ARKADELPHIA — Melvin Grier Pentecost,

79, passed away Monday, May 1, 2023, at Twin Rivers Health and Rehab in Arkadelphia, Ark.

Melvin was born September 3, 1943, to Edwin and Vesta Grier Pentecost of The Boswell Community near Okolona.

In school, he made good grades and excelled even more as a basketball athlete. In his youth, Melvin enjoyed participating in area horse shows and competitions.

In 1967, he and his horse, Lucky Brady, even won the state companionship speed racing event.

In early adulthood, he began working at an area thoroughbred horse farm, and he soon found his life’s work at various racehorse tracks around the country mostly as a valet and/or hot walker for big-name jockeys.

Mel was an avid basketball fan, and he was a really good high school player. He loved music, especially Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones.

Melvin was preceded in death by his parents and a nephew, Brian Renfro.

He is survived by one sister, Shirley (Sheldon) Renfro of Canon City, Colorado and one brother, Glen (Sandy) Pentecost of Arkadelphia. In addition, he is survived by three nephews, Scott Renfro of Peyton, Colo., Casey (Melanie) Pentecost of Siloam Springs, Ark. and Tobey (Shasta) Pentecost of Arkadelphia; two nieces, Connie DeSousa of Canon City, Colo. and Leigh Renfro, of Monument, Colo.

A visitation will be held Friday, May 5, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home in Arkadelphia.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 10 a.m. at Dobyville Cemetery Pavilion.

Memorials may be made in Mel’s name to Dobyville Cemetery Association, c/o Francis McGill 14300 Chenal Parkway 7001, Little Rock, Ark. 72211 or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home, 517 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923.