JOHN R. PURSELL

was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus on February 24, 2020. He is survived by the love of his life, Eleanor Carol; four dearly loved sons: John, Kent (Margaret), Gary (Cathy), and Bruce (Sallie); one daughter, Denise (Fletcher) Hanson; nineteen grandchildren: Brooks, Leah (Bryce) Carlson, Shannon (Charlie) Baty, Christy (Michael) Lenzini, Wesley (Jill), Hanna, Sarah Catherine Cook, Tara (Travis) May, Taylor B. (Taylor M.) Bowers, Brandon (Sheri), Matt, and Ashley; twelve great-grandchildren: Caleb, Gabby, Parker, Preston, Callum, Brayson, Gabbie, Abbie, Ethan, Eden, Emmie, William. Preceding him in death were his daughter, Cindi Pursell Kendrick; parents, John and Ferba; and sister, Emma Sue Basham.

John was born November 19, 1933 in Van Buren, Ark., where he met and married his high school sweetheart on February 28, 1953. He served in the Air Force from October 17, 1952, through October 16, 1956, which included time in the Korean War, where he was a navigator on B-47 Stratojet bombers. Upon completion of his military service, he and Carol moved to Little Rock, where he specialized in the cutting-edge field of mobile phone industry work. He ultimately opened and managed the first service department for Alltel, which included cell site selection and mobile phone installation. He retired from Alltel in 2001. After two years of retirement, he went to work for Ozark Biomedical for ten years in quality control.

John was a wonderful husband, Dad, and Papa. He selflessly served others, which brought him great joy. He was the ultimate caregiver to every person he encountered. His calm, sweet and gentle heart will be missed by all.

A service to celebrate John’s life will be held at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home at 2 p.m., Thursday, February 27, 2020. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Rest Hills. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Arkansas. Online guestbook at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.