Obituaries

Velda H.Holmes

Velda Haynie Holmes, 85, of Hot Springs, passed away July 21, 2020, due to complications from Alzheimer’s. She was the daughter of Garvis Monroe and Vyunia Pollard, of Altheimer, Ark. A graduate of Altheimer High School, Velda received her undergraduate degree in speech and drama from Henderson State University and her Master’s degree in television and radio from the University of Arkansas.

Velda is survived by her son, Brad Holmes; daughter, Lee Ann Holmes Gamble and husband Bill; and Harolyn Grey Holmes, of Hot Springs. “Vee,” as she was affectionately known, will also be missed by her treasured grandchildren, Rebecca Rauls Spencer and Jimmy, of Ponte Vedra, Fla., Julie Rauls Mehlin and Chris, of Little Rock; as well as her great-grandsons, Maddox Spencer, Grayson, and Wesley Mehlin. Also mourning her passing are very special friends, Victoria Lee Ramsay and Alan, of Flora, Miss., and Kathy McKenzie, of Hot Springs. Velda was predeceased by her parents Garvis and Vyunia Pollard, of Altheimer, and lifelong friends Grace and Joe Lee, of Richardson, TX.

Velda’s entire professional life was anchored in her unwavering commitment to education. She touched many lives in the Richardson Independent School District over a span of 30 years as a volunteer and educator. She was the first two-time president of the City Council of PTAs, and, in 1972, with her pink briefcase in tow, she traveled to Washington, D.C., to testify before the House Judiciary Committee about the Lent Amendment, opposing forced bussing issues — a very rare opportunity for a woman at that time.

She joined RISD as a Speech and English teacher in 1973 and went on to become the Director of RITV, a public-school broadcast station that not only made educational television available to the students in RISD but also broadcasted from six channels reaching 132,000 students in 57 districts across Texas. Velda retired from RISD to move to Hot Springs but found herself continuing her professional chapter as an educational consultant, ultimately finishing her impactful career with the School of Math and Sciences in Hot Springs.

Known as “the fun mom,” Velda enjoyed mutually respectful relationships with students as well as her children’s friends who came to her often as a trusted confidant. Brad and Lee Ann were a little jealous when their friends were allowed storebought treats, as they only got homemade after school! Velda was the first to sign up to lead volunteer activities at school, ride the band bus to every game or competition, and share her passion for the arts supporting choir and theatrical presentations at Richardson Heights Baptist Church.

She was an inspiring educator, loved by everyone that knew her. She was a fashionista who always had a story to tell, and a wonderful cook, though somewhat overzealous in her use of green peas. Velda was a die-hard Arkansas Razorback fan and loved to watch the games. At the time of her death, she was a member of First Baptist Church in Hot Springs where she taught Sunday School for several years.

The family would like to thank Michael Smedley, Sherry, Jennifer and Stacey at the House of Three in Hot Springs as well as Arkansas Hospice for the love and care they have shown the past few months.

Due to the Covid 19 restrictions, the family will have a private interment. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Arkansas Hospice, 14P Parkstone Circle, North Little Rock, AR 72116

Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. http://www.ArkansasCremation.com.

Oscar E. Scott

Oscar Eugene (Gene) Scott, age 83, of Hot Springs, died July 23, 2020, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was born on February 8, 1937, in Oklahoma, the only son of Fred and Lillie Neighbors Scott.

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Gene was a mechanic and owner/operator of Bosson & Delaney – Gene’s Texaco Station on Park Avenue in Hot Springs until his retirement in 2002. He enjoyed league bowling at Central Bowling Lanes where many knew him as “Niner.” He also loved to fish, hunt, laugh, cut up, and banter with friends.

He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Dianne Scott, of Hot Springs; his son and daughter-in-law, Keith and Monica Scott; and two grandchildren, Taylor and Tanner Scott, all of Hot Springs. He is also survived by two sisters, Maxine Harwood and Kathleen Stout, both of Hot Springs; as well as numerous nieces and nephews; and a host of wonderful friends and neighbors.

Honorary Pallbearers: Curtis Hefley, Tommy Jo Alford, Linda Roberts, Bowling Friends from Central Bowling Lanes, Judy and Bill Hudgens, Lyle “Cowboy” Ramthun and Dr. Fred Divers.