Pulaski County
GARY BOYD, age 66, of North Little Rock, Arkansas passed away, Friday, October 4, 2019. He was born May 22, 1953 in Memphis, Tennessee. He was a member of the 1971 North Little Rock High School graduating class where he played a key part in the Basketball State Championship and was an avid golfer holding many state championships.
He is survived by two brothers, Johnny Boyd of North Little Rock and Nicky Boyd (Carolyn) of Searcy, Arkansas; four nieces and nephews; other relatives, and friends.
A memorial service is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., Sunday, October 6, 2019 at Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene, 116 S. Pine Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Gary’s family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Bro. Paul Holderfield for leading Gary back to the Lord. Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www.ArkansasCremation.com.
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BARBARA TARPLEY BURNEY, 82, of Little Rock passed away on September 28, 2019. She was born July 2, 1937 to the late Ila and Abe Tarpley.
Barbara graduated from Pine Bluff High School and then enrolled at the University of Arkansas where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority. Barbara was an avid Razorback fan and managed the Razorback Lettermen’s Club for many years. Barbara retired from the Unclaimed Property Division of the Arkansas State Treasurer’s Office.
Barbara is survived by her children, Jack (Christy) Burney Jr., Brad (Mary Catherine) Burney, and Bitsi (Jay Soloff) Burney, grandchildren, Hayley (Jordan) Bradford, Jackson, Erin, Blake and Wesley Burney and Preston Pyron and great-grandchild, James Bradford.
The family would like to thank the staff at Brookdale Chenal Heights for caring for her for the past 10 years. Cremation Services of Arkansas (501) 3135431. www.cremationservicesofarkansas.com.
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STEWART LYNN GILBERT, 55 of North Little Rock, Arkansas passed October 3, 2019 to be with his Lord Jesus Christ Father God. He was born on January 29, 1964 in South Arkansas to the late Carl Sean and Bernice Bogard Gilbert. He was a country boy who loved the mountains and God’s creations. Stewart was a master diesel mechanic by trade and also enjoyed gardening. Stewart is survived by his son Stewart L. Gilbert Jr; daughter Jacqueline Gilbert; siblings Sharon Young Gilbert, Kay Addie Gilbert, Carl E. Gilbert, Earnest “Ernie” Gilbert, Tracy Gilbert; many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends and other family.
He was loved and will be dearly missed by his family and friends. We will see you soon brother, we are in the last of days fellow readers.
Arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Arkansas. His online guestbook is available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.
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WALTER “BILL” THOMAS JENNINGS, JR., 74, of Little Rock passed away on October 2, 2019. He was born in Heber Springs, Ark. on October 25, 1944 to Walter Thomas Jennings, Sr., and Elva (McCarty) Jennings. Bill had a lifelong career with Southwestern Bell/ATT rising to the executive level. He traveled widely in his career including many years spent as President of Southwestern Bell in Asia based in Beijing, China. After retiring he enjoyed using his talents at Dale Carnegie to train executives. Bill was a dedicated volunteer, including serving as President for Master Gardeners of Arkansas. He was a dedicated member of many organizations including Keep Little Rock Beautiful and Arkansas Academy of Engineers. Bill was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church.
Bill was a steadfast presence in our lives. He was kind, warm and loved people…an open-hearted man who was close to extended family and friends around the world. Everyone was welcome into his home wherever he lived. His time in the Army gave him the opportunity to see the world and he appreciated the perspective it gave him. He encouraged us to experience the world, just as he encouraged us in our education and to be our best selves. Bill leaves that legacy to us.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Billie Graham Jennings of Little Rock, Ark.; son, Bryan Jennings (Janna) of Benton, Ark., daughter, Briana Jennings (Antolin) of Madrid, Spain; grandchildren, Zachary Jennings, Lane Jennings, Cody Diez, Dixie Diez, and Elva Diez; and sister, Jenni Doris Jennings. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Maurice Jennings and sister, Thelma Jennings.
Funeral Services will be at 1:15 p.m. Saturday, October 5th at the Anthony Chapel at Garvan Woodland Gardens, 550 Arkridge Rd., Hot Springs, Ark. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arkansas Master Gardeners Program, 2301 S. University Avenue, Little Rock, Ark. 72204. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501) 224-2200. Bill’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
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E. WAYNE RAY, 74, of Jacksonville passed away peacefully October 2, 2019. He was born July 26, 1945 to the late Jimmie F. and Grace Loetscher Ray, in North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Wayne was an avid outdoorsman. He owned a duck club on the
White River where he loved to hunt and fish. Wayne was an excellent marksman and was a member of Blue Rock Gun Club, and won several tournaments including a State Championship.
He was proud of his business he started and operated for over 40 years. This endeavor led to many friendships through the years. Wayne had a big heart. He was known to visit the children on the block while they played, and volunteered at the Children’s Hospital. He also cared for homeless people and animals. He volunteered time to many animal shelters and gave donations to find stray and shelter animals forever homes. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, and a Shriner.
He is preceded by in death by his grandparents, Marie and Henry Smith. Wayne is survived by his wife of almost 53 years, Pat; brother, Louis Ray; many nieces and nephews that he loved dearly; and his hunting and working fur companions Bodie and Sugar.
The family will receive friends from 12-1 p.m. Monday, October 7, 2019 at Brockington Road Church of the Nazarene with the funeral beginning at 1 p.m. Entombment will follow at Rest Hills Mausoleum, Sherwood Arkansas. Online guestbook at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.