Obituaries
NELLA STRINGER BIDWELL
Nella Stringer Bidwell, age 89, of El Dorado, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Ruston Regional Specialty Hospital.
Born on March 13, 1934 in
Nashville, Arkansas, she was the daughter of Vernon Wilson and
Tommy Marie Nolan Stringer. She retired from the El Dorado School
District after 41 years as a Math
Teacher and a Math Instructional
Supervisor.
Nella was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 58 years, Richard D. Bidwell: and her sister, Betty Joyce Page.
Survivors include her daughters,
Dr. Tracie Ellerman of Ruston, LA and Karen (Sid) Todd of El Dorado,
AR bonus daughter Shannon Kies
(Jason) of Cabot, AR; and several nieces and nephews. Nella enjoyed a special friendship with Bonnie Bragg over the last 10 years and shared many happy times with her.
Nella and her husband, Richard, attended 1st Presbyterian Church and other churches in the area since they moved here in 1952. Nella was a faithful woman who attended services every Sunday that she was able.
Funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, January 7, 2024 at Young’s Chapel with Mike Dumas officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Arlington Memorial Park under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.
Serving as pallbearers are Sid Todd, Brian Todd, Don Couture, Randall Boyd, Shawn Page, Trey Adair and Jason Kies.
Memorials may be made to the Organ Fund at the Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, 504 Tech Drive, Ruston, LA 71720 or the charity of your choice.
Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Bidwell family.
DAN MARCUS BYRD
Dan Marcus Byrd, 76, of El Dorado, passed away Thursday, January 4, 2024 at South Arkansas Regional Hospital.
Born February 26, 1947 in El Dorado, AR, he was the son of
Jack Marcus and Dannie Kathryn
Wilfong Byrd. Mr. Byrd was a graduate of Louisiana Tech University with a degree in Industrial
Management. He was the former owner of Cotton’s Liquor Store and was the owner manager of
SFI, Inc for 25 years and recently employed at Lions Club Golf
Course.
Mr. Byrd was an avid sportsman enjoying duck hunting, golf, horse racing, and fishing. He was a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal
Church.
Preceding him in death along with his parents were a brother,
Jim Byrd, and a grandson, Clark Kern.
Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Patsy Byrd of El Dorado, daughters, Angela (Paul) Kern of Hot Springs, Mona (Jim) Williams and Tina (Bryan) Kemp and a son, Marc (Christy) Byrd of Franklin, TN. Surviving grandchildren are Shelbie Blackwell, Sawyer (Whitney) Williams, Cole Kern, Payne Williams along with great-grandchildren, Olivia Blackwell, Maddi Jones, Mollie Jones, and Corban Pollard and nephew, Caine Winans and great-niece Autumn (Adam) Miller. Also surviving is his sister, Janis Lacy and numerous nephews, nieces and friends.
Included in surviving friends are the Lions Club employees especially Danny, Teri and Pam, his past employees and special hunting buddies, Tom Sheppard and Eric Armour.
A memorial service will be planned at a later date. Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Byrd family.
GORDON CLAYTON DOUGLAS CATES
Gordon Clayton Douglas Cates, age 29 of El Dorado, passed away Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at his residence. Gordon was born on July 21, 1994 in Union County, AR to the late Kattie Sue Gandy Cates and Terry Edwin Cates.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kattie and Terry
Cates; grandparents, Gordon and
Sue Cates, and a grandmother,
Barbara McGarity.
Survivors include; his wife, Nicole
Cates of El Dorado; four children,
Lola, Skylar, Jay and Serenity; one sister, Brenda Blackman
(Mason) of Parkers Chapel; two brothers, Jason Cates (Brandi) of
Felsenthal, AR, and Jeremy Cates
(Debbie) of El Dorado; a grandfather, Larry Gandy (Edie) of Mt.
Holly, AR, along with numerous aunts and uncles.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 am on Monday, January 8, 2024 at Bailey Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Clay Dickson officiating. A private family burial will be held at Hopewell Cemetery at a later time, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.
Please sign our online guestbook at wwwibaileyfuneralhome.net
KATTIE SUE GANDY CATES
Kattie Sue Gandy Cates, age 58 of El Dorado, passed away Tuesday, December 26, 2023 at her residence. Kattie was born on November 6, 1965 in Union
County, AR to Larry Gandy and the late Barbara Mason McGarity.
Kattie was an avid animal lover and a beloved daughter, sister, mother and grandmother, whom will be missed by all.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Mason
McGarity; her first husband, David
Hartsell; second husband, Terry
Cates, and by a son, Gordon
Cates.
Survivors include; her father,
Larry Gandy (Edie) of Mt. Holly, AR; one daughter, Brenda Blackman
(Mason) of Parkers Chapel; two step sons, Jason Cates (Brandi) of Felsenthal, AR, and Jeremy
Cates (Debbie) of El Dorado; one brother, Eddie Gandy (Casey) of El Dorado, along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, January 8, 2024 at Bailey Funeral Home Chapel, With Bro. Clay Dickson officiating. A private family burial will be held at Hopewell Cemetery at a later time.
KELLY GASTON CLARK
Kelly Gaston Clark, 75, of Batesville passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023. He was born November 20, 1948 in Dermott, Arkansas to the late Eugene Terrall Clark and Francis Ellen Gaston Clark. He was preceded in death by his brothers, James Terrall Clark and John Howard Clark.
Kelly, having grown up in
McGehee, graduated from
McGehee high school and then entered the United States Marine
Corp. He held dual degrees from the University of Arkansas,
Monticello. He retired from the
Arkansas Army National Guard.
Kelly received his APN at Delta
State University in Mississippi. He then practiced in Lake Village, as well as other areas in southern Arkansas. He retired in 2017 relocating from El Dorado, AR to
Batesville, AR with his wife of 37 years. Kelly enjoyed golfing, fishing, horse racing and traveling.
Kelly is survived by his wife, Pam; daughter, Amy (Brian) Monroe of Conway; son, Matthew (Jamie) Clark of Monticello; step daughter, Jennifer (John) Hughes of Batesville; and six grandchildren, Marley Shaddox, Jakob Halter, Abbey Halter, Lauren Hawkins, Carter Clark and Jackson Hughes; and two great grandchildren. A special gratitude of thanks to the staff of Mountain Meadows Health and Rehab.
Burial at Oaklawn Cemetery will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Arkansas Sheriffs’Youth Ranches, P.O. Box 3964, Batesville, AR 72503 or to Mountain Meadows activity fund, 1680 Batesville Blvd. Batesville, AR 72501.
SHANNON DENISE COURSON
Shannon Denise Courson, 48, of Bentonville, Arkansas, formerly of Warren, passed away on Saturday, December 30, 2023. She was born on June 9, 1975, in Warren, Arkansas and was a 1993 graduate of Warren High School.
In 2004, she graduated from the University of Arkansas at
Monticello with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with an emphasis in
Computer Information Systems.
For 15 years, Shannon dedicated her professional life to Murphy
Oil, where she worked in human resources. Her contributions left a lasting impact on her colleagues, and her work ethic was an inspiration to many.
While her career was an important aspect of her life, Shannon’s entire world revolved around her daughters, for whom she was a devoted and loving mother. She prioritized their school events, ensuring she was present for every milestone all while actively participated in church bible studies and other activities, embodying her deep-rooted faith.
Shannon found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Her love for travel, especially family beach trips created lasting memories her family will forever cherish.
Shannon was known for her calm demeanor, sweet nature, and a smile that could light up the room. She was a person who radiated positivity with her caring and selfless attitude which endeared her to everyone she encountered, leaving a legacy of kindness and compassion.
She is preceded in death by her father, Tommy Ray Forrest; her mother, Donna McIntyre Mayer; and one sister, Melissa Renee Boykin.
She leaves behind her husband of nineteen years, Charles “Rusty” Courson; and two daughters, Hannah Claire and Courtney Skye Courson all of Bentonville, AR; along with her grandmother Nancy Sewell of Flemming Island, FL; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, January 5, 2024, at Medders Funeral Home, 1564 Hwy 52 W, in Crossett with Rev. Ricky Tyler, officiating, followed by interment at Crossroads Cemetery. Pallbearers are Murray Williams, Rob Moffatt, Drew Courson, Joe King, Will Brown, and Todd Saunders. Honorary pallbearers are Mickey Courson, Bruce Brown, Brian Farmer, and Justin Chumley.
Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 4, 2024, at Medders Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, or the MD Anderson Cancer Center in her honor.
JULIA “JULIE” ANN GRISETTE TIDWELL
Julia “Julie” Ann Grisette Tidwell, 68, was called home to be with the Lord on January 1, 2024 surrounded by her loving family.
Julie was a free spirited, fun-loving soul, who brought joy to all those around her. She was born on January 26, 1955 in Kingsport,
Tennessee, to Clingman “Frank” and Ruthe Grisette. Growing up, she had a love for horses and the
Mountains. She studied Business at Tennessee Tech, where she met and fell in love with her husband of
45 years, Jim. Following college, she and Jim lived in multiple cities, befriending many everywhere they lived. Throughout her life, she was a faithful Christian and very active in the Episcopal Church, as a member of Daughters of the
King and singing in the choir each
Sunday. Some of her favorite times and memories were vacations to
Hilton Head Island with all of her sisters, many friends and family. She was full of adventure and was fortunate enough to have traveled all over the world. She was a proud grandmother “Julsey” to her two precious grandchildren, Noah and Olivia, and treasured the time spent with them and her children.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Ruthe Grisette. Those left to cherish and celebrate her are, husband James (Jim) Tidwell, children Spencer Tidwell (Jinny) of Johnson City, TN, and Whitney George (Nick) of Lafayette, LA; her two grandchildren, Noah and Olivia George; her sisters Susan Copty (Bob) of Roanoke, VA, Sally Furr (Joe) of Statesville, NC, and Paige Grisette of Hilton Head Island, SC; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and her sweet golden retrievers.
A Celebration of Life for Julie will be held January 13, 2024 at 2 p.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in El Dorado, AR, with reception to follow at the El Dorado Country Club.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to Union County Animal Protection Society (UCAPS) in El Dorado, AR in Julie’s name. You can donate at www.ucapsshelter.org or P.O. Box 204, El Dorado, AR 71730.
PAM LOWERY WELCH
Pam Lowery Welch, 69, of El Dorado, AR passed away Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at Oak Ridge Nursing Home in El Dorado.
Pam was born December 28, 1954 in El Dorado to Chester Dayton Lowery and Barbara Jean “Bobbie” Lowery.
She was preceded in death by her father.
Pam loved listening to rock music. She was a big animal lover, especially Siamese cats.
Survivors include her daughter, Heather Bradley and husband Jeff, her mother, Bobbie Littlefield, sister, Kim Pennington, three grandchildren, Tyler Bradley, Jayden Bradley, and Payton Bradley, nephew Casey Lowery, three great nephews, Justin, Jacob and Landon Lowery.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Rehobeth Cemetery with Bro. Sye Duke officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of El Dorado, AR
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Union County Animal Protection Society, (UCAPS)
Please visit www.baileyfuneralhome.net to sign the online register book.
JOHN ERIC RICH
John Eric Rich, 59 of Fordyce passed away Thursday, December 28, 2023, at his home. He was born July 19, 1964, in El Dorado, Arkansas. John is preceded in death by his parents, Truman “Bill” and Zella” Betty” Ray Rich.
He is survived by three children; Cassie Frisby (Lee) of El Dorado, John Rich (Katherine) of Cabot, Keller
David (Jake) of Minden; Life partner, Sarah Alexander of Fordyce and stepchildren Melinda Ballance and
Charles “Bubba” Lederman; two brothers Tommy Rich (Kelly) of El Dorado, Randy Rich (Wendi) of El
Dorado; grandchildren, Brooklyn, Logan, Kayleigh, Khloe, Kaitlyn, John, Braxton, Wesley, Kason, and
Jesse. Bonus grandchildren, Brittany, Christopher, Daniel, Ethan, Jordan, Justice, and Ashleigh
CATHY S. SNEED
Cathy S. Sneed, age 72, of Smackover, Arkansas passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at her home. She was born on March 26, 1951 to Robert and Alice Watson in Eureka Springs, AR.
She was preceded in death by her parents, and husband
Charles George Sneed.
Survivors are a daughter, Sherry Allen (Chuck) of El Dorado; two sons Blake Sneed of Smackover, AR and Keith Sneed (Sherry) of Bellevue, NE; nine grandchildren, fourteen great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; three brothers, Jim Watson (Karen), Allen Watson (Pam), Gary Watson (Margaret); three sisters, Shirley Greer, Pam Faulkner (Michael), and Helen Watson.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 6, 2024 at the Lisbon Methodist Cemetery. Arrangements are provided by Young’s Funeral Directors. Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Sneed family.
MELISSIA JOYCE “LISA” KNIGHT
Melissia Joyce “Lisa” Knight, of St. Joe, passed away on Sunday, December 31, 2023 at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center in Harrison. She was 59 years old.
The daughter of Roy Lee and Louise (Sones) Nelson was born on December 4, 1964 in Marion, Louisiana.
Lisa was the owner and manager of Knights Quick Stop for many years. She enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing word games on line with her Uncle Eddie, going to auctions, but most of all she loved playing and spending time with family and all of her grandkids. Lisa also had the absolute joy of raising and loving her granddaughter, Jenna McAdams, into her teen years.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Valarie Ann Chadwick; her parents; and her Uncle Eddie, who she was very close with.
Survivors include her husband, Tommy Knight, Jr; one brother, Michael Nelson; three sisters, Brenda Nelson-Frisby, Sharon McCrary, and Stacy Nelson; 15 grandchildren; and one great grandchild.
No service is planned at this time. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Coffman Funeral Home of Harrison.
The family would also like to send special love and appreciation to, Aunt Ruth, Amber, Amanda, Bubba, Jeff, Nelson and Davis Frisby. Her best friend and sister, Brenda and to Shannon, her transport driver and wonderful friend.
Thank you all,
Love, Lisa.
CLEMETT “CLEM” GILLS
Clemett “Clem” Gills, 78, of El Dorado, AR passed away
Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at South Arkansas Regional Hospital in El Dorado, AR.
Clem was born August 31, 1945 in Temple, TX to Grady Gills and Eva Adams Gills.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his step-mother, Alice Owen, and his sister Evelyn Cupples.
Clem was a master plumber and pipefitter and former owner and operator of Arkansas Industrial Mechanical. He enjoyed fishing especially with his best friend Dan. Clem loved all types of animals, especially his cat Fred.
Survivors include his wife, Myrtle “Patty” Gills, two daughters, Roxanne Robison and husband Jeff, Natalie Nolden, brother, Cecil Gills, five grandchildren, Bianca Brown, Brianna Nolden, Alaina Nolden, Justin Robison, and Caitlin Robison, three step-sisters, Elaine Anderson, Janie Brown, and Kathy Jo Caldwell.
Visitation will be 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Saturday, January 6, 2024 at Bailey Funeral Home in El Dorado, AR
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, January 7, 2024 at Jolley Cemetery with Paul Dunn officiating. Interment will follow under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of El Dorado, AR.
Please visit www.baileyfuneralhome.net to sign the online register book.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to Union County Animal Protection Society (UCAPS) in memory of Kattie and her love for animals.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.baileyfuneralhome.net