Pulaski County

JACK E. BURCHAM, 87, of North Little Rock, formerly of Houston, Texas, passed away Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012. He was retired from Superior Forwarding Trucking Company and a member of Community Chapel Pentecostal Church of God in North Little Rock.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Mary Christine Burcham, of North Little Rock; sons, Freddy Burcham (Carolyn), of Alma, Jack A. Burcham (Elaine) of Houston, Texas, Rick Burcham (Virginia) of Oskaloosa, Kansas, and Larry Burcham (Debbie) of Montgomery, Texas; 10 grandchildren; 12 greatgrandchildren, and his sister, Sally Alexander, of Jacksonville. He was preceded in death by one grandchild, Cheryl Geniece Burcham; two brothers, Wayne and James Burcham, and his sister, Zelma Mercer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Community Chapel Pentecostal Church of God in North Little Rock. Funeral services will be held 12 noon, Thursday in the North Little Rock Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will be at 3 p.m. at Shiloh Cemetery in Atkins, Ark. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.

RICHARD B. DIXON, 86, retired educator, of Little Rock passed away, Monday, Oct. 29, 2012. He was born Dec. 31, 1925, to Samuel P. Dixon and Eunice Austin Dixon. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Charles J. Dixon. He is survived by his sisterin-law, Eva Dixon of Little Rock.

He attended Little Rock public schools, graduating from Little Rock High School in 1944. He served in the Navy from 1944 to 1946. After discharge, he attended Little Rock Junior College. He was elected President of the sophomore class of 1947 to 1948. He received his A.B. in education from Southwestern College (now Rhodes College) in Memphis, Tenn., in 1948. His M.A. in History was received at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark. He began his teaching career at Little Rock Junior College (now the University of Arkansas at Little Rock) and continued teaching in the History Department for 23 years. After retiring he received the UALR Alumnus Association Faculty Emeritus in Education, recognizing 24 years of Excellence in Education.

He was very active and became a permanent member of the Pulaski County Historical Society and served as President for two years. He received the J.B. Shellcutt Award for Outstanding contribution to Preservation of Pulaski County Heritage and also the P. Westbrook Award for Lifetime Achievement in Historic Preservation. He was considered by many to be one of the important historians in this area.

A visitation will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home, 6313 W. Markham St. on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2012 from 4 to 6 p.m. A graveside service will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park on Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012 at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to UALR- Richard B. Dixon Scholarship Fund, 2801 S. University Ave., Little Rock, Ark. 72204. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

JOHN FORTENBERRY of Little Rock, Arkansas, died October 27, 2012. Fortenberry, 85 years old, was born in San Diego, California, August 22, 1927.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Maxine Beaty Fortenberry, and two sons and their families: David Fortenberry, his wife, Karen A. Fortenberry, two daughters, Anna Fortenberry and fiance Bradley Williams of Dallas and Katie Peek and husband, Hamilton Peek of Little Rock; Don Fortenberry, his wife, Melody A. Fortenberry and their daughter, Megan, and son Eric all of Dallas, Texas. He is also survived by greatgrandchildren, Hunt Williams and Kennedy Peek. Fortenberry’s parents, who preceded him in death, were James Elmer and Nellie Steward Fortenberry. John’s brother, David James Fortenberry and his wife, Ocie Bolden Fortenberry, and two daughters, Linda and Susan, and John’s mother died in an explosion at their home in North Little Rock December 27, 1966. John Fortenberry was preceded in death by his first cousin, Olwyn Green Shields, of El Cajon, California. Mrs. Shields’ husband, Gordon Shields, and their children, Susan Shields McKeown, Valerie Shields and Scott Shields and his family, all of California, survive him.

Fortenberry was a member of an Arkansas pioneer family settling in Lawrence County in the early 1800s. With his wife, Maxine, he was co-author of a comprehensive history of the Fortenberry family. The book, The Fortenberry Family in Arkansas, published in 1997 was accepted for the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. It can also be found in the Mormon Library in Salt Lake City and several libraries in Northeast Arkansas, the archives at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, the Central Arkansas Library and the Arkansas History Library in Little Rock.

In 1931 John Fortenberry’s family moved from California to Diaz, Arkansas, in Jackson County. After graduation from Newport High School he served for a year in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Fortenberry had a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, and a Master of Science in Education degree from Arkansas State University, Jonesboro. He had 33 additional post-graduate hours from Peabody College in Nashville and the University of Arkansas Graduate Center in Little Rock. Over the years he earned more hours at workshops and institutes at Columbia University in New York City, University of Oklahoma, University of Texas and Stanford University in California.

While carrying a full load at the University of Arkansas in 1949, John Fortenberry started his 40-year career in education in Arkansas. He taught two and one-half years as band director and teacher at West Fork Public Schools near Fayetteville.

From 1951-1962 Fortenberry served in the Jonesboro Public Schools. He was band director at Annie Camp Junior High School, principal at Annie Camp, and served as assistant superintendent of the Jonesboro School System. Also, he was an instructor in the adult education program for veterans.

From 1962-1979 Fortenberry was Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction of the Little Rock Public Schools. During this time he organized and initiated numerous school programs. He provided the leadership for all elementary and junior high schools to be accredited by the North Central Association of Schools. Other programs included compensatory education, an in-service program for teachers, implementation of the middle school curriculum and the organization of self-contained elementary libraries. He started the educational radio program (Station KLRE) and revived the long dormant string music program in 1965. He coordinated the school-toschool program in Bolivia and Germany in conjunction with the U.S. State Department for 14 years.

In 1979 Fortenberry returned to Jonesboro as Superintendent of Schools. During his tenure a millage was passed and plans completed for a new Annie Camp Junior High School facility.

After retirement from the Jonesboro Schools, Fortenberry was named administrator of IMPAC, a new program initiated by Governor Bill Clinton and businessmen Mack McLarty and Walter Smiley to place computers in the public schools of Arkansas, develop educational software and train classroom teachers to use computers in the instructional program.

Fortenberry was a leader in professional education organizations and in the development of educational programs in Arkansas. He served as president of Arkansas Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, and for a number of years was Chairman of the Curriculum Advisory Committee for Arkansas Educational Television (AETN).

Other organizations in which John Fortenberry was active included the state and national Association of School Administrators, National Association of Secondary School Principals, Arkansas Association of Educational Administrators and Arkansas Council for Economic Education. He was a member of Arkansas Foreign Language Council, American Association of International Education, International Reading Association and Kappa Delta Pi. Fortenberry was a program participant at numerous educational conferences including the Bi-National School Administration Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1967.

Fortenberry remained active in his retirement years. Since 1992 he was active in the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association serving in various capacities on the Board including president of the association in 1997-98. Since January 1996 he has been a volunteer computer instructor of SeniorNet, a program for senior citizens at UAMS Institute on Aging. Fortenberry served as vice-chairman, board member and chairman of Little Rock SeniorNet. In August 1999 Fortenberry was appointed to serve a one-year unexpired term on the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System Board of Trustees, and was subsequently elected to two six-year terms on the ATRS Board. He served for two years as board chairman. He also served as a director of the Retired Teacher Housing Board.

John Fortenberry with his wife Maxine did a great deal of traveling. They visited some of the great sight-seeing destinations of this country and abroad in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, South America and Europe. During two of their six trips to Europe they attended the Great Passion Play at Oberammergau in Germany. In 1990 they took a two-months journey that traversed Europe from western Wales to Greece and Istanbul, Turkey.

John Fortenberry was reared as an Episcopalian. He joined Central Methodist Church in Fayetteville in 1949. Having been an active Methodist since that time including 47 years at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, John Fortenberry served in various capacities including member and vice-president of the Administrative Board of the church, chairman of the Commission on Education and of the Council on Ministries, teacher and leader in the Sunday School and served several years in the television ministry from its beginning under the leadership of Dr. James B. Argue.

A Memorial Service will be held at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church with Rev. Britt Skarda officiating on Wednesday, October 31, 2012 at 11 a.m. followed by a reception. A graveside service will be at Walnut Grove Cemetery at Newport, Arkansas on Tuesday, October 30 at 3 p.m. Arrangements are by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501) 224-8300.

Memorial gifts may be made to Arkansas Retired Teachers Association Scholarship Fund, Parkview Towers, 1200 Commerce, Little Rock, Ark. 72202, or to Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church Endowment Fund, 4823 Woodlawn Drive, Little Rock, Ark. 72205. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

ARTHUR P. GOODWIN, 93, of Little Rock moved to heaven on Sunday, Oct. 28, 2012. A deacon and choir member at Second Baptist Church in Little Rock, he is remembered for his faithful service as a Sunday School hour greeter. After serving in the Navy, he became an Internal Revenue agent and later taught at Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jean Goodwin; four children, Joseph Goodwin of Carlsbad, Calif., Katherine Goodwin, Verona Bostic, and Julia Goodwin, all of Little Rock; his brother, Melton Goodwin (Mildred) of Terrell, Texas; three grandsons, Joe Goodwin, Jeff Goodwin, Marc Goodwin; and two granddaughters, Rachel Goodwin and Sarah Jean Bostic.

The funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, at Second Baptist Church, 222 E. Eighth St. and followed by interment at 3 p.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery in Garland County. Arrangements are by Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 W. 12th St. Mr. Goodwin’s online guestbook is available at www. griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.

CHARLOTTE KAY TOWNSEND OWEN, a former resident of Marked Tree, Ark., and Marks, Miss., died on Oct. 27, 2012, at Hospice Home Care inpatient in Little Rock, Ark. The only child of the late Ethel Pratt and Dr. Charles Kennard Townsend of Arkadelphia, Ark., was born on July 4, 1927.

Charlotte graduated from Arkadelphia High School, attended Stephens College and the University of Arkansas, where she was a Pi Beta Phi the year it was awarded the Balfour Cup for the best chapter in the nation. She was proud to be a Golden Arrow. She graduated from Arkansas State College with a Bachelor of Science in Education majoring in elementary education and a Master of Education in administration from the University of Mississippi.

She married Charles Russell Owen on Dec. 23, 1946, lived in Knoxville, Tenn., and Fayetteville, Ark., until they moved to Marked Tree in 1949, where they raised three children until they moved to Marks, Miss., in 1964. They were married for 49 years until Mr. Owen’s death in 1995.

While in Arkansas, Mrs. Owen was the youngest DAR Arkansas regent in 1953. She was a Cub Scout den mother, Brownie and Girl Scout leader, Methodist Youth Fellowship (MYF) leader, member of the Methodist church choir, and the choreographer for many of “Miss Gladys’” musical productions. She was also an elementary teacher in Marked Tree.

In Mississippi, she taught elementary school and was instrumental in establishing County Day School (grades 1-4) in 1965, where she served as a teacher and principal. In 1967, the school grew to include grades 1-8. In 1969, she became the elementary principal when the school became Delta Academy, where she served in this capacity until 1975. She also taught at Coahoma County Junior College.

She was a member of the Marks United Methodist Church and choir. She served as an officer of the Mississippi Private School Association and served on the accreditation board. She also was a member of the professional education society, Delta Kappa Gamma.

She is survived by children: Charles Russell “Russ” Owen, Jr. of Marks, Miss.; Roxanne Owen Wallace of Hattiesburg, Miss.; Maryscott “Scotti” Owen Glasgow of Little Rock; sons-in-law, Brent Wallace and Dennis Glasgow; grandchildren: Catherine Barron of Little Rock; Adam Wallace of Hattiesburg; Scott Owen Wallace of Hattiesburg; Charles Townsend Healy of Conway; great-grandchildren Jackson and Owen Barron; step-grandchildren: Amy Glasgow Mitchell and Blake Glasgow; stepgreat-grandchildren: Grant, Nicholas and Harrison Mitchell; and Richard and Miriam Glasgow, all of Little Rock; Special and dear friends Bill Pendergrass, David and Holly Brazille, Zach Hatley, Delores Woods, Tammy Turner, Carol Foster Nutt, Hill Blaylock Jr., Dorothy Baker, Robert McGill, Mary Smith and Brother Ron, and Henry Barringer, and a host of family and friends who played special roles in her life and gave her family much needed support.

Special thanks and great appreciation go to the staff at Three Rivers Rehab and Nursing Center in Marked Tree, the outstanding staff of Odyssey Hospice Care, and to Dr. Morgan Sauer and his excellent, caring staff of Hospice Home Care on Bowman Road in Little Rock.

Arrangements are by Gross Funeral Home of Hot Springs. A private memorial service will be held at Mt. Carmel Cemetery on Lake Hamilton in Hot Spring, Ark. Memorial Contributions can be made to C.A.R.E, Heifer International, Disabled Veterans of America, or Arkansas Alpha Chapter of Pi Beta Phi. Guest register available at www.grossfuneralhome.com.

LAURIE VAN CLEVE, 63, of Jacksonville passed away Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012. She was born Aug. 1, 1949 in Kirkland, Wash. She was a graduate of New York State University in Stoney Brook, Long Island with a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. She was employed with FIS for 25 years as a Database Analyst/Developer and was a Central Arkansas school teacher. She was a member of Arkansas Arabian Horse Association and her hobbies were horses, sailing and scuba diving.

She is survived by her husband, Paul Teal, of Jacksonville; son, Michael Discenza, of Bryant; daughter, Leigh Discenza, of North Little Rock; sister, Kristine Van Cleve of Littleton, Colo.; mother, Jennie H. Van Cleve, of Maumelle; and seven grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, William H. Van Cleve, and brother, David Van Cleve.

A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Thursday in the North Little Rock Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, 1921 Main St., 758-1170. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.

Arkansas

ALEXANDER — Peggy Ruth Wilkins, 80, of Alexander passed away on October 28, 2012. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 30, 2012, from 6-8 p.m. at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home. Service will be Wednesday, at 11 a.m. at Church of Jesus Church of Latter Day Saints. Online guestbook visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.

ARKADELPHIA — Donnie Pauline Wells Powell, age 87, of Arkadelphia, formerly of Gurdon, passed from this life on Monday, October 29, 2012, at Twin Rivers Health and Rehabilitation Center in Arkadelphia. She was born on May 26, 1925, in Gurdon, the daughter of the late Grover Eugene and Lilly Patterson Wells. Pauline was a nurse’s aide and participated in the foster grandparent program at Ouachita Baptist University for many years. She was a charter member of Center Point Baptist Church in Gurdon.

Pauline was preceded in death by her husband, Leonard Powell, and her son, Bobby Allen Powell. She is survived by two daughters, Betty Hill of Gurdon and Wanda Sue (Paul) Hill of Bismarck; one son, Gifford (Stevie) Powell of Benton; one sister, Linda DeVault of Gurdon; one brother, Eugene Wells of El Dorado; 13 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 31, 2012, at Center Point Baptist Church in Gurdon with Bro. Ollie Trout officiating. Interment will be in Southfork Cemetery. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at Welch Funeral Home in Arkadelphia. Memorials may be made to Center Point Baptist Church, c/o Doug Quillin, 801 South Sixth Street, Gurdon, Ark. 71743. Services are entrusted to the Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www. welchfh.net to sign the online guest book.

AUSTIN — June David, 76, of Austin, Ark., was born March 15, 1936, at Beebe, to Luther Earl and Delpha May (Jones) David, and she died Sunday, October 28, 2012. She loved the Lord, her church and was a friend to all.

June is survived by two brothers, Bobby David of Judsonia and James Earl David of Austin; sister, Sue Cates of Austin; and many nieces and nephews and great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Funeral will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, October 31, 2012, at Westbrook Funeral Home, with burial in Butlerville Cemetery. www.westbrookfuneralhome.com.

BATESVILLE — Ruby Milligan Smith, 77, of Batesville died Saturday. Survivors: husband, Curtis Smith; brothers, Virgil Milligan, Harry Milligan; sisters, Pearl Isley, Betty Duncan. Services: 1 p.m., Tuesday, Faith Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Burial: Hopewell Cemetery, Cord by RollerCrouch Funeral Home of Batesville Memorials: Faith Hopewell Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 3895 Harrison St., Batesville, Ark. 72501. Hopewell Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 47, Cord, Ark. 72524. Guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

BOONEVILLE — Jeanette Miller Herrington, 87, of Booneville, Ark., formerly of El Dorado passed away October 24, at Oak Manor Nursing and Rehab Center. Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m., Monday at Young’s. A graveside service will be 10 a.m., today at Arlington Memorial Park under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. www. youngsfuneralhome.com.

BRYANT — After a brief and unexpected illness, Charles Franklin Wilson, 78, of Bryant, Ark., died Sunday, October 28, 2012. He was a member of First Southern Baptist Church of Bryant where he served in various positions. He was a strong, quiet, man of God, whose life had a significant impact on everyone who knew him.

Charles served in the U.S. Air Force Security Service from 195356 and was a graduate of the University of Arkansas, School of Engineering. He retired from the Federal Soil Conservation Service in 1987 and retired again 10 years later from the Arkansas State Highway Transportation Department.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and his daughter, Karen. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Patsy Poteete Wilson; son, Charles Russell Wilson (Lynn); grandchildren, Karen Goodman (Chris), Matthew Wahl (Elizabeth); two great-grandsons, Lawson Goodman and Zachary Wahl; two brothers, Tommy Wilson (Elvia), George Wilson; and a sister, Lois Hof.

Charles created many beautiful wood cabinets and other furniture. He readily did household projects for family members and used his skills on many mission trips. He enjoyed fishing and his garden blessed many for years.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, October 30, 2012, at Griffin Leggett-Forest Hills at 10200 Highway 5 North, Alexander, Ark. A memorial service at the funeral home is set for 10 a.m., Wednesday morning. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Grace without Borders Ministry or to First Southern Baptist Church in Bryant. Please share your memories of Charles at www.griffinleggettforesthills.com.

CABOT — Georgia Elberta Dean Horn Bell, 93, of Cabot, passed away, Monday, October 29, 2012. She was born September 19, 1919, in Cabot to the late William George and Bertha Vivian Freemyer Dean. She was a wonderful mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was of the Methodist faith and was retired after many years of service with Franklin Electric.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two spouses, Lonnie Horn and Leland Bell; a son, Lonnie Dean Horn; five brothers and four sisters. She is survived by her son, Gary Horn, and his wife, Brenda; daughter, Gail Ahart, and her special friend, Ralph Balch; daughter-in-law, Geraldine Horn; six grandchildren, Lona McCastlain and her husband, Bruce, Donna Horn, Wade Ahart and his wife, Amy, Deana Wadkins and her husband, Jerry, Lonnie Horn and his wife, Mary, and Brad Horn and his wife, Rachael; and nine greatgrandchildren, Brandon and Blake Wadkins, Max McCastlain, Georgia Davis, Ryan Horn, Taylor and Sydney Ahart, Keith Galloway, Jr. and Kara Moorehead; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, October 30, 2012, at Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home. Funeral services are 11 a.m., Wednesday, October 31, 2012, at Mountain Springs Baptist Church with Pastors Jaimie Alexander and Jeremy Holley officiating. Burial will follow at Mountain Springs Cemetery. Arrangements are by Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home, (501) 843-5816. Please sign our online guestbook at www.moorescabotfuneralhome. com.

CABOT — Whitsel B. Carson, 91, of Cabot, passed away Sunday, October 28, 2012. He was born March 16, 1921, in Hollywood, Ark., to the late Oscar and Ada Parks Carson. He was a member of the Church of Christ. Whitsel worked for R.J. Reynolds Construction and CC Camp as a teenager and young adult and was then employed by Missouri Pacific Railroad as a brakeman for 42 years.

In addition to his parents, Whitsel was preceded in death by his brothers, O.J. and Jerold C. Carson; his half-sisters, Maybelle, Lula and Gertie Carson; and his greatgranddaughter, Emily Grace Carson. Survivors are his two children, Ricky Carson and his wife (who was also Mr. Carson’s caregiver), Terry, of Cabot; Kit Carson Sr. and his wife, Sheena, of Austin; four grandchildren, Stephanie Carson, Christina Montgomery, Kit Carson Jr. and Misty Hill; and four greatgrandchildren, Savannah Elizabeth Montgomery, Joseph Carson Montgomery, Trevor Banks and Ryan Murdock.

Graveside services will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, October 31, 2012, at King Cemetery under the direction of Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home, (501) 843-5816. Please sign our online guestbook at www.moorescabotfuneralhome.com.

CARLISLE — Joseph “Joe” D. Phillips, 88, passed away Oct. 28, 2012. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie A. Phillips and Bessie Brown Phillips, and sister, Iona Matthews. Survivors are: his wife of 66 years, Juanita Sara Donahue Phillips; sons, Billy Gene Ibbotson, Joey Phillips (Barbara), all of Carlisle and daughter, Vivian Meyer (Carl) of North Little Rock; four grandchildren, Scott Phillips of Kenosha, Wis., Pam Fullen of Carlisle, Jeff Ibbotson and Kevin Ibbotson of Pascagoula, Miss.; six great-grandchildren; his sister, Faye Phillips; several nieces and nephews. Thanks to the staff at Chambers Nursing Home for the compassionate care given to Joe during his short stay there. The family will receive friends, 6-8 p.m., Monday at Boyd Funeral Home. A graveside service will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012, at Carlisle Cemetery. Arrangements are by Boyd Funeral Home, Lonoke. Online guestbook; www.boydfuneralhome.net. The family will gather at 74 Eastwood Dr., Carlisle.

CONWAY — James Edward Smith, 86, of Conway went to be with his Lord on Sunday, October 28, 2012. He was born on Thursday, June 24, 1926, in Dumas, Ark., to the late Virgil Joe Smith and the late Goldie Pauline Holland Smith. He was a retired manager for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, a member of Saltillo Baptist Church and a veteran of the United States Navy.

He is preceded in death by his parents. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 61 years, Erma Madean Pearce Smith; sons, Jimmy Dale Smith (Evelyn) of Texas, Fred Smith (Sue) of Vilonia and Jason Smith of Conway; daughters, Linda Martin (Roger) of Conway, Beverly Smith of Conway and Lisa Wood of Texas; 12 grandchildren; 17 greatgrandchildren; and a host of other family and friends.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, October 30, 2012, at the RollerMcNutt Funeral Home of Conway (501) 327-7727. Funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, October 31, 2012, at the Saltillo Baptist Church with Brother Tim Nolen officiating. Interment will follow in Crestlawn Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Lonnie Martin, Jason Smith, Kenny Smith, Jody Smith, Seth Parker and Matt Russell. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Smith, David Smith, Rodney Martin and Kyle Wood. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.

DeWITT — Ida Beth DeVore, age 79, died October 26, 2012. She was a retired LPN, having worked at DeWitt Hospital and Nursing Home and many years as a private sitter. “Idye” was a member of Bayou Meto United Methodist Church.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Nealon James and Jessie Ives DeVore; one sister, Ethel Faye Smith. Survivors include brother, Ben DeVore of Jonesboro; sisters, Lois Kochel of Redfield and Gini Platt of DeWitt; six nephews, one niece, and three Greenhill children, who were all dear to her.

Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m., Tuesday, at Essex Funeral Home. Services are 10 a.m., Wednesday, at Bayou Meto United Methodist Church, with burial in DeWitt Cemetery. Memorial may be made to Bayou Meto United Methodist Church, c/o Sue Berry, 1492 Highway 276, DeWitt, Ark. 72042.

DeWITT — Roy Charles Goodwin, 86, died October 29. He was preceded in death by his wife. He is survived by children: Johnny, Steve and Dixie. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. Services will be 2 p.m., Wednesday at Faith Baptist with burial in Thompson Cemetery by Essex Funeral Home.

EL DORADO — Allie Mae Nash Agerton, age 91, of El Dorado (formerly of Urbana) went home to Heaven Sunday, October 28, 2012, at Oak Ridge Nursing Home. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. today at Urbana Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. Monday at Young’s. www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

EL DORADO — Margaret “Sue” Cox, 77, of El Dorado, died Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at Oakridge Nursing Home. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. today at Young’s Chapel under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors with Rev. Larry Hudson officiating. www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

FAYETTEVILLE — Joyce Ann Diddle, age 67, of Fayetteville, formerly of Marshall, died Sunday at home. Survived by husband, Richard; three children: Roger and Steven Diddle and Lisa Knox; eight grandchildren. Service: 11 a.m., Wednesday at Roller-Coffman Funeral Home in Marshall. Burial in Red Hill Cemetery. No visitation. Online Guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

HAMPTON — Jake L. Stokes, 80, of Hampton died Sunday October 28, 2012, at the Ouachita County Medical Center at Camden. Born March 24, 1932, at Tinsman, he was a son of the late Robert and Evie Drummonds Stokes. He also served in the United States Navy.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn Stokes; son Jake Stokes Jr.; three brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his wife, Lynnelle Hensley Stokes of Hampton; daughters, Candy Young of Wilmar, Jackie Strahan of Chidester; son Jimmy Greco of Anchorage, Alaska; step-children, Nancy Thomason of Boaz, Ala., Judy Turner of Hampton; brothers, Bob Henry Stokes of Lakeside, Shelby Stokes of Cabot; grandchildren, Candace Stokes of Hampton, Jack Stokes of Hampton, Nicholas Greco of Anchorage, Alaska, Johnny Clemons of Hampton, Monica Clemons of Hampton, Allan Clemons of Chidester, Annie Adams of El Dorado; four step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Benton Funeral Home in Hampton. Funeral services are 2 p.m., Wednesday at Campground Presbyterian Church with Rev. Garland Skidmore and Rev. Keith Nutt officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery near Hampton. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Hampton/Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www. bentonfuneralhome.com.

HEBER SPRINGS — Penzel “Penny” Begley, 91, widow of Floyd Begley, passed away October 28, 2012. She worked at Piggly Wiggly for 15 years. Survivors: son, Tommy Begley; brothers, Dale and Darrell Martin; granddaughter, Cynthia Brown; great-grandchildren, Aaron, Caleb and Sarah Brown. Visitation Tuesday, Olmstead Funeral Home, 6-8 p.m. Graveside service Wednesday, Cleburne County Memorial Gardens, 10 a.m. www.olmstead.cc.

HEBER SPRINGS — Thomas Estill Turney, 87, of Heber Springs, Ark., departed this life on Saturday, October 27, 2012. He was born in Nashville, Tenn., on July 13, 1925, to Hopkins Lacey and Daisy Dell Turney. He was a veteran serving in the Navy during World War II. He retired from Memphis Light, Gas and Water, and was a member of Heber Springs Church of Christ, where he served as a deacon. He devoted many years to the World Bible organization.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Faye Turney; his daughter, Diane Williams and husband Ron Williams of Walnut, NC; three granddaughters, Angela Martin of Bartlett, Tenn., April Seggerman of Boerne, Texas, and Amanda Tornabene of Weaverville, N.C.; and six great-grandchildren, Allison, Jacob, Abagail, Carter, Matthew, and baby Seggerman due next May. He was also survived by the Anderson family: David, Arlene, Randy and Ryan, for whom he cared for like family. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Hopkins Lacey Turney, Jr. and Robert Turney, and two infant sisters.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012, at the Heber Springs Church of Christ with Lance Mays officiating. A visitation will be from 1 p.m. to service time at the church. Interment will follow in Heber Springs Cemetery. Arrangements are by Heber Springs Funeral Home, 501-887-9152. Online Obituary: www.heberspringsfuneralhome.com.

HELENA-WEST HELENA — Graveside service for William Albert Hislip Sr., 50, of West Helena is 3 p.m., Tuesday, Central Cemetery, Lexa. Visitation: Tuesday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Roller-Citizens. Survivors: wife, three children, four grandchildren, two siblings. Services directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571. Online guest book www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

HOT SPRINGS — Johnnie Berry, 66, Hot Springs, died Tuesday, October 23. Service will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, Caruth-Hale Funeral Home. Burial: 12 noon sharp, Wednesday, Arkansas State Veterans’ Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Thaddeus H. Carraway VFW Post 2278, 2231 E. Grand Avenue, Hot Springs, Arkansas 71901. Guests register www. caruth-hale.com.

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — Hans E. Schmidt, 83, Hot Springs Village died October 29, 2012. Hans was born October 2, 1929, to Erhard and Wally Schmidt in Germany. A memorial service will be held at CedarVale Funeral Home on Friday at 1 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to CedarVale Funeral Home. Guests may register at www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com.

MALVERN — Llewellyn Lee Brown, Jr., age 92 of Malvern, entered into the presence of his heavenly Father on October 28, 2012. Lew, as he was called by his friends, was born on March 28, 1920 in Spartanburg, South Carolina to the late Lucile Heggie Brown of Tunnel Hill, Georgia, and Llewellyn Lee Brown, Sr. of Atlanta, Georgia. Lew was the third of five children born to the Brown family. At the age of eight years, he moved with his family from South Carolina to Malvern.

Lew graduated from Malvern High School in 1938. When asked recently what stood out in his memory about his youth, he quickly responded with stories about being a Boy Scout highlighting his work to become an Eagle Scout He said he accomplished that in just a couple of years thanks to Carl Smith, his scout master, the training he received at Camp Bonanza in Hot Springs, and because of the encouragement he received from his father.

Lew attended both Hendrix College and Arkansas State Teachers College before deciding that he needed to join the war effort. In April of 1941, he joined the Army Air Corps as a pilot and was based at Hardwick Airfield in Norwich, England. He flew a B24 on 28 missions, with his last one being “Operation Tidal Wave,” a secret lowlevel bombing raid, which took out about one third of the enemy’s oil field in Ploesti, Rumania. In December of 1945, Lew was discharged with the rank of Captain to reserve status. During his years in service, he received three Distinguished Flying Crosses.

Lew was married for 49 years to Ann Brooks Brown of Malvern. From that union were born five children. He was in the retail shoe business for 60 years, opening his first store, B&C Shoes, in March of 1947 and closing his last corporate account in March of 2007. Another interest of Lew’s was his love for the game of bridge. Every Monday night for over six decades, he played “Bridge with the Boys.” He also enjoyed playing with bridge partners all over the world via the internet. As a man whose faith was important to him, he was a life long member of First United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his son, Lew Brown, III, and his wife, Debbie; his daughters, Becky Burch and her husband, Joe; Suzy Stout and her husband, Charles; and Pegi McNeely and her husband, Stan. He also leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and a sister, Peggy Jett and her husband, Bill, of Little Rock. Lew was also preceded in death by his wife, Ann and his daughter, Page Winters.

His funeral will be Thursday morning, November 1, 2012, at 11 o’clock, in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church with Reverend LaVon Post officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery under the direction of J.A. Funk Funeral Home. Online condolences: jafunkfuneralhome.com.

MARIANNA — Larry Valdez, 57, of Marianna, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, October 24, 2012 in Forrest City, Arkansas. Services will be at 11 a.m. at Roller-Citizens Chapel Wednesday, October 31, 2012 in Marianna. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, October 30, 2012 also at the Chapel.Sign guest book at www.rollerfuneralhomes. com.

MAYFLOWER — Herbert Hartwell Holabird Sr., 76, of Mayflower, died on October 26, 2012. Survivors include his wife, Barbara; children, Buck (Tina) Holabird, Tim Holabird, and Veronica (Tait) Geiger; mother, Alice Holabird; six grandchildren; one great-grandson; and four siblings. A special thanks to a special person, Tina. Arrangements: Arkansas Funeral Care, Jacksonville.

McCRORY — Michael Joseph Carter, 50, died Saturday. Funeral services: 2 p.m., Tuesday, Thompson-Wilson McCrory Chapel with Bro. Bobby Keen, officiating. Survivors: Mother: Esther Carter, son, Tim of McCrory, daughter Ashley Carter, Houston, Texas, sisters: Deborah Dobson, Vonita Hollis, Karen Smith, three grandchildren: Elijah, Amia and Monique, special nephew, Jericho. (Thompson-Wilson Funeral Directors, McCrory 870-731-2551).

McCRORY — Annie Lee Hale Humphrey, age 91, lifelong resident of the McCrory area, went to her heavenly home, Sunday, October 28, 2012.

Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at Thompson-Wilson McCrory Chapel. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in McCrory with Bro. Cecil Fuller, pastor, officiating. Music will be provided by James Williams and Brenda Gossett. Interment will be in Woodman Cemetery with Thompson-Wilson Directors in charge of arrangements.

Mrs. Humphrey was born May 20, 1921 to Luther and Minnie Holder Hale. She attended Tipp School. In 1938 she married George W. Humphrey and they were married 55 years when he preceded her in death. Annie Lee worked for Phillips Van Heusen for 41 years where she made many lifelong friends. She was a loyal and faithful member of the McCrory First Baptist Church for 54 years. She taught a ladies Sunday School class for many of those years. Her “girls” were so dear to her and she loved them everyone. Her passion was her garden and her yard, as shown by the masses of flowers each summer. Annie Lee was a generous and strong woman, a loving wife, mother and grandmother.

Survivors include two daughters; Brenda (John) Thompson of McCrory, Margaret Collier of Augusta, and the joys of her life, her grandchildren, Brooke Thompson of Little Rock and John Greer Thompson of Denver, Colo., her sister, Donnie Robertson of Kensett and her dear friend, Thelma Pohnka. Of McCrory. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son-in-law, Vernon Collier.

Pallbearers are Tim St. Claire, Bill Rushing, Alex Morris, Bobby Davis, Teddy Little, Don Jones and Sean Williams. Honorary pallbearers were Donald Chappell, Tommy Clark, Richard Gossett and Tom Higginbotham.

Annie Lee’s family appreciates more than words can ever express, the overwhelming amount of support and love shown to her and her family in her final days.

Memorials can be given to the McCrory First Baptist Church P.O. Box 423 or the charity of choice.

MENA — Teddy E. Friend, age 78, passed away on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 in Mena. Funeral services will be Saturday, November 3, 2012 at 1 p.m. at American Legion Hall at Acorn. Interment follows at Pleasant Grove Cemetery at Cove under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

MENA — Bill R. Philpot, age 78, of Mena, passed away October 28th at the Arkansas Hospice in St. Joseph’s Mercy Health Center in Hot Springs from injuries suffered from a stroke.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Oma Philpot of Mena, and his sisters Mary Ellen Wimberly of Mena and Judy Witherspoon of Hobbs, New Mexico. Bill is survived by his wife of almost 56 years, Betty Philpot, also of Mena, one son, Buddy Philpot and his wife Jamie of Springdale, three grandchildren, Hannah, Sarah and Matthew Philpot of Springdale and two brothers, Fred Philpot of Hobbs, New Mexico and John Philpot of Little Rock. Bill is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Bill was a graduate of Mena High School and the University of Arkansas, and was an avid Bearcat and Razorback fan. After returning to Mena following his military service in the Army, Bill worked in the family business, Philpot Motor Company before beginning a successful career in banking. He started as a vault teller at the Union Bank of Mena in 1961 and quickly worked his way up to Vice-President and Loan Officer. In 1974 he accepted the position of President and CEO of the Pike County Bank in Murfreesboro and from there became President and CEO of the Bank of Waldron in 1978. In 1993 Bill returned to his hometown of Mena and to the bank where he started his banking career as President and CEO of the Union Bank of Mena, a position from which he retired in 1998. Bill was a life-long member of the First Baptist Church in Mena and was a 32nd Degree Mason.

There will be a family visitation at Beasley Wood Funeral Home on October 29th from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church in Mena in October 30th at 10 a.m. followed by a military graveside service at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Mena. Memorial donations in Bill’s honor can be made to the First Baptist Church of Mena, 9th Street Ministries, where Bill regularly volunteered when he was able (306 9th Street, Mena, Arkansas 71953); the Rich Mountain Community College/Polk County Single Parent Scholarship Fund, (P.O. Box 1585, Mena, Arkansas, 71953); or to Arkansas Hospice Foundation (14 Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72116).

Pallbearers will be Matthew Philpot, Randolph Emerson, Harold Coogan, Bill Abernathy, P.T. Plunkett and Gary Newcomb. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Plunkett, Dean Nail, Earl Harvey, Paul Smith, Ed Stevenson, Stokes Herod and Leroy Thomas. Arrangements are under the direction of the Beasley Wood Funeral Home of Mena.

MONTICELLO — Patsy L. Jones Hunter departed this life Monday, October 29, 2012, at the age of 73. She was born in Lacey, Ark. on November 24, 1938 to Carol and Gracie Anna McManus Jones. She graduated from Drew Central High School and attended Arkansas A&M College. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Monticello where she taught Sunday School for many years. Patsy was an avid bridge player, member of the Monticello Music Club and Alpha Chi Sorority. She loved flowers, gardening and her grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Billy Ralph Hunter; two sons, Ralph Hunter and wife, Teressa and Michael Hunter and Melissa Casico all from Monticello; two grandchildren, Will Hunter and Julia Hunter Barnes and husband, Jonathan; one great-granddaughter, Anna Grace Barnes along with Tyler and Garret Boren; and one brother, R.D. “Sonny” Jones of Monticello.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m., Wednesday at the First Baptist Church by Rev. Dennis Dodson and Rev. Buddy Lemons with visitation before the service starting at 9 a.m. Burial will follow in Oakland Cemetery by Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Memorials can be made to First Baptist Church, 413 North Main, Monticello, Ark. 71655; Caring Voice, 8249 Meadowbridge Road, Mechanicsville, Va, 23116. Online guestbook www. stephensondearman.com.

MORRILTON — Morgan Decker, age 87, of Morrilton, husband of the Rev. Clara Fuqua Decker, passed away Sunday, October 28, 2012. Funeral services: 10 a.m., Thursday, November 1st at Morrilton Christian Center. Visitation: 1 hour prior to service at the church. Burial: Wolf Cemetery by Harris Funeral Home of Morrilton. Online guestbook: www.harrisfuneralhomes.net.

POTTSVILLE — Clay Allen Bryant, 60, of Pottsville, died Sunday. Funeral is 2 p.m., Wednesday at the Shinn Chapel, burial in Pisgah Cemetery near Pottsville, by Shinn Funeral Service, Russellville. Visitation: 5-7 p.m., Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials: Dept. of Hospice, 404 N. El Paso Ave., Russellville, Arkansas 72801. Online obituary/ guestbook: www.shinnfuneral. com.

REDFIELD — Ronald Glenn “Ronnie” Obbards, 57, of Redfield, died Oct. 28, 2012. Survivors wife, Louise Smith Obbards; sons, Billy Howell, Timothy Obbards; daughters, Tina McCann, Karen Phillips; nine grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Tammy Kelso. Visitation and memorial services 7 to 9 p.m., Tuesday at the Cranford Funeral Home of White Hall. www.cranfordfh.com.

RISON — Mr. Robert P. “Bob” Coleman, age 72, of Rison, passed away, Sunday, October 28, 2012 at his home. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Buie Funeral Home of Rison (870) 325-6216. Online condolences at www.buiefuneralhome.com.

SEARCY — Larry E. Cole, 73, of Searcy died Sunday, October 28, 2012. Visitation: Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. Graveside services: Wednesday, 12 noon at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.

SHERIDAN — Verda McElroy George, 76, of Sheridan passed away Monday, October 29, 2012. She was formerly a co-owner of McElroy’s Garage in Sheridan, co-founder of McElroy’s Hunting Club and a member of Forest Tower Baptist Church. Verda loved hunting, fishing, camping and crocheting, but mostly loved being with her children, grandchildren and family. “MawMawMac” instilled love in her children and grandchildren and always ended the conversation with “I Love You” or “Ditto.”

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Alan and Paula McElroy; two daughters and sonsin-law, Audrey and Clay Smith and Jackie and Michael Skorcz, all of Sheridan; daughter-in-law, Wanda Scates Andrews of Little Rock; brother, Carl Hardwick (Ruby) of Little Rock; 20 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by three husbands, Gerald Scates, A.R. “Pete” McElroy and Van George; two sons, Jerry and Johnny Scates; daughter, Nancy Corbishley; three brothers and two sisters.

The children wish to extend a special thanks to her caregiver, Brittany. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m., Wednesday at Forest Tower Baptist Church. Burial will be in Corinth Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St., 7581170. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.