HENSLEY — Bernard “P-Wee” Lewis Hollingsworth Jr.

was born September 15, 1950 in Talladega, Ala. to Bernard Hollingsworth Sr. and Betty Lucille Brown Hollingsworth, and died on March 25, 2020 to go to a better place, free of pain and sorrow.

Bernard is preceded in death by his daughter, Melissa Laloni Johnson, his brothers William Hollingsworth and Lewis Hollingsworth, and his sisters Amy Barnes and Mary Smith. Bernard is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Deborah Hollingsworth of Hensley, Ark.; four sons: Robert “Bob” and wife Cecelia of Hensley, Luther “L.T.” of Naples, Fla., Bernard, III “Pete” and wife JoAnn of Bryant, and Warren “Duke” and wife Pamela of Hensley; 11 grandchildren: Dr. Jeffery Johnson (wife Courtney), Tommy Lee McBrier, Jessamy Carter, Warren Hollingsworth (DJ),Tye Townson, Kinley Davenport, Wessley Hollingsworth, Bernard Hollingsworth, IV (PJ), Walker Hollingsworth, Nick Allen, and Missy Lynn McBrier; five great-grandchildren: Jaxon, Harley, Echo, Bonnie Sue, and Addison Blair.

Bernard spent over forty years in the newspaper industry, working and making friends in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, and Missouri. He retired from the St Louis Post Dispatch in 2009. After a brief retirement, Bernard and Deborah began new careers as CNAs, working primarily with senior citizens in the Little Rock Metro area. Bernard had a soft spot for seniors, children, and animals.He was always willing to stop and listen, and do what he could to make the lives of others better. He really enjoyed his last years with his church family at East End Baptist Church as an associate Sunday school teacher and a proud member of the Golden Hearts Senior Ministry (just think Branson).

Bernard was very appreciative of his family and friends for their love and prayers during his illness. He wanted to say a special thank you to his bonus daughter Kimberly Washington of Houston, Texas and that he is “Sorry I will not be able to walk you down the aisle.”

Bernard was especially thankful for the doctors and staff at Carti Cancer Center in North Little Rock. Throughout his treatments, he would always say that he never met a single staff member who didn’t care about their patients.

There will be a celebration of life to be announced at a later date. In remembrance, donations may be made to the Golden Hearts Senior Ministry of East End Baptist Church in Hensley. Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www.ArkansasCremation.com.