Obituaries
NOTICES OF PASSING BETTY JO BLACK
Betty Jo Black 73, of El Dorado, Arkansas passed away December 2, 2021 at her residence. Services to be announced by Young’s Funeral Directors.
GARY POWLEDGE
Gary Powledge 70, of Strong Arkansas, passed Friday night December 3, 2021 in Jackson Mississippi. Service to be announced by Young’s Funeral Directors.
OBITUARIES JULIA A. FERGUSON
Julia A. Ferguson, 73, of El Dorado, AR passed away Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at the Medical Center of South Arkansas in El Dorado.
She was born May 24, 1948 in St. Augustine, TX, and was preceded in death by her mother, Mary Ferguson Cates, and a baby brother, Baby Garcia.
Julia was a tray maker for several years at Con Agra.
Survivors include her sister, Missy Shankle and husband Matt of El Dorado, AR, two brothers, James Garcia, and Dan Garcia both of Huttig, AR, three nephews, Ethan McMillon of Smackover, Wyatt Shankle, and Zach McMillon, both of El Dorado, one great nephew Noah McMillon of Smackover.
Memorial graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 4, 2021 at the Strong Cemetery with Bro. Bill Odom officiating. Inurnment will follow under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of El Dorado, AR. Please visit www.baileyfuneralhome.net to sign the online register book.
JAMES WILLIAM GARRETT II
Also know as “Old School” by all of his friends. Went to be with his Heavenly Father on November 16, 2021 at the age of 64.
He was born to J.W. (Jimmy) and Lorraine Walker Garrett on February 15, 1957 in El Dorado, AR. He grew up in Norphlet, AR. where he graduated in 1975. His siblings are Judy Mitchell of Clarksville, AR. and Jan Lambert of Fayetteville, AR.
Surviving family includes daughter Carrie (Charles) Robinson of Norphlet and son William (Ashley) Garrett of El Dorado. 6 grandchildren: Addison Wilson, Karis Robinson, Ragan Robinson, Xavier Hall, Kylah Hall, and Karter Garrett.
Several nieces and nephews and friends and loved ones. A private memorial service will be held with family.
NANCY JEAN MAJOR HERRING
Nancy Jean Major Herring, 82 of Strong, went home to be with her Lord and Savior December 1, 2021.
Nancy was born in Old Union on August 29, 1939 to the union of Garland Major Sr. and Unie Jerry Major.
Nancy was a lifelong member of New London Baptist Church in Strong where she served as a janitor, song leader, Sunday school teacher, Training Union Secretary, and sang in the choir. She was a faithful member of Eastern Star 280 of El Dorado where she served as secretary. She was a devoted Razorback fan and loved to call the HOGS!
Nancy was affectionately known as the “cake lady” and her delicious German Chocolate and Coconut cakes were frequently requested. She had making peanut brittle down to perfection.
She is preceded in death by her husband, William Aubrey Herring, five brothers: James, Bill, Hollie Ray, Harold, and Garland Jr.; and two sisters: Madie Alphin and Cynthia Meshell.
She is survived by her daughter, Beverly Jean Herring Flen (Rod); Son, Johnny Richard Herring (Patricia), four grandchildren: Rodney Allen Flen (Mandy), Megan Shavon Flen (Scotty), Katie Lee Meade (Cage), Krystal Ann McCarty (Dylan); five great grandchildren: Ryleigh Nicole Flen, Jaden Aubrey Flen, Cooper Witt Meade, Paige Aubrey Meade, and Nora Kate McCarty; three sisters: Linda Cogburn, Jerri Agerton (Dee) and Deborah Drennan and a host of nieces and nephews.
She was truly a wonderful wife, mother, sister, mamaw, aunt and friend and will be greatly missed by all.
The family expresses a special thanks to Life Touch Hospice for their compassionate care.
Memorials can be made to New London Baptist Church, 1436 Winchester Road, Strong, or John R. Williamson Hospice House.
Visitation will be held from 6-8pm Friday, December 3, at New London Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday at New London Baptist Church with Bro. Scotty Guillot and Bro. Brandon Phillips officiating. Burial will follow at Green Grove Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Herring family.
MELBA TATOM
Melba Tatom, 88 of Louann passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 30, 2021 at Ouachita County Medical Center.
Melba was born on July 2, 1933 in Coalgate, Oklahoma. At the age of nine, her family moved to Union County. She graduated from Norphlet High School in 1950 and Warner Brown Hospital School of Nursing in 1954. She earned a BA degree from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri in 1975 and a Master’s degree from the University of Arkansas in 1984. She was also inducted into the Arkansas Nursing Hall of Fame in 2004.
She taught practical nursing in El Dorado for 27 1/2 years before retiring in 2001, graduating over 2000 LPN”s. She was actively involved with Life Touch Hospice as a volunteer.
Melba was always the matriarch of her family and her memory will remain alive through many generations. She was also an avid Razorback fan.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Edith Leister, brothers, Butch and Randall Leister, her husbands, J.D. Reed and Dale Tatom, a daughter and son in law, Susan and Donnie Fontenot, and a son, Steve Tatom.
She is survived by her children Jim Reed (Brenda), Johnanne Brown, Cathie Bugh (Eddie) all of Smackover, and a daughterin-law, Waynell Tatom of Magnolia. Also surviving her include nine grandchildren, Jennifer Ray (Richard), Julie Mantooth (Brian), Amy Walthall, John Reed (Jennifer), Michael Fontenot, Sara Beth Tatom, Kaylynn Williams, Jennifer Jackson, and Kim Chandler, special friends, Sheila and Joey McAdams, 15 great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
Visitation will be Wednesday, December 1, 2021, 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Bailey Funeral Home Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 2, 2021, at Frenchport Community Church.
Interment will be in Smackover Cemetery under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of El Dorado, AR.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Melba Tatom Nursing Scholarship, at South Arkansas Community College, 300 S. West Avenue, El Dorado, AR 71730.
PATRICK K. HOWARD
Patrick K. Howard of Bentonville, Arkansas passed away on November 30, 2021. He was born on September 28, 1956 to Ed and Millie Howard in Oak Park, Illinois and spent his childhood in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
Pat attended Hot Springs High School and Arkansas State University. While working at Southern Arkansas University in July of 1980, he met his wife Karen and the two began their 41 year marriage in December of that same year.
He tested the waters for years to find a job that was meant for him and began working for the United Parcel Service of El Dorado in 1985, where he worked for 30 years. He brought so much joy to his customers in South Arkansas and was a friendly face everyone looked forward to seeing. Although it was a high-pressure and physically-taxing job, he worked hard to provide for his family.
Throughout his life, Pat served in the Air National Guard, the 223rd Combat Communications Squadron in the United States Air Force, as a volunteer for Angel Tree Services, and a Lay Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in El Dorado.
After retiring from UPS in 2015, Pat looked for many ways to keep busy and he worked as a security officer and warehouse manager for Bentonville Schools. Eventually, he was able to settle into retirement and spend more time on the golf courses of Northwest Arkansas and more time with his family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his first-born daughter, Hayley; his brother, Denny; his father-in-law, Richard A. Dewar, and his niece, Kristi Howard Lang. He is survived by his wife, Karen; his daughters Holly of Bentonville and Lindsay Bennett (Spencer); his granddaughter, Millie of Cabot; his sister Lori Dean (John) of Shreveport, Louisiana; and his brother, Jerry Howard (Lonnie) of Elysian Fields, Texas. He was the heart and soul of his family, and he will be sorely missed.
Services will be held at Mildred B. Cooper Chapel in Bella Vista, Arkansas at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, December 3, 2021. The family respectfully asks for no flowers. Donations can be made to Circle of Life Hospice in Bentonville, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church of El Dorado, or First Tee of Northwest Arkansas.
Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home of Bentonville. Condolences: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com
DAVID O’NEAL LEWIS
David O’Neal Lewis, age 78, of El Dorado, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at Medical Center of South Arkansas. He was born on October 20, 1943 to Otis and Sybil Cole Lewis in Three Creeks, AR. David was retired and enjoying life.
David was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Karon Lewis Survivors include his wife, Tressie Lewis; sons, Marc Lewis (Terry), David Mitchell (Liangqiu) Fred Mitchell (Ashley); daughter, Gerah Foster (Billy) all of El Dorado; sisters, Joy Lewis of Three Creeks, Alice Walker of Haynesville; grandchildren, Nick Cardin (Alison), Miranda Hill (Seth), Haleigh Bedwell (Trent), Whitney Foster, Cole Foster, Quinn Mitchell, Taylor Mitchell, Brodie Mitchell, Adalie Mitchell, Taytem and Gavin; and great grandchildren, Landon Bedwell, Beaux Riley Cardin, Trenleigh Bedwell, Harley Cardin, Ryder Bedwell and Maxx Foster, a host of nieces and nephews, along with his three canine companions, Poppy, Muffin and Jill.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 pm Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Galilee Baptist Church. Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday at Galilee Baptist Church with Rev. Clay Dickson officiating. Burial will follow at Old Parker’s Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Condolences may be shared at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Lewis family.
VINTE THOMAS MILES
On the 28th day of October in 2002, Teresa Hampton-Miles and Antwong Miles were blessed with a soldier of a son, Vinte T. Miles.
Earlier this year, Vinte would be heard proclaiming with excitement, “I DID IT! I DID IT!” as he graduated from El Dorado High School. He considered this to be his greatest accomplishment in life.
Vinte leaves to cherish his life’s memories to his parents, another mother, Lena King, and father-figure, Benny Williams, both of El Dorado, Ar.; Sisters, Selena KingHamilton of Killeen Tx., Tatyana Sapp of El Dorado, Ar., and Amari Miles of Little Rock, Ar.; Brothers, Tomonco King and Al’beon Boone both of El Dorado, Ar., Demarcea Sapp and Michael Hampton both of Fayetteville; along with a host of nieces and nephews. Through the home of Lena King, Vinte was also blessed with other brothers and sisters whom he loved dearly.
Walkthrough Visitation Friday, December 3, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Sims Mortuary. Funeral Service Sunday, December 5, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. at Morning Star Baptist Church #2, Interment will be at Lott Burgy Cemetery under the direction of Sims Mortuary. Sign the guestbook at www. simsmortuary.com
FRANKLIN R. HOLDER
Franklin R. Holder, 89, of El Dorado passed from this life on December 2, 2021 at the John R. Williamson House.
He was born on November 10, 1932 to the late Ernest B. and Mamie V. Holder. He was an Army Veteran and before retiring worked as a cable tool operator in the oil field for Gandy & Son. Franklin was a member of Three Creeks Baptist Church. He loved working in his yard and going to Champagnolle Landing but most of all he loved his church and his family.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Holder; a granddaughter, Linley Holder; a sister, Ernestine Mays and a brother, Victor Holder.
Survivors include his daughter, Rose Maxfield and her husband Daniel; his son, Max Holder and his wife Rhonda; a grandson, Chris Maxfield; two granddaughters, Jessica Foster and her husband, Storm & Melissa Caviness and her husband, Justin; four great grandchildren, Jackson, Jace & Lilly Caviness & Colton Foster and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Monday, December 6, 2021 at Three Creeks Baptist Church with Rev. Dano Rainer officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am prior to the service until service time. Interment will follow at Three Creeks Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors with military honors.
An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.
CLARENCE WILLIAM MCDANIEL
Clarence William McDaniel was born on November 3, 1942 in Union County, Arkansas. He was the second oldest born to Frank and Sylvia McDaniel.
In his younger years he attended Grambling State University for 3 years as a Liberal Arts Major. Being drafted he served in the Korean Conflict/Vietnam War where he received a National Defense Service Medal and was honorably discharged on November 8, 1970.
Clarence was member of Greater Lee Chapel AME Church where he served as Trustee, Secretary and Sunday School Teacher. He remained a member until his passing.
In his early career Clarence worked as a certified heavy equipment operator and then went on to work as a concrete and cement mason finisher in El Dorado, Arkansas for many years.
Clarence is preceded in death by his parents; Frank and Sylvia McDaniel, brothers; Bruce and Kermit.
Clarence McDaniel was married for 46 years to Shirley McDaniel.
He is survived by his wife Shirley; four children, Ada, Vincent and his wife Tamarra, Frank and his wife Tracy, KeeLee and his wife Shalanda, sisters; Willie Mae and Patricia, brother; Frank; and a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great grandchildren, cousins, other relatives and friends who loved him deeply.
IRENE M. MAYNARD
Irene M. Maynard, age 92, of El Dorado, Arkansas passed away on Wednesday, November 24, 2021at the Medical center of South Arkansas.
Irene was born on July 28, 1929 in Putnam, CT; she was the daughter of Louise J. LaParle and Olive Gothreau LaParle.
Irene enjoyed Crafts especially porcelain dolls and cake decorating. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters Louise White and Elizabeth LaParle, sons Glen Brown and Randall Brown, a son in law Steven Rhodes and her husbands George Brown and Milton Maynard.
Survivors are daughters Susan Rhodes of El Dorado, Sharon Holden (Gary) of Brooklyn ,CT, Kim Renaud (Gerry) of California; Stepson Rick Maynard(Susan) of Burleson, TX; a Brother David J LaParle of Beverly Hills FL; grandchildren Michelle Kennedy (Don) , Paul Brown, Erin Holden; great-grandchildren Hayden Covey (Cortlin), Taylor Lee (Leslye) and great great-grandchild Emberly Covey.
The family will have a memorial service in Connecticut at a later date. Cremation services provided by Youngs Funeral Directors.
Memorial may be made to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be shared at www.youngsfuneralhome. com.
BENJAMIN TYLER “PETEY” PITRE
Benjamin Tyler “Petey” Pitre, 30, of Parkers Chapel passed away on Tuesday, November 23, 2021. He was born on February 28, 1991 in El Dorado to Benjamin C. and Pamela Kaye Pitre. Tyler was a 2009 graduate of Parkers Chapel High School and he worked as a gauger/pumper at PetroQuest LLC. Tyler enjoyed hunting and riding four-wheelers with his friends, but his favorite past time was playing and swimming with his niece, who was the love of his life, Everly.
Preceding him in death are his maternal grandparents, Jimmy and Kathleen Williams; and his paternal grandparents, Harold and Frances Pitre.
Survivors include his parents, Benjamin C. and Pamela Kaye Pitre; sister Hannah Kaye Pitre (Devin Ball); niece, Everly Kaye Ball; special aunt, Tammy Dennis; his granny, Janell Butler; and many friends.
Visitation will be held from 12:00-2:00 PM on Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at Parkers Chapel First Baptist. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM at Parker’s Chapel First Baptist Church officiated by Bro. Larry Hudson, Bro. Adam Thomas, and Bro. Donny Hymer followed by Interment at Parker’s Chapel Cemetery under the direction of Perry’s Funeral Chapels.
Online condolences at www.perrysfuneralchapels.com
THELMA D. NOVICK
Thelma D. Novick, age 101 of El Dorado Arkansas passed away on Thursday November 25, 2021. Thelma was born on October 9, 1920 to Victor Lewis and Dorothy Ellen Alexandria Mace Green. in Chingford England.
She married Ted T. Novick Sr. in Britain in 1945 , then shortly after moved to the United States.
Thelma is preceded in death by her husband Ted T. Novick Sr., her parents, and her brother Kenneth Robert Victor and his wife Margaret Green.
She leaves behind her daughters and son. Dorothy ” Dottie” Novick Blann, Ted T. Novick Jr. and Jayne Novick Wilson all of El Dorado. She is also survived by five grandchildren; Betsy Diane Ludlam of West Monroe, La, Robert “R.D.” Ludlan III of Benton La. , Amanda Jane Dodson ( Doug) of Doddridge AR. , Sonya Suzzete Novick of Crossett Ar., Kristian Danielle Buckley ( Carl) of Jordan Montana. Also, nine great grandkids, Hanna Ludlan, Robbie Ludlan, Kylie Novick, Brent Williams Jr. , Brayden Owens, Zackery Blazer, Hunter Buckley,Mason Buckley, and Gracie Buckley. Numerous nieces and nephews, along with many friends that were like family to her.
Serving as Pallbearers are: David Campbell, Robert ” RD” Ludlan , James Garrett, Terry Reynolds, Lee J. Hodges. and Larry Hudson.
Visitation will be Monday November 29, 2021 at Young’s Funeral Directors. Services will be held Tuesday 2:00pm at Young’s Funeral Directors officiated be Bro. Brian Trostle .Burial to follow at Arlington Memorial Park . In lieu of flowers please donate to UCAPS P.O Box 204 El Dorado AR. 71730 and DAV 101 N Washington El Dorado AR 71730 in her honor. An online registry can be signed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.
JESSE “RICHARD” PERRY
Jesse “Richard” Perry, 68, of Lawson, AR passed away Wednesday, December 1, 2021 at the Medical Center of South Arkansas. Richard was born October 13, 1953 in El Dorado to the late Frances Odell Perry and Jesse Perry.
Richard was a retired self employed carpenter, having built many houses throughout union county and Lawson over the years. He loved being outdoors, spending time on the river and especially enjoyed riding his Goldwing motorcycle.
He enjoyed spending time with all of his family, but especially looked forward to seeing his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and by two sisters, Dorothy Bird and Geniece Perry, and a niece, Anita Murphree.
Survivors include; his wife of almost 39 years, Patty Reed Perry of Lawson; two sons, Michael Walker of Lawson, and Benjamin Perry and wife Bridget of Parkers Chapel; one granddaughter, Britton Perry; two grandsons, Brantley Perry and Bennett Perry, all of Parkers Chapel; a niece, Michelle Henry and husband Jeremy; a nephew, Michael Bird and wife Gina; great niece, Carson Henry; great nephew, Cooper Henry, all of El Dorado; father and mother-in-law, Walter and Kay Reed of Lawson.
Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Sunday, December 5, 2021 at Bailey Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, December 6, 2021 at Arlington Memorial Park, with Bro. Don Travis officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.baileyfuneralhome. net