Obituaries

–––––❖––––– MOUNTAIN HOME — Ronald E. (Ron) Pierce, 81, of Mountain Home passed away December 4, 2016. He was born to Haskell Howard and Agnes Irene (Elgin) Pierce on May 15, 1935, in Nowata, Oklahoma. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Jan Pierce. Also three children and spouses, Rick Pierce (Linda), Holly Scott (Keith), and Dee Ezell (Dr. Scott). From this there are 8 grandchildren, Taylor Scott, Cole Ezell (Sally), Ryan Scott, Ryder Pierce (Dana), Jordan Carlisle (Austin), Aaron Scott, Aaron Cochran and Dylan Pierce. And four great-grandchildren, Carter, Hunter, Emmett and Noah. Also adopted son, Lang Quang Phuc (Phuong), and children John, Aimee, Stacy and Loc, and from them 13 great-grandchildren. He is survived by one sister, Donna Sue Hendricks (Benny), and a host of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Ron was a member of First Baptist Church Mountain Home, Arkansas. His loves and hobbies were family, fishing, flying, baseball, public service and the outdoors. Ron became a pilot in the late 1950’s owning originally an Aeronica Chief, and many more to follow. Hobbies included in life order: baseball, woodworking, archery, flying, golf, fishing, and the outdoors. He was a champion archer and noted recurve specialist in the 1950’s, manufacturing many bows and arrows.

His baseball love was fed by the NE Oklahoma tradition of his friends, roommates and legends. Lettering in college baseball with the Oklahoma Aggies (OSU), he also played in many leagues including regional ball for the Phillips 66’ers.

Ron’s true career began as a Plastics Engineer at Phillips 66 Petroleum Company in Research and Development, opening their first PVC production plant in the United States as Production Manager. This brought Ron and family to the Mountain Home area with Baxter Travenol Laboratories, drawn to its pristine beauty and the lure of Lake Norfork when crossing the 62 ferry. From there, on to ownership of the Dutchman Drive In restaurant from ’69 to ’73, from founders Bill and Mary Dean. During his life he constructed 10 homes, many for family, including their own homes from 1962 through 2004.

His love of boats began in high school where he started building kit boats in shop class. From there to fishing through Jan’s father and on to begin Bass Cat Boats in 1971, along with Jan. Adding to their Bass Cat family, in December of 2011, they acquired Yar-Craft Boats.

Public Service began as Mayor of Mountain Home from 1976-1985. Ron served on the Baxter County Airport Commission as Chairman. He then served a seven (7) year term as an Arkansas Game & Fish Commissioner (Huckabee appointee), serving as Chairman his final year. He worked diligently for the citizens and outdoors to oppose special interest.

Bass fishing was more than a career, as he also enjoyed the sport. Over the years he competed in hundreds of tournaments, including approximately 100 Bassmaster events all across the USA. In the late 80’s Ron began visiting Lake Fork and they built a second home where he and Jan have many friends. From coast to coast they are blessed with many friends and acquaintances, including the Bass Cat and Yar-Craft families.

He leaves this world a better place and that was his hope in life. Accomplishments he was most proud of, beyond those of their business(s) were: the 1 cent MH Sales Tax which was restricted and allocated to construction of the present MH swimming pool, anchoring both the MH Street and Water & Sewer Departments, Cooper Park, Baxter County Regional Airport Terminal, AGFC vs. USACE Black River Supreme Court ruling. During his lifetime he was fortunate to have known many company, civil, and state employees. People meant a lot to him.

A Memorial Service will be Sunday, December 11th, 3 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 400 Club Boulevard, Mountain Home, Ark., with Pastor Dr. Tad Rogers officiating. The family will be visiting with friends beginning at 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Preschool/ Childrens Development or Youth Dept. Construction Projects, Arkansas Game and Fish Youth Programs and Scholarships, St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital. Arrangements are by Roller Funeral Home. Visit our

online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/mtnhome.

–––––❖––––– MOUNTAIN VIEW — Jeffery Allen Lanfair Sr. died December 4, 2016. Survived by mother Virginia and wife Linda. Visitation is Wednesday, December 7, 2016, from 10 a.m.-12 noon, Roller Crouch Chapel in Mountain View, Ark. Funeral services are Wednesday, December 7, 2016, 2 p.m. at Arbanna Baptist Church. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/mtview2.

–––––❖––––– NEWPORT — Shirley Burgess, 70, of Newport died Saturday. Survivors: husband, Troy Sr.; sons, Troy Burgess Jr. and Kevin Burgess; daughters, Teresa Cheshier, Nora Winkles, Cindy Turner; one brother; two sisters; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be 6 p.m. Thursday at New Beginnings Church. Arrangements: Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home. www.jacksonsfh.com.

–––––❖––––– PRATTSVILLE — Charles “Wayne” Rhea, 81, of Prattsville, passed away on December 4, 2016, at home surrounded by his family. He was born June 19, 1935, in Paron to the late Raymond and Valley Hames Rhea. Wayne was an electrician for many years at Alcoa, known by many as “Big Bird”. He was an elder for years at the Kingdom Hall Jehovah’s Witnesses. His Baptism date was October 14, 1961.

He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife and mother of his children for over 47 years, Polly Rhea; daughter, Charlene Bodiford and son-in-law, Wayne Bodiford; brothers, Dale and William Lee Rhea. Wayne is survived by his caring and loving wife, Virginia Rhea of Prattsville; sons, Lin (Kay) Rhea, Joe (Cindy) Rhea and Jason (LaDonna) Rhea all of Prattsville, Randy (Dorothy) Beck, Matthew Beck, both of Benton; daughter, Darlene (Terry) Kalkas of Perry; brother, Sewell Rhea of Malvern; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, December 10, 2016, at 2 p.m. at Prattsville Kingdom Hall Jehovah’s Witnesses with Mark Hurshman officiating. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome. com.

–––––❖––––– RUSSELLVILLE — Rev. Bob Parker, 89, of Russellville died Monday. Service is: 2 p.m., Friday, at The House of Praise. Burial: St. Paul Cemetery and under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. Visitation is 5-6 p.m., on Thursday at the funeral home. Online obituary/ guestbook available at www.shinnfuneral.com.

–––––❖––––– RUSSELLVILLE — Edith Mae Cowan Sbabo, 87, of Russellville, Ark., died Sunday, December 4, 2016 at Russellville Nursing & Rehab in Russellville, Ark. Funeral Service will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, December 8, 2016 at Humphrey Chapel. Burial at Owens Cemetery in Dover, Ark. by Humphrey Funeral Service. Internet obituary available at www. humphreyfuneral.com.

–––––❖––––– SEARCY — Julita Gardner Archambault, 69, of Searcy died December 4, 2016 at Unity Health. Visitation will be Thursday, December 8th from 5-7 p.m. at Searcy-McEuen. Funeral services will be Friday, December 9th at Trinity Episcopal Church at 11 a.m. with entombment following at Oaklawn Cemetery. Share memories at: www.SearcyMcEuenFuneralHome.com.

–––––❖––––– SEARCY — Charles Franklin Harris, age 83, of Searcy, died Monday, December 5, 2016 at his home. He was born March 3, 1933 in Marion County, Alabama to John Richard “Rip” Harris and Mae Virginia White Harris. Charles is a graduate of Auburn University, served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and was a member of the Arkansas Poultry Federation for many years, and was awarded “Salesman of the Year” in 1979.

Charles is survived by his wife of 54 years, Betty Harris of Searcy; two daughters, Linda Conard of Searcy, Deborah McFarlin and husband Michael of Searcy; five grandchildren, Dillon Conard, Heath Conard, Colby Conard, Austin McFarlin, Grant McFarlin all of Searcy: and two brothers, Ernest Dale Harris and wife Diane of Newnan, Georgia, and James Roy Harris and wife Gail of Guin, Alabama. He is preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, Richard Stanley Harris, Earl Harris, Louis Dee Harris, Keith White Harris; one sister, Annie Bell Harris; and two grandsons, Ethan and Zachery Conard.

Memorial services will be at Searcy First United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 10 a.m. Arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.

–––––❖––––– SEARCY — In loving memory of father and husband Jon Christopher Moore, the most generous and loving person! He was a man who had a big heart and gentle soul and great sense of humor. He could light up a room.

Survived by wife of 18 years, Joann Moore of Searcy, Arkansas; three sons and two daughters; 17 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and three sisters, Te`, Angelic, and Anna. He was born November 18, 1959 to Don Moore and Joann Armstrong of Memphis, Tennessee. He was employed at Union Pacific Railroad for 38 years. Jon will be truly missed.

No services are scheduled. Cremation arrangements by Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net.

–––––❖––––– SEARCY — Samson Abdul Muhammad, 78, of Searcy, departed this life on December 4th. Visitation will be Friday, December 9th from 5-7:30 p.m. at Searcy-McEuen Funeral Home. Graveside services will be held Saturday, December 10th at 2 p.m. in the St. Francis Cemetery in New Edinburg, Arkansas. Share a Memory: www.SearcyMcEuenFuneralHome.com.

–––––❖––––– SEARCY — Alta Blagg Williamson, 92 of Searcy, passed away Saturday, December 3rd, 2016. She was born September 26, 1924 in Popular Bluff, Missouri to the late Emmett and Edith Blagg.

Alta is survived by two children, a son, Robert Dale Williamson (Anna) of Carpinteria, California, a daughter Joan Jones (Erner) of Sherwood, Arkansas; six grandchildren, Christy Wagner (Rodney) of Cabot, Kelly Crowson (Jay) of Little Rock, Lesley Brown (Thomas) of California, Kimberly Pappas (George) of California, Lori Peterson (Kurt) of Colorado, Brett Jones (Gi Gi) of Colorado; nine great-grandchildren, other relatives, and many friends. She is preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, her parents, two brothers, and one sister.

Alta grew up in Grubbs where she met and married her high school sweetheart, H.M. They moved to Newport and began raising their family later transferring to Searcy.

Throughout her life, Alta, was always involved in the community. She was a member of the Newport’s Business Women’s Club, a Worthy Matron in the Order of the Eastern Star, Secretary for the Gideon Auxiliary, and a long-time faithful member of Trinity Baptist Church in Searcy.

Traveling, fishing, and needlepoint were things she always enjoyed, but their yearly trips to Florida in their RV each winter were treasured highlights for her and H.M. She was a precious lady loved by many. Special thanks to the staff of Providence Assisted Living who so lovingly cared for our “mom” and “Grandmother” over the last year.

Funeral Services will be Thursday, December 8, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home Chapel in Searcy. Interment to follow at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens. For online guest book, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

–––––❖––––– SHANNON HILLS — Columbine Annette Wahl, age 92, of Shannon Hills, Arkansas, passed away December 1st, 2016. She was born Columbine Annette Pickering to Clarence and Mildred Pickering on February 27, 1924. She loved to dance and sing, help family and friends in need, her children and grandchildren, and the congregation at the Kingdom Hall she attended for many years.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Herman Wahl, her parents, two sisters, and a grandson. She is survived by her children, Carol Swaim; Raymond J. Wahl (Diane); Alta Jones (Dallas), all of Shannon Hills, Arkansas; six grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one greatgreat-grandchild and a host of other family members she treated as her own.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 8, 2016, at Griffin Leggett Forest Hills Funeral Home from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and a Memorial Service will be held December 9, 2016, at 2 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 10412 Mabelvale West Rd., Mabelvale, Arkansas, 72103. To sign the online guestbook go to www.griffinleggettforesthills.com.

–––––❖––––– SHERIDAN — Paul Eugene Honea, 80, of Sheridan, Arkansas, was born December 15, 1935, in Willisville, Arkansas, the son of the late Samuel Hiram and Carra Leo Butcher Honea. He attended First Baptist Church in Sheridan and had served in the US Army doing 2 tours in Korea. He was retired from Centerpoint Energy (Arkla) and had also worked at Scott Systems in Pine Bluff. Mr. Honea died Monday at Jefferson Regional Medical Center in Pine Bluff.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Ruth Honea, Nathell Fincher, Fern Williams, and Virginia Leopard. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 55 years, Paulette Vance Honea of the home; sons, Kenneth (Melissa) Honea of Pine Bluff, Kendal (Gina) Honea of Rogers; sister, Hazel (David) Hale of Mt. Holly; 8 grandchildren, Brittni Goodwin, Brooke Honea, Ryan Honea, Meagan Honea, Maci Honea and Emerson Honea, Makenna Horton and Max Horton; two great-grandchildren, Phoenix Goodwin and Holden Goodwin and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Funeral: 2 p.m. Thursday, Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel. Burial: Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visitation: Wednesday at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Sheridan (870) 942-1306. www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

–––––❖––––– SHERIDAN — Iva Haynes Wyles, 69, of Sheridan, Arkansas died Saturday. Survivors: daughters, Mary Lisenbey, Samantha Norwood; stepsons, Robert Wyles, Gerald Wyles, Duane Wyles; brother, Rodger Haynes; 13 grandchildren. Funeral: 10 a.m. Saturday, Chapel. Burial: Orion Cemetery, Redfield. Visitation: Friday, 6-8 p.m. Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Sheridan (870) 942-1306. www.memorialgardenssheridan.com.

–––––❖––––– SHIRLEY — Darrel Lealand Murray, 80, of Shirley, Arkansas, was born November 25, 1936, and passed away December 4, 2016. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, December 7, 2016, at the Shirley Community Church. Funeral Services will follow at 2 p.m. at the church. For online guestbook, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clinton.

–––––❖––––– SWIFTON — Martha Sue (King) Holman, 64, of Swifton, died Tuesday. Survivors: brothers, Monroe and Gary King; sisters, Anna Shelton, Linda Kinder, and Phyllis Campbell; brother-in-law, Rick Holman; sister-in-law, Sandra Phillips; best friend, Sheila Mross; nieces, nephews. Visitation: Wednesday, 6-8 p.m. Funeral: 2 p.m. Thursday, Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel. Interment:Swifton Cemetery. www. jacksonsfh.com.

–––––❖––––– WARD — Georgia Claudine (Dean) Newman Taylor died on December 2, 2016, at Beebe, Arkansas. She was born September 24, 1927, at Quitman, Arkansas to Orville (Bob) Newman and Bettie Jackson Newman. Dean graduated from Floyd High School, where she met her husband Finis (Buddy) Taylor to whom she was married for sixty-six years until his death in 2011. She and Buddy owned Taylor’s Antiques in Little Rock and later in Romance, Arkansas.

Survivors are her children and their spouses, Judy and Dick Robertson, Larry Taylor, and Aleta and Randy Cone; brothers Herb and Hulan Newman of Heber Springs; and sister Bettie Jo Chamberlain of Tucson, Arizona. Other survivors are her grandchildren Kelly Wilkins, Clark Robertson, Chris Cone, Jeremy Cone, Julia Taylor and Ethan Taylor; and six great-grandchildren.

Family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, Beebe. Funeral will be 10 a.m. Friday, December 9, 2016, at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, with burial in Romance Cemetery. Arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home. www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

Out-of-state

OXFORD, Miss. — James Michael Lester, 60, of Oxford, Miss., departed this life Nov. 30, 2016. Family Hour: Wednesday, 5:30-6:30 p.m. at Robinson Mortuary, NLR. Funeral: Thursday, 11 a.m. at New Zion Grove Baptist Church, 404 Wallace, NLR. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 4511 E. Broadway, NLR (501) 374-0111. Sign online guest book at www. robinsonmortuary.com. “Service You Can Trust.”