Dudley Lemon” of Heber Springs, her nephew whom she dearly loved Rodney Moorehead, her brothers Leroy and Wayne Daniels and her sister Wilma Gray all of Newport. She is also survived by her beloved cocker spaniel Brandy and cat Thomas.
Seclena was retired from Skil Corporation. Prior to that she had served as a private care nurse. Seclena loved and was loved by the many friends that she had come to know. She had a special place in her heart for her friend Paula and her girls Dana and Angela.
At the request of Seclena there will be no services at this time. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home. www.olmstead.cc.
–––––❖––––– HOLLY GROVE — Surrounded by his family, Donald Ray Dearing died
Dec. 6, 2018, after a brief illness. He was a kind and gentle man, possessing compassion for service to others, an unwavering Christian faith and immense love for his family. He was a smart businessman, skilled farmer, enthusiastic outdoorsman and avid traveler ready for the next adventure and chance to learn something new.
He was born March 18, 1932, in Holly Grove, the son of Pearce McDonald Dearing and Faye Jones Dearing. As a youth and standout athlete at Holly Grove High School, his nickname was “Duck.” He excelled in football, basketball and baseball. He spent many days riding his horse and tinkering with his 1927 Model A Ford. He delivered newspapers, worked as a soda jerk at City Drug Store and delivered groceries for Williamson Grocery Store. He was an Eagle Scout.
As early as his 5th birthday party he noticed Martha Marie King. They dated throughout high school (he graduated in 1950) and then went to different colleges. He earned a degree in agricultural engineering from the University of Arkansas in 1954. He frequently hitchhiked the 265 miles from Holly Grove to Fayetteville. Eventually he circled back to Martha and they were married in 1955 in Holly Grove, where they made their home.
When Donald was a college freshman, his father died unexpectedly at age 45. His older brother Jimmy left the Navy and came home to run the family farm while Donald attended college. Immediately upon graduating, Donald joined the family farm, working closely with his brother and farm manager J.D. Walker. Farming was his life and career for the next five decades. He raised Hereford cattle and grew cotton, soybeans, rice, wheat and corn. He retired in 2003.
He served on the Board of Directors of the Cache River Production Credit Association, Wheatley Grain Dryer, New Peoples Cotton Gin and Bank of Holly Grove. He served on the Holly Grove City Council for many years and was a member of the Holly Grove Rotary Club.
His family was named Arkansas Farm Bureau Farm Family of the Year for Monroe County in 1967. They also showed quarter horses as a family and were recipients of the Sportsmanship Award presented by the North East Central Horse Show Association in 1971.
As a lifelong member of the Holly Grove United Methodist Church, Donald taught Sunday School, served as a lay member to Annual Conference and held numerous leadership positions. He participated in farm development and mission projects of the Christian Mission of Pignon and frequently traveled to Haiti. Tanzania and Mexico were other destinations for mission work. In Eastern Arkansas, he volunteered with Habitat for Humanity and helped build several homes. He served with Gideons International for many years.
Donald was an avid reader and also grew a large garden. As a skilled woodworker, he built numerous pieces of furniture that are now family keepsakes. Hobbies over the years were many: carving duck decoys, winemaking, square dancing, long-distance running and playing the banjo, to name a few. His enjoyment of thoroughbred horse racing, particularly at Oaklawn Park, never waned.
Duck hunting was a favorite outdoor activity that he shared with friends and family. He also enjoyed fishing and pheasant hunting. He was most at home outdoors.
He was married to Martha King for 44 years, until her death in 1999. He married Jeanie Sample Wilson in 2006 and they enjoyed traveling extensively, taking part in educational hostel programs and horse racing.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother and first wife. He is survived by his wife, Jeanie Dearing; one son, Lee Dearing of Oxford, Miss., and wife Donna; one daughter, Jane Dennis of Little Rock and husband Robert, and one stepson, Chuck Wilson of Jonesboro and wife Rita. He has eight grandchildren, Abigail Campbell and husband Mike, David Dearing and wife Leanne, Daniel Dearing, Steven Dearing, Lindsey Dennis, Sidney Dennis, Scott Caldwell, and Jennifer Bray and husband Coy; and seven great grandchildren, Jack, Sam and Luke Dearing, Hannah and J.T. Campbell, and Luke and Isaac Bray.
Visitation will be at 1 p.m. and funeral at 2 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 10, at Holly Grove United Methodist Church. Memorials are requested for the church, sending to P.O. Box 361, Holly Grove, Ark., 72069, or charity of choice. Arrangements were by the Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home in Brinkley and you may sign the guestbook at www.bobnealandsons.com.
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HOT SPRINGS — AND HERE HE COMES INTO THE STRETCH: Terry Wallace, 74, of Hot Springs, Arkansas, legendary track announcer and longtime voice of Oaklawn Racetrack, earned his Triple Crown on Thursday, December 6, 2018.
He was met at the Finish line by his son Howard Wallace.
Terry was born in Cleveland, Ohio, to the late Edward and Mildred Wallace. After high school, Terry moved to Cincinnati to attend Xavier College, earning a language degree. After graduation, he spent a year in France at the Sorbonne.
Though he announced at smaller parks in the Cleveland area, his real start was at River Downs in Cincinnati. Terry also announced at Ak-Sar-Ben and Horsemen’s Park, which earned him a spot in the Nebraska Racing Hall of Fame.
Terry is also in the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame for having called a record-setting 20,191 consecutive races at Oaklawn. He worked at Oaklawn for 42 years, from 1975 until his final retirement at the end of 2017.
After retiring from announcing duties on January 28, 2011, Terry continued working at Oaklawn as a handicapper and ambassador. January 28, 2011 was proclaimed “Terry Wallace Day” by the mayor of Hot Springs. Governor Mike Beebe and President Bill Clinton wrote him letters of congratulations.
His voice was familiar to racing fans throughout the country. Terry’s excited commentary often had racing fans out of their seats and waving their programs.
Terry was a man very generous with his time when it came to grandchildren or charity. He served on the boards of several local charities, including the Garland County chapter of the American Cancer Society and their Leadership Council. He worked with the United Way, which has the “Terry Wallace Volunteer Award”, an award that is bestowed upon the volunteer who has gone above and beyond, as Terry often did.
Terry’s voice will be missed every day by his wife, Alice; children, Ernest (Christine) Wallace, Jake Wallace, Sarah Wallace; grandchildren, Cameron, Clayton, Rebecca, Rachel; sister, Judy (Jerry) Koenigsmark; numerous nieces and nephews; and more friends than he could count. Alice’s children and grandchildren, that he treated as his own, will also miss Terry.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Terry’s name may be made to the Haiti Mission Fund at St. Mary’s of the Springs, 100 Central Ave, Hot Springs, Ark. 71901.
A Rosary at St. Mary’s of the Springs will begin at 2:30 p.m. Monday, December 10, with a Rite of Christian Burial following at 3. Online condolences and guestbook are available at www. GrossFuneralHome.com.
–––––❖––––– LONDON — Johna Gibson Roedenbeck, 75, of London, died Thursday, December 6, 2018 at Johnson County Regional Medical Center in Clarksville. The daughter of John W. and Hettie E. (Witt) Gibson, she was born May 15, 1943, in Russellville. She attended Arkansas Tech University. She was a circuit court reporter for Pope, Johnson, and Franklin Counties. She began her career working for Williams Gardner Attorneys. She was a member of the Statewide Court Reporter Association. She attended the Assembly of God Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Roedenbeck; her parents; a sister, Ruth E. Smith; infant sister; and great-greatnephew, Cole Jackson.
Survivors include her brother, Jim Ed Gibson and wife, Mary Kay of London; nephews, Jeff Gibson and wife, Melody of Russellville and John Gibson of Little Rock; great-nephews and great-nieces, Amber Pellham and husband, Brandon, Rudy Gibson, both of Clarksville, Allyson Jackson and husband, Dylan of Coal Hill, Clayton Seely, and Emma Gibson, both of Russellville; and five great-great-nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at Humphrey Chapel in Russellville. Jim Bob Humphrey and Marcus Hubbard will officiate. Burial will be at Rest Haven Memorial Park in Russellville by Humphrey Funeral Service. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., on Monday, at the funeral home. Pallbearers are Jeff Gibson, John Gibson, Dylan Jackson, Clayton Seely, Brandon Pellham, and Eddie Price. Honorary pallbearers are area circuit judges, retired and current. Memorials may be made to charity of your choosing. Internet obituary and online guest book are available at www.humphreyfuneral.com.
–––––❖––––– MAGNOLIA — Ola Faye Proctor, 86, of Magnolia, formerly of Holly Springs, passed away Saturday. Visitation is Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2018 at 12:30 until service time at 2 p.m. at St. Mark United Methodist Church, 1315 W. Washington, Camden, Ark. Interment will follow in New Holly Springs Cemetery. Online register, visit www.proctorfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– MARSHALL — Susie Janice Lamb, 66, of Marshall, Ark., passed away on Dec. 6, 2018.
She was born on March 4, 1952. Visitation: Dial and Dudley Funeral Home on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018 from 6-8 p.m. Graveside service: Forest Hills on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018 at 11 a.m. Online guestbook: www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
–––––❖––––– MOUNTAIN HOME — Services for O.R. Carpenter, 94, of Mountain Home, will be 2 pm, Monday at Kirby’s Tucker Memorial Cemetery. He was born July 7, 1924 and died December 4, 2018. Survivors include: daughter, Judy Fletcher; twin sister, Rhudeane Mills; and a host of extended family. Kirby and Family Funeral Home www.kirbyandfamily.com.
–––––❖––––– NEWPORT — Mrs. Alice (Shields) Posey died Friday. Survivors: children, John Posey and Carol Jane Stevens; sister, Allie Mae Kirker; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Visitation: 1 p.m. Tuesday at Alderbrook Cemetery. Funeral will follow at 2 p.m. Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
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PINE BLUFF — Coy Madison Nixon Jr., 100, a lifelong resident of Pine Bluff died Friday, December 7, 2018 at Pleasant Valley Nursing and Rehabilitation of
Little Rock.
Born in Pine
Bluff, October 6,
1918, Mr. Nixon was the eldest of four sons of
Willie Belle Mason Nixon and Coy Madison Nixon, Sr. He graduated Pine Bluff High School in 1936 and earned his BA from Arkansas State Teachers College in Conway. He was selected as an outstanding student by his peers in 1939. He served as president of the senior class and won the Arkansas state debate tournament and the Jacksonville Miss., Invitational. He helped transform Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity as president, later helping to expand and initiate new members in surrounding states.
Following college, Mr. Nixon enlisted in the U.S. Army in July 1942 serving until 1946. During this time, Sergeant Nixon also earned his LLB from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock School of Law and was admitted to the Arkansas Bar Association.
In 1945, Sergeant Nixon married Agnes O. Coffman of Keo. They raised one son, John Coy Nixon. Together they founded Nixon’s Rental Center in 1954. They were pioneers in a new industry that helped satisfy Coy’s love of gadgets. They were featured several times in RER (Rental Equipment Register), Trade Talks and Rental Age. One notable spread featured their unique billboard campaign entitled “Selling Themselves” using caricatures of themselves and local people. Subsequent articles chronicled the rebuilding of the original store that burned, detailing the process of getting back on their feet and relating the generous help from the community and other industry friends. He was active in the American Rental Association, and later established Mid-South Rental Association where he served as its first president.
Coy was a member of First Presbyterian Church and served on the board of deacons, was president of Pine Bluff Downtown Lions Club, chairman of the board of the Pine Bluff Salvation Army and Pine Bluff Chamber of Commerce. He held several offices of the Pine Bluff Civil Service Commission for 13 years, including the head of the commission. He retired as CEO of Nixon’s in 1988. He maintained his love of hunting, fishing, storytelling, one liners, sense of humor and kindness for others. Coy was fondly known as “Daddy Coy” or “D-Coy” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a Christian man who set a good example for all.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes Nixon; son, John Coy Nixon; and an infant daughter.
Survivors include his daughter-in-law, Jan McBrayer Nixon; grandchildren, Sarah Fallon (Jonathan), John Coy “Nick” Nixon, Jr. (Stephanie), Marcus Andrew “Marc” Nixon (Margery Aaron); and his great-grandchildren: Emily, Haley and Harrison Fallon, Holly, Coy and Beau Nixon and Madison Nixon; and the loving relatives of his late brothers Buddy, Allen and Robert Nixon.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 12, 2018 in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson and Son in Pine Bluff with visitation starting at 12:30 p.m. Interment will follow in Graceland Cemetery.
Memorials, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Trinity Retirement Village or the Salvation Army of Pine Bluff.
Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.
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PINE BLUFF — Mattie Louise Tucker Granderson Turner, 90, of Pine Bluff, died Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2018. Funeral services will be Monday, Dec. 10, 1:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Pine Bluff. Visitation will precede services at 12:30 p.m. Burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. Full obituary and online Condolences: www.FullerFunerals.com.
–––––❖––––– PLUMERVILLE — Lester Jean Miller, 95, of Plumerville passed away December 7, 2018. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Monday, December 10, at the Plumerville First Baptist Church. Burial will be at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Visitation will be one hour prior to service. Online Guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.
–––––❖––––– ROGERS — Lisa Dianne Lyons, 49, of Rogers, Arkansas passed away Thursday, December 6,
2018 in Rogers,
Ark. She was born on August
2, 1969 in, Little
Rock, Ark., to
Larry and JoAnn (Hughey) Atkinson. She loved people, enjoyed reading and loved watching Nathan play ball. Lisa faithfully served in ministry for more than 25 years making an eternal difference in countless lives.
She was preceded in death by her mother, JoAnn Atkinson. Lisa is survived by her husband, Rev. Joe Lyons, one son, Nathan Conner Lyons of Rogers, Ark., her father, Larry Atkinson of Searcy, Ark., and one brother, Dr. Kevin Atkinson of Searcy, Ark.
A visitation will be held on Monday, December 10, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Northwest Assembly, 301 SW Unity Blvd. in Bentonville. A Celebration of Her Life will be Tuesday, December 11, at Northwest Assembly with Dr. Alton Garrison and Dr. Bryan Jarrett officiating. A burial will follow at Pinnacle Memorial Gardens in Rogers with Rev. Cecil Culbreth officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Lisa Lyons Scholarship Fund through Northwest Assembly at northwestassembly.org. To sign the online guest book please visit www.nelsonberna.com.
–––––❖––––– SEARCY — Mrs. Mary Ann Dabbs Youngblood, 77, of Searcy died Friday. Survivors include one brother Larry Dabbs (Connie), nephews, Steven Dabbs (Holly) and Nathan Dabbs (Anna); three great-nephews. Funeral: 2 p.m. Monday at Beedeville Church of Christ. Visitation is Monday, 1 p.m.-service. Interment: Eightmile Cemetery. Arrangements: Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home. www.jacksonsfh. com.
–––––❖––––– STUTTGART — Charles David Tacker, 58, of Stuttgart, passed away December 7, 2018. David was a graduate of De Valls Bluff High School and was a member of the “Scrapper” football team. He worked as a health and safety inspector. David is survived by his wife, Betty; his parents, Troy and Velda Tacker of De Valls Bluff; two daughters, Jordan Rice and Morgan Tacker of Beebe; step-daughter, Crystal Venter; step-son, Jeremy Resson and wife, Laura of Haslet, Texas; sister, Judith Hampton and husband, Rick of Brinkley; two grandsons, Garrison and Porter Rice and step-grandson, Tanner Thomas.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m., Monday, December 10, 2018 at the Peppers Lake Church of Christ. Burial will be in the De Valls Bluff Cemetery. Online obituary at www.westbrookfuneralhomehazen.com.
–––––❖––––– WHITE HALL — Cecil F. England was born January 3, 1933 in Clarksville, Arkansas to
Henry Herman and Mildred Officer England.
He passed away on December 5,
2018 in White
Hall, Arkansas at the age of 85.
He was retired from ALCOA
Metal Company, a member of the White Hall Family Church and an Air Force Veteran. He loved God, his family, fishing and hunting.
He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Herman Ray England. He is survived by his wife, Susie Mason England of the home; son, Bryan England of White Hall, Arkansas; daughter, Sheila Turpin of Benton, Arkansas; brother, Philip England and wife, Yvonne of Sanger, Texas; sister-in-law, Bernie England of Clarksville, Arkansas; grandchildren, Tina Turpin, Candi Love and Austin England; great-grandson, Aiden Phifer; numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation is 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, December 10, 2018 at the Hardwicke Funeral Home Chapel in Clarksville, Arkansas. Funeral Services are 12 noon Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at the Hardwicke Funeral Home Chapel in Clarksville, Arkansas, with Reverend Regena Mason and Reverend Cadell Welch officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Vernon Cemetery in Clarksville, Arkansas. Pallbearers are Mark England, Greg England, David England, Brad England, Alvin Mason, Bruce Phifer, James Satterwhite, and Eric Jungman. Honorary Pallbearers are Michael Mason, Austin England, and Autry Meeker, Jr. Online guestbook available at www.hardwickefuneral.com.
–––––❖––––– WHITE HALL — Melissa Dara Singleton, age 48, of White Hall, Arkansas passed away on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at her home. She was born August 7, 1970 in Dumas, Arkansas to Jim and Barbara McDaniel Singleton. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Cremation Services of Arkansas. (501) 313-5431. www.cremationservicesofarkansas.com.