LESTER IRA SCOGGINS
transitioned to eternity on January 27, 2024. He was born July 29, 1951, to Mountain Ed Scoggins and Roxie Maxine Fowler Scoggins in El Dorado, Ark., the sixth of seven siblings.
He excelled in sports throughout his school years and graduated from Mt. Ida High School. Les was drafted into the military during the Vietnam era, then worked heavy equipment for the Corps of Engineers. Lester’s contagious smile and charisma led him to unparalleled success in resort real estate sales in Hot Springs and Hot Springs Village. He was top sales producer many times over and always sought by competitors. Lester retired from financial planning in 2014. His lifetime passions include riding his Harley-Davidson, scuba diving with multiple certifications, including Master Diver and instructor; Razorback sports; cooking, deer hunting, cars, coin collecting, holidays, and travel. Most characterize him as “a big talker,” who loved to tell his many stories.
Lester is survived by the loves of his life, spouse, Connie Grace of Little Rock; daughters Erin Yoder (Brad) of Sabetha, Kan.; and Ashlee Holt (Todd), of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. These loves suddenly and joyously expanded, beginning in 2013, when first granddaughter, Frankie Yoder, was born, followed by her brother and first grandson, Gibson “Gib” Yoder, in 2014. Meanwhile, in Florida, granddaughter Kennedy Holt arrived in 2015. Just things appeared to have settled down, Watson “Watty” Yoder entered his appearance in 2017. Les is “Papaw” to all of them who bear his smile. He gave cross necklaces to each of them and loved the adventure of creating their birthday and Christmas “boxes” together.
Les is also survived by brothers Edwin Scoggins and recently deceased wife Janice, of Norphlet; Charles Scoggins and wife Marilyn, of Smackover; and his youngest sister, Susan Sears, and husband Ronnie, of Hot Springs. His large family includes numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Les was predeceased by three sisters: Judee Dunn, Nancy Lassiter, and Maryann Ward.
A special mention is our friend, Brandy Davidson, who came to us to cut his hair and made and was a source of many kindnesses.
Our Pomeranian, Piper Ann, will be forever lost without Lester’s lap. Their daily walks together came to include another Pomeranian, Pierre. It was Pierre that beckoned Lester across without looking back.
When diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease, Lester did not passively “struggle.” Instead, the Warrior in him waged battle, as containment does not sit well with independent spirits. Nonetheless, Lester’s sense of humor and loving nature remained intact, and in the end, his sweetness prevailed. Having known a lot about virtually everything, Lester’s imagination flourished during his final illness and fueled his storytelling. With only prayer under our control, we lived this unexpected life fully with him for almost two years.
Lester Scoggins is now free to soar the heavens and roam the seas without limitations. He is free to stalk the woods and crank it up on the highways. We will formally send him off with a visitation service which will be held at 11 a.m., February 3, 2024, at Griffin Leggett Healey and Roth Funeral Home, 5800 West 12th Street in Little Rock, with cremation under the care of the Neptune Society. The ultimate disposition of his ashes will be in the ocean off the coast of Fort Lauderdale.
Lester’s unmistakable presence will forever be in our hearts. Should you wish to further perpetuate his memory, you are welcome to contribute to the Arkansas Children’s Hospital; the cause of your choice; or simply enjoy a Reese’s peanut butter cup in his honor as he would. In his opinion and practice, one was never enough.