Zada Geraldine Sheridan, 88 of Harrisburg, passed away on September 2, 2020. She was born on June 26, 1932 in Bonnerdale, Arkansas to the late Robert S. and Clara E. Hill Black. Zada was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Travis Sheridan; grandson, Robby Ragsdale and brother, Robert Black, sisters, Louise Short, Gladys Wright and Vivian. She is survived by her sons, Gary and Michael Ragsdale, daughters, Marcia Shaw, Cynthia Riley and Lynette Bates; ten grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Honorary Pallbearers will be C.W. McCool, Brett Merriott, Adam Merriott, Eric Burchfield, Christopher Burchfield, Justin Ragsdale, Jonathan Bates, Aaron Merriott and Jacob Merriott.
Sarah E. Rushing of Bryant, entered her heavenly home on September 2, 2020. She loved the Lord & her family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 44 years, Dickey Rushing, two grandchildren, Gilbert & Rachel Howell, her parents, Frank & Mattie Gray, two brothers, Jr. Gray and Doyle Gray, and five sisters, Ruby Thomason, Nell Slaughter, Betty Slaughter, Joyce Sled, and Diane Savage. She is survived by her son, Jimmy Rushing, and daughter, Elizabeth Waterman; five grandchildren, Callie Fritchen, Mary Rushing, Cody Waterman, Amber Rushing, and Cameron Rushing; One sister and brother in law, Jodi and Joe Kelley; and a host of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins & extended family.
William Robert “Bill” McCormick, age 83, of Benton, passed away Thursday, September 3, 2020. He was born April 13, 1937 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas to the late Bryant William McCormick Jr. and Mary Alice Gardner McCormick. Bill graduated from Henderson State Teacher’s College where he was a member of the K∑K Fraternity. He served in the U. S. Army and eventually earned the rank of Captain. After the Army, Bill worked as a Pharmaceutical Salesman during which he received multiple national awards. After retirement, he volunteered at CJOHN and helped with the landscaping at the First United Methodist Church. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Benton, the UMM and the Wesley Bible Class. He was an avid golfer and got the chance to play at St. Andrews & Pebble Beach Golf Courses. Bill enjoyed reading, especially W.W. II history and biographies. He loved travelling, especially Europe and cruises on QE2 and QM2. Bill was a devoted husband & father who strived to be an excellent role model and spiritual leader for his family. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Donna McCormick; two sons, Trent McCormick (Jamie) and Kurt McCormick (Christi) and three grandchildren, Will McCormick, Holly King (Jeffrey) and K. K. McCormick.
Annie “Louise” Baxter of Benton, Arkansas, formerly of Eudora, Arkansas, peacefully passed away on September 3, 2020 at the age of 92. Louise was born to the late Benjamin Franklin Allen, Sr. and Lula Mary Holt Allen. Louise married the love of her life, the late Dudley Ray Baxter on August 5, 1948 and they lived happily until his death on February 11, 2011. In addition to her husband and parents, Louise was preceded in death by a son, Paul Dudley Baxter and eight of her nine siblings. Louise is survived by her two sons, Ray Baxter of Benton, Arkansas and Kenneth Baxter and wife, Joanie of Eureka, Illinois. Louise is also survived by six grandchildren, Claire Brown of Little Rock, Andrew Baxter (Kendra) of Benton, James J.R. Baxter (Allie) of Hot Springs, Blake Baxter, Brenna Stork (Dylan) and Baylee Baxter, all of Eureka, Illinois; two great grandchildren, Katherine Brown and Henry Brown of Little Rock, sister, Judy Fray of Longview, Texas, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and lots of friends, who all treasure the memories of their relationships with either “Aunt Lou” or “Mrs. Louise”. Throughout her life, Louise was an involved member of her church. She served in many capacities, from director of the Girls Auxiliary to Director of the Women’s Missionary Union, and she taught countless Sunday school classes. She was also the supportive wife of her husband, who pastored three different churches and served as Interim-Pastor for others following his retirement. At the time of her passing, she was a member of Holland Chapel Baptist Church in Benton, Arkansas. Louise was an amazing cook and genealogist. She authored both a cook book and in-depth genealogical history of her family. Her “Maw Maw” rolls and numerous other dishes were always the staple of family gatherings and holidays. Louise was a loving and caring mother and “Maw Maw”.
Carl Ed Merrick, beloved husband, father, and Poppy, was reunited in Heaven with his loving wife on Thursday, September 4, 2020, at the Hospice Care Center of Little Rock. He was a deacon and member of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church. Ed was born to the late Harley and Mozell Merrick near Plummerville, Arkansas on January 15, 1937. He was the fourth of five children. In 1943, his family moved to St. Louis for a couple of years, then bought a farm and moved to Perry, Arkansas about 1945. They lived here until Ed finished 8th grade. The back porch of their farmhouse had a great view of Petit Jean Mountain. It was during this time that Ed gave his life to Christ at the Perry Baptist Church and was baptized in a pond in Perry. After the 8th grade, his family moved to Mountain Pine, Arkansas. Ed graduated from Mountain Pine High School in 1955. After graduation, he went on a senior trip with his class to Colorado. At the end of the trip, he hitchhiked to Washington State, where his brother, John, lived to attend Pacific Lutheran College, working various jobs to pay for his schooling. Ed worked the pipeline and construction off and on during the summers to earn money for school. He moved back to Arkansas in January, 1957, and enrolled in Henderson State Teachers College. It was here that he met the love of his life, Geraldine Coston. They were married June 1, 1958. In 1959, they welcomed the first of their four children. Ed graduated from Henderson in January of 1960. He taught math at Dial Junior High in Pine Bluff, Arkansas for the spring semester of 1960. Ed worked during the summer on the construction of the Titan II Missile Silos in Arkansas for a time. He then got a teaching/bus driving job in Crossett, Arkansas. Ed applied for and was granted a National Science Foundation scholarship for the 1964-65 school year to enhance math education at the University Of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. In 1966, the family moved to Downey, California for a better paying teaching job. They lived there five years, during which he finished his Master of Education degree in Educational Leadership at Cal State, Longbeach. In 1971, the family moved back to Benton, Arkansas, for Ed to take the principalship at Westside Junior High. In the eighties, he was integral in the shift to the middle school format, which he loved. He served as president of the Arkansas Association of Secondary School Principals in 1982-83. Mr. Merrick, as he was known, truly loved his students and staff throughout his 38 years in education. He retired from his position as principal of Benton Middle School in 1999. Ed continued to work with students through his church in the AWANA ministry until recently. He loved studying and teaching the Bible, singing and serving. He had a beautiful tenor voice that will be greatly missed. He was an avid student of prophecy and end times. Ed served as the music and youth director at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church from 1974-1982. He led music at Mabelvale First Missionary Baptist Church from 2001-2004. Ed Merrick was the solid rock and leader of his family. He lovingly cared for his wife of 62 years, Geraldine, who preceded him in death by exactly one week. He is also preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and two granddaughters-Jordan Esther Merrick and Alison Faith Roark. He is survived by one brother-Dan Merrick of Cabot; one sister-Mary Kemp of Mountain Pine; four children-Cathy Renee Merrick of Maumelle, Timothy Scott Merrick (Barbara) of Austin, Jason Alan Merrick (Kristi) of Cabot, and Julie Alison Roark of Jonesboro; nine grandchildren-Timothy Coston Merrick, Carmen Merrick Hollis (Dave), Jesse Crossland (Kyle), Cathryn Grace Roark, Hannah Grace Merrick, DeWitt Alexander Roark, William Harrison Merrick, Merrick Alan Roark, and Hudson Taylor Merrick; one great grandchild-Kinsey Kaye Merrick; many extended family members and dear friends. The Merricks had LOTS of family and many “kids” who were not related by blood, but by heart. They loved them all and left a legacy of faith for all who knew them. Honorary Pallbearers will be his former staff of Benton Middle School. Lasting memorials can be made to the Ed Merrick Memorial Scholarship Fund and mailed to 3108 Prairie Drive, Jonesboro, Arkansas 72404.
Judy Kaye Everett, of Mabelvale, beloved sister, wife, mother, and grandmother, went to be with the Lord on September 4, 2020 at the age of 70. She worked for the state as an auditor for many years and served our Lord all her life. She was a loving person, a great friend, a hard worker, always up for an adventure, and a true prayer warrior. Judy was born in Zent, Arkansas on December 16, 1949 to Roy Oscar Young Sr. and Beulah Janette Young. She is survived by her siblings; Peggy Davis, Jack Young, Jerry Young and his wife Elizabeth Young; her sons, Scott Morris, Rick Morris and his wife Darlene Morris; and her grandchildren, Jordan Morris, Sean Morris, Ameera Morris, and a grandson, Jude Roy, due in December. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother; Roy Oscar Young Jr., and her husband; Porter Everett.
Jesse Earl Riley, 17 of Mena, passed away on September 8, 2020. He was born on May 30, 2003 in Benton, Arkansas to David Riley and Retha Whitfield. Jesse loved to hunt with pawpaw and was a great fisherman, who loved to fish with his mom and siblings. He was fun loving, had a great sense of humor. Jesse loved to play video games and being outdoors with animals, especially horses and cats. He loved his family and friends and will be missed by all who knew him. Jesse is survived by his mother, Retha Marie Whitfield, brother, Raymond LaVoyd Riley, sister, Pamela Renee Riley, grandparents, Joe Quietwolf Whitfield, Margaret Mayberry and Pamela Albin.
Ewell Von Pigue, 82, of Benton, Ar made his entrance into heaven on September 7th, 2020. He was born February 20th , 1938 to Herbert and Clara Hots Pigue in Beech Grove, Arkansas. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, wife of 63 years, Glenda Walker Pigue, two brothers Harold and Kelly Pigue, and one sister, Glenda Pigue Graham. He was a retired supervisor from Wabash Alloy where he once held a 15 year long record of never missing a day of work. He and his beloved wife Glenda owned and operated Fitness Unlimited Health Club for over 45 years. They loved their members and employees like family and were so proud to serve their community in such a positive way for so many years. He was of the Baptist faith. He leaves behind his three sons, Vince Pigue (Carissa) of Hot Springs, Shane Pigue (Lara) of Benton, and Chris Pigue of Benton; his brother Ronald Pigue (Chuckie) of Paragould Ar and Sister in law Delores Pigue of Little Rock; Grandchildren Jake Pigue (Riley), Callie Pigue, Chase Pigue (Korie), Kirstie Pigue, Demi Pigue, Thomas Shane Pigue, Peyton Hudgins, Jessica Hudgins Ponder (Ruston), Blake Pigue, Paige Pigue, Bryce Pigue all of Benton. And his three great grandchildren Jack McDaniel, Skylar Pigue, and Grayson Sadler, all of Benton. And a host of cousins nieces and nephews. A family celebration of life will be held at a later date in Beech Grove, Arkansas. Honorary pallbearers are his cherished friends from Wood Grill Buffet and his longtime golfing buddies Gifford Powell, Shelby Williams, Buck Barbie, Ardell Bozeman and Big Dave Fuller.
Jimmy D. Yates, 85 of Benton, passed away on September 9, 2020. He was born on January 4, 1935 in Onyx, Arkansas to the late Harvie and Delila Janie Gossage Yates. Jim was a veteran of the United States Army and a member of the Veterans of Foreign War and American Legion. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harvie and Janie Yates and wife, Martha Nell Blake Yates, brother, Vernon Yates and sisters, Nettie Caroline Wilson and Georgia Ann Tarvin. Jim is survived by his sons, Randy (Kelly) Yates, Sr, Harvey (Christie) Yates, daughter, Dr. Renee Yates Shoppach and husband, Dr. Jon Paul Shoppach, grandchildren, Dale Yates, Tiffany Everage, Alex Shoppach, Caleb Shoppach, Nathan Shoppach, Delilah Shoppach and Jimmy Yates ; a very special friend, Billie French.
Captain Max W. Foster (LRFD Retired) 81 of Mabelvale, passed away on September 9, 2020. He was born on September 26, 1938 in McCrory, Arkansas to the late E.R. and Mildred “Sis” Foster. Max was a graduate of McCrory High School and served in the United States Army for 6 years. Max was retired from the Little Rock Fire Department with over 20 years of service at the Markham and Elm Street #7 Fire Station on T-3. His retiring rank was Captain. Max was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Fae Nolen and cousin, Ellis Reeves. He is survived by his wife, Betty Long Foster, three sons, Tommy, Russ Foster and Dale Jones, daughter, Kim Covert, ten grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and one great great grandchild, brother in law, Roland Nolan, special cousin, Jane Reeves.
James Allen Mattocks was born in El Dorado, AR on December 18, 1957 and passed away on September 5, 2020. He graduated from El Dorado High School and was an Eagle Scout. Following high school he attended both University of Louisville and Georgia College. James was a kind soul that loved visiting others, pen correspondence, talking with family and friends, reading, and music. He was a deep thinker who had a lifelong interest in the literary works of Thomas Pynchon as well as the mystic philosophy of Gurdjieff. James lived in Benton, AR for the last three decades where he attended and supported St. Matthews Episcopal Church. A devout Christian, James lived by the word of the Lord, living simply while sharing and serving others. He also volunteered at Habitat for Humanity and supported other nonprofit organizations across Arkansas. James was a two-time recipient of the Governor’s Volunteer Excellence Award, most recently in 2015. James is survived by his three brothers Philip Mattocks (Karen) of Ellensburg, WA, Paul Mattocks of El Dorado, AR, and Ben Mattocks of Harriet, AR and six nieces and nephews.
On Saturday, September 12, 2020, Michael Wayne Brooks, 58 of Benton, loving husband, father, and son, passed away at the age of 58. Michael was born on July 2, 1962 in Montgomery, AL to John and Loraine (Gardner) Brooks. He was a graduate of Bryant High School. On August 25, 1984, he married Stacey Lanette Brooks. Together they raised two daughters, Lana and Lacey. Michael was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was known for his easy-going spirit and respect and love for others. He was also a life-long Alabama Football fan. Roll Tide Roll! Michael was preceded in death by his wife, Stacey Brooks, father, John Brooks, and father-in-law, Robert Bragg. He is survived by his two children, Lana and Lacey, mother, Loraine Brooks, brother, Scott Brooks, mother-in-law, Rene Bragg, and several uncles, an aunt, cousins, a niece, and nephews.
Donnie Edward Witham, age 73, of Haskell passed away on Sunday September 13, 2020. He was born on January 30, 1947 in Saline County. Donnie was a retired Steel Worker and a member of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl Edward Witham and Zella Mae Johnson Witham, brother, Robbie Witham, and a sister, Patty Harkins. Survivors, wife, Linda Sue Witham, Haskell; son, Mark Edward Witham, Haskell; daughter and son-in-law, Sheila Yvonne Paape (John), Haskell; brothers, Carl Witham Jr., Benton; Ricky Witham, Malvern; sisters, Zella Jean Moore, Traskwood; Sylvia Witham, Malvern; Veronica Miller, Malvern. Four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren.
Carol Ann Prickett Coburn, 87 of Bryant, passed away on Monday, September 14, 2020. She was born on August 1, 1933 on a dairy farm in Saline County to the late Eugene F. and Mary Young Prickett. Carol was a retired Registered Nurse. She was a 1951 graduate of Bryant High School and a 1954 graduate of St. Vincent School of Nursing. During her nursing career of 36 years, she held various nursing positions including surgical and office nurse for Dr. E.J. Ritchie in North Little Rock and Medical Department Supervisor for the Aluminum Company of America in Bauxite, Arkansas. On October 9, 1955, she married her wonderful husband, William J. “Bill” Coburn. They had 55 tremendous years together before he preceded her in death on August 31, 2011. Carol had a deep and profound love for God and her family. She treasured every moment she spent with them. Carol was a member of Mabelvale United Methodist Church where she enjoyed playing in the hand bell choir until her health prevented her from doing so. She was also a member of the Open Door Sunday School Class and the United Methodist Women. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, loving husband, William J. “Bill” Coburn and her sister, Rosemary Prickett Wooley. Left to cherish her memory are her son, Jay (Tara) Coburn of McGehee, daughter, Mary (Frank) High of Benton, grandchildren, Amanda (David) Holiman of Rogers, William (Meghan) High of Bauxite, Cale, Jayse, Jackson, Kennedy and Garron of McGehee; Jake (Tiffany) Coburn of Monticello. Great grandchildren, Eli and Isaac Coburn, Elizabeth and Mary Grace Holiman, Owen High and her sister, Jeanne (Richard) Thorpe of Plano, Texas.
Rev. Jacob Jennings Bagby, 94 of Benton, passed away on September 15, 2020. He was born on January 18, 1926 in Long Creek, Arkansas to the late John and Hattie Lawrence Bagby. Jacob served in the United States Navy in World War II, enlisting when he was 17 years old. Jacob was assigned to the ship USS Pringle DD477 until it sank on April 15, 1945. Jacob was a proud member of the Kamikaze Survivors Association, the guys that flew their planes into ships to purposely sink them. After his discharge from the Navy in 1946, he married the love of his life, Shirley O’Brien, who preceded him in death after 73 years of marriage. Rev. Jacob Bagby pastored Missionary Baptist Churches for nearly 70 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Shirley Bagby and brothers, Bob Bagby and Linn Bagby, three sisters, Reba Jo Gros , Louise Shelton and Marilyn Melton. Rev. Jacob Bagby is survived by his son, John (Sherri) Bagby of Benton, daughters, Sharon (DeWayne) Church of Claremont, North Carolina, Karon (John) Moulton of Benton, sister, Jackie Burdett of Roseburg, Oregon, six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.
Van “Butch” Alexander Sr. 78 of Bryant, passed from this life on September 03, 2020. He was born June 30, 1942 to the late EV and Carmen Alexander. Butch served as a firefighter for over 35 years and loved spending time with his family. He proudly served in the United States Airforce. Butch is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by: his loving wife of 39 years Nora Alexander; five children, Kelly Griggs, Van Jr. “Janis”, Gregory, Dominic “Sheila” and Jennifer; three stepchildren, William Kyzer, Karen Halbrook and Gary Felts; three grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; brother, Gary“Barbara” and a host of nieces and nephews.
Pamela Stowers 52 of Mabelvale, Arkansas passed away September 11, 2020. Born September 22, 1967 to the late Cleda and Edna Rogers. Pamela was a people person and enjoyed caring for her husband, family, and fur babies. She loved church and her church family. Pamela never met a stranger. She was a Loving caring soul. Pamela is preceded in death by her parents; Cleda and Edna Rogers, sister; Belinda Lester, and two brothers; Donny and Danny Rogers. She is survived by her loving husband Gary Stowers, fur children; Ollie, Junior, and Buddy, brother Michael Christen; daughter, Jamie Wood;
God children, Teri Jane Dodd and TJ “Bubba” Doddand a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, friends, relatives and church family who love and will miss her dearly.
Sharon Pittman 74, of Hensley passed away on September 12, 2020 with her family by her side. She was born on March 10, 1946 to the late, James and Nora Nickens in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She enjoyed word searches, fishing, riding motorcycles and going dancing. Her favorite past times was going dancing. Spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandbabies. She is preceded in death by her parents; son, Michael Edwin Palmer; granddaughter, Hannah Grace Palmer and brother, Thomas Nickens. Sharon is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, George Pittman; daughter, Tonya Ferrell and her husband, Tim; two grandchildren, Madalyn and Grant Ferrell; grandson, Matthew Palmer; sister, Nan Burns and her husband, David; nephews, Robert and Carter Branstetter and a host of friends and family who all love her and will miss her dearly.
Rachel Linda Gail Johnson, 73, of Benton, Arkansas passed away September 2, 2020. She was born December 27, 1946 in Bauxite, Arkansas to the late Raymond and Dora (Bierman) Berry. Linda enjoyed making jewelry, painting, and crafts of all kinds. She was an avid bird watcher and loved animals of all kinds including her dogs, Dixie and Tucky. She also wrote in her journals every day. Preceding Linda in death are her husband, Danny Johnson; parents, Raymond and Dora Berry; grandson, Michael Turner; and brothers: Ruben Dale Berry and Raymond A. Berry and his wife Stella. Left to cherish her memory are: seven children: Cynthia Woods of Benton, Frederick D. Rodriguez of Benton, Rachuel Turner and husband Nathan of Tull, Arkansas, Charles Russell Rodriguez and wife Crystal of Benton, Melissa “Lisa” Kitchens and husband Chad of Benton, Danny Johnson and wife Crystal of Benton, and Thomas C. Buie and wife Julia of Benton; twenty-two grandchildren; twenty-six great-grandchildren; four brothers: Robert Berry and wife Janet, Richard “Rick” Berry and wife Edith, and Larry Berry and wife Pat all of Benton, and Michael R. Berry of Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who love Linda and will miss her always.
Our beloved Lela Marie Cromwell has left this world behind for her new home in Paradise! As our hearts will miss her terribly, we rejoice so much more as we can only imagine what her eyes are beholding! Lela was born on August 1, 1961 in Mariana, Arkansas. She passed away on September 4, 2020 at St. Vincent Hospital, Little Rock, Arkansas. Her hometown residence has always been Judsonia, AR. Tiny in stature, Lela was a warrior. At a very early age she received a kidney transplant by her beloved brother Gearl. For 39 years this unquestionable gift gave her life. Her youngest brother, Lyndel Dale, she knew as the doter, always looking over her. She loved her brothers and knew they loved her unconditionally. Although she never had her own children, she had nieces and nephews she spoiled rotten. Lela never questioned her role in life as difficult as it was. For every receipt of news relating to cancer, she took it in stride and started fighting. She never showed weakness. Only determination. She never questioned or said, “Why Me”. Instead she would say…God is not finished with me yet. Her physical and mental strength raised the bar and inspired so many to be better today than yesterday. She loved Needle Point. Her passion for this has made some beautiful works of art, left behind for us to treasure. You could always find her in the chair by the window, relaxing doing needle point. Lela’s Church Family was so important to her. The committees she took part in were a priority to her. Early on their mother, Carolyn Price, and she would clean the church before every service. Not as a job but an act of love and obedience. She was a loyal employee of J.C. Penney’s in Searcy for some 15 years. Her coworkers and friends she made there were always loved and enjoyed. Missing her, but cherishing her memory is her brother, Lyndell Dale Price; his wife Donna and children Rachel Davis, Jacob and Savannah Price; her father Leon Price; her sister-in-law, Cheryl Gosha and daughters Amanda and Courtney; great nieces and nephews: Serenity, Logan Lukas Koser, Kaylie and Dylan Davis; and additionally blessed with many other family members and friends. Passing before her are her mother, Carolyn Bailey Price and her brother, Gearl Gosha.
April Michelle Forgy-Degler, 46, of Mabelvale, Arkansas passed away September 6, 2020. She was born September 14, 1973 in Malvern, Arkansas to Ann (Reagan) Roberson and the late Bobby Gene Wagner. April was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She was everyone’s best friend and never had a bad word to say about anyone. April saw the best in her family and friends and loved unconditionally. Her cooking was amazing. April was often referred to as the “Cat Lady” for her love of her 5 special cats. April was dearly loved and will be missed always. Preceding April in death is her father, Bobby Gene Wagner. She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband and soul mate of over twenty years, John Degler; five children: Christina Dobbins, Victoria Dobbins, Jonathan Michael Degler, Skylar Andrew Degler, and Jacob Daniel Degler; one grandchild; mother, Ann Reagan-Roberson; brother, Bobby Wagner; and many family members and friends.
Kenny Edward Ray Bennett, 46, of Hot Springs, Arkansas passed away September 8, 2020. He was born November 21, 1973 in Benton, Arkansas to the late Jerry Bennett and Teresa Mize. Kenny leaves behind his wife, Kelli Bennett; seven children: Cody Bennett, Chris Bennett, Kaiya Bennett, Kai Barrera, Isaac Bennett, Ian Bennett, and Brandon Ives;sisters: Shelia Mattfeld, of Cold Springs, TX and Angela Clark, of Benton, AR. His memories are left to many family members and friends who love Kenny and will miss him always.
Anthony David “Fish” Fischer, 65, of Benton, Arkansas passed away September 9, 2020. He was born October 24, 1954 in Fort Smith, Arkansas to the late Henry A. and Margaret (Johnson) Fischer. Anthony worked at Target Printing Company for over twenty years. Anthony enjoyed spending time at the lake and taking pictures of nature. He loved entertaining people and spending time at Pop A Top Tavern in Hot Springs. He was “big into” Harley Davidson Motorcycles. Preceding Anthony in death are his parents, and brother, Alan Fischer. He leaves behind to cherish his memory two sisters: Cecelia Patton and husband Johnnie, and Mary Fischer both of Benton, Arkansas; nieces and nephews: Travis, Tammy, Julie, Amanda, Zachary, and Jesse; and many more family members and friends who love Anthony and will miss him always.
William McKinley (Mack) Thompson, Jr., 92, of Bryant passed from this life on September 12. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Carol, and his daughter Meg. William is survived by his loving wife Euletta Thompson, daughter Kathy Ramsey, daughter Pat Chambless (Gary), son Kin Thompson (Anita), Jeff Sohl (Joni), Steve Sohl (Kim), and Annetta Massanelli. Mack and Euletta have 17 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and numerous relatives and friends. Mack retired from IBM, played golf, and then worked and retired from UCA. He was always active in church and the community and has served as a deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, teacher and Saline Memorial Hospital chaplain. He was a WWII veteran. Mack was a big supporter of the Indian Springs Baptist Church food pantry. Donations can be made in his honor.
Oscar Lamar Jennings of Benton passed away Friday evening, Sept. 4, 2020 at the age of 86. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Mae Jennings; son, David (Debra) Jennings of Cabot; daughters, Denise Jones of Benton and Debra (Robert) Smith of Sherwood; grandchildren, Amber Pope, Ashley Gray, Cory Falcone, Jana (Derrick) Nichols, Anna Ashcraft, Jace Jennings, Sara (Joe) Traylor, and Matt (Savannah) Jones; and eleven great-grandchildren.
He is also survived by his sisters Linda (Kenneth) Vincent and Betty (Danny) Garey. Lamar was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Gayle Sharp and his brother Richard Jennings. Lamar, whose parents were the late Fay L. and Hazel Little Jennings, was born November 3, 1933 in Blue Mountain, MS. He grew up in Marion, AR where he played football, basketball and attended Marion Baptist Church. Lamar farmed with his dad from the time he was able to be put on a tractor. After graduating from Marion High School in 1951, he started working for J.A. Riggs Tractor Company in West Memphis. He also joined the Naval Reserves in Millington, TN where he served for 8 years. While in West Memphis, he was active in Jaycees and held the office of president. He also was the pitcher for the Jaycees fast pitch softball team. In 1971, Lamar transferred to the main office of J.A. Riggs in Little Rock. He retired after 46 years with the company. A longtime member of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, Lamar was an active member of the Pastor’s Sunday School Class and his Life Group made up of a huge group of friends. After retirement, he enjoyed fishing with longtime friends at Millwood Lake; playing golf; working in his yard; and assisting on projects at the Arkansas Boys Ranch in Harrison. He loved all his grandkids and great-grandkids very much. Pallbearers will be Hayes McWhirter, John Bennett, Jace Jennings, Robert Smith, John Ross, and Andy Cobb.
Mary “Louise” Derrick, 71, of Traskwood, passed away Friday, September 4, 2020. She was born in Star City, AR Jan. 22, 1949 to the late Odell and Mary Sue Lunsford Hutcheson. Louise was a dietitian at Benton Service Center. Louise’s survivors include her sons, Donald (Charlotte) Derrick and David Derrick both of Traskwood; her daughters, Theresa Noles of Haskell and Dell Derrick of Malvern; grandchildren, Dustin, Chad, Misty, Farren, Monica, Traylin Derrick, Heather Taylor, Brittney Morrisey; and her sister Julie (Jeff) Roltsch of Bryant and sister-in-law Carolyn Hutcheson of Traskwood. Louise was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Vincent and Davy Hutcheson.
Betty Alleyene Stovall Jewell, 81, of Benton, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Wednesday, September 9, 2020. Betty was a loving wife, mother, and Nanny. She devoted her life to her loved ones and was the glue that held everyone together. She will be missed but her memory will be forever cherished and her legacy will continue on through those who loved and cared for her. She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, William Stovall, sister, Jane Nichols, and her grandson, Shawn Jewell. Betty is survived by her husband, David Jewell Sr.; sons, David Jewell Jr. and his wife, Sherry, and Dennis Jewell and his wife, Tronia; daughters, Terry McNeil and her husband, Kyle, and Elizabeth “Bunny” Williams and her husband, Chris; her adored grandchildren, Lance Jewell, Chris Ashley, Dustin Ashley, Dennis Jewell, Niki Day, Jessica Bradshaw, Chance Jewell, Todd Wyatt, and Taylor Wyatt, 25 great grandchildren and one more on the way in January; her brothers, Jerry Stovall and Jimmy Stovall, a sister, Shirley Jackson, and many other extended family members and friends.