Our beloved Sister Kaley D. Whitlock (Shelnutt), 25, of Benton, passed away January 29, 2018. She was born February 7, 1992 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She graduated from Harmony Grove High School in 2011, and was certified as a Dental Assistant in 2016 from the Little Rock School of Dental Assisting (LRSDA). She is survived by her loving husband Cole Whitlock and her cherished son Silas Whitlock of Benton. Her Mother, Karen Shelnutt of Richmond, Virginia; Father and Mother-in-law Pedy and Pam Whitlock of Traskwood; her siblings Chase & Laura Shelnutt of Bentonville, Tyler & Lance Westbrook of Williamsburg, Virginia, Daniel Shelnutt of Benton, Dylan Shelnutt of Benton, and Chuck & Emily Bowman of Carlsbad, California; her grandparents Alfred (Papa) and Sandra (Mema) Shelnutt of Benton, and also Joan Whitlock of Traskwood, Thurman Carter of Atkins, and Leon McGuire of Benton; Aunts Darla Shelnutt and Kristi Shelnutt both of Benton; Niece & Nephew Stellan and Sloane Shelnutt of Bentonville, Niece & Nephew Charlie and Solomon Bowman of Carlsbad, California, and Niece Emery Westbrook of Williamsburg, Virginia; Cousins Kara & Casen McGhee of Benton, Chevis Douville of Dallas, Texas. Doyle Shelnutt of Benton, and Chandra Shelnutt of Benton. In addition, there are numerous in-laws, distant cousins, and other family that are too numerous to mention, but are no less loved. Kaley was blessed with countless friends, several of which became much like family, whom she loved dearly. Kaley and her family worship their lord and savior Jesus Christ at Temple Missionary Baptist Church in Benton, where they love and treasure their church family. Kaley would encourage you to visit this location if you are in search of answers in your life. Every day, even today, God is good. Kaley loved to hunt, listen to music, spend time with family and friends, and ride ATVs, but most of all to spend time with her wonderful husband and son. Pallbearers: Daniel Shelnutt, Dylan Shelnutt, Chase Shelnutt, Lance Westbrook, Stellan Shelnutt, Dustin Vann, and Cody Kelloms. Visitation will be held from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, February 2, at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 3, in the Chapel at Ashby Funeral Home with Interment following at Mount Harmony Cemetery in Haskell. Rev. David Harris will preside. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in the name of Cole Whitlock at Arvest Bank in Benton. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Brenda G. Martin, 76 of Benton, passed away on January 31, 2018. She was born on January 16, 1942 in Little Rock to the late James Willie and Synobiua Abbott Martin. Brenda was a teacher for the Benton School Distric for 41 years. She is survived by numerous friends and coworkers. Graveside services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Old Rosemont Cemetery in Benton with Dr. Rick Grant officiating. Visitation will be 10:30 until 11:00 a.m. at Old Rosemont Cemetery before her services. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
A.C. “Bill” Stuckey, 91 of Benton, passed away at home on February 2, 2018. He was born in Bauxite to the late R.L. and Iva Shoptaw Stuckey and raised in the Sardis Community. Bill was a veteran of the United States Navy for 5 ½ years, serving during WWII. He loved to hunt, fish, camp and gardening. Bill was a member of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Benton. Bill was preceded in death by his sisters, Jerry Christensen, Laurine Weaver and Catherine Jeanette Stuckey and brother, James Ronald Stuckey. He is survived by his wife, Pat Wright Stuckey of 67 years; brother, Robert Stuckey of Benton and sisters, Pauline Magby of Benton and Peggy George of Hensley. Pallbearers will be Mike Stuckey, Tony Magby, Terry Magby, Lee Weaver, Travis George and Tim Howard. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Ray Henthorne, Don Bean, Susie Wright and Pam Hall. Visitation will be 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, February 4 at Ashby Funeral Home. Church services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 5 at Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Benton with Bro. Herbert Kitchens, Bro. Vance Nutt and Bro. Mike Stuckey officiating. Burial will follow at Smith Rosemont Cemetery. The family would like to thank Hospice of Little Rock and especially Sheila Russell. Memorials may be made to the Bauxite Museum or the Oak Grove Building Fund.
Victoria Aceret Bour, age 58, of Benton, passed away Friday, February 2, 2018. She was born August 26, 1959 in Bacarra, Philippines. Victoria was a medical assistant and a member of Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) in Jacksonville. She was preceded in death by her father, Pedro Acob Dacuycuy. She is survived by her husband, Marvin Bour; daughter, Alisa Bour; mother, Filomena Dacuycuy; two brothers, Fernando Dacuycuy and Rolando (Sheree) Dacuycuy; two sisters, Milagros (Jose) Saribay and Marilyn (Ryan) Feguis and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, February 8 at Ashby Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 12:00 p.m. Friday, February 9 at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.
James Larry Benedict, age 78, of Benton, passed away Saturday, February 3, 2018. He was born November 3, 1939 in Little Rock, Arkansas. James was a U.S. Army Veteran and retired from Alcoa. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse James Benedict and Marie Simmons Benedict and wife, Clydean Benedict. He is survived by his daughter, Paige Gudino; grandson, Luke Gudino; numerous nieces & nephews and his fur babies, Gracie, Charlie and Sissy Rocket. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 6 at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 7 at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Ebenezer Cemetery. Bro. Rick Porter will be officiating.
Patsy Ann Dreher, age 82, of Bryant; left this home for her eternal home Sunday, February 4, 2018. She will join her loving husband of 57 years, James Reed Dreher. Her sister, Melba Jean Atwood Wilson and her great-granddaughter, Tinlee Elise Dreher also await her arrival. She leaves behind her son, Jimmy (Credonna), and daughters, Yolanda (Darlene) and Genia Manley (Paul). Other family who will miss her dearly are: grandson, Cody Dreher (Stacy) and great-grandchildren, Colton and Cami; granddaughter, Kalin Dunning (Russ) and great-grandson, Elliott; grandsons, Cooper & Hudson Manley and her siblings, Eva Golden, Wesley “Butch” Atwood, Gary Lee Atwood and Paul Edward Atwood. Momma D, as Patsy was known to the family, had many interests. In her early years, before she had a family to take care of, she was quite an artist, painting and crafting mosaics. In later years, she took up ceramics and porcelains, with Angels and Santas among her favorites. Quite a few central Arkansas homes display some of her works at Christmas. Patsy and James were longtime members of Ivy Chapel Christian Church and later attended Bryant First United Methodist Church. She was always up for a party or a trip. Patsy and James enjoyed square dancing for decades and made lifetime friends doing so. She also played bridge and made many friends through that activity. Because of her sweet and gentle nature, it was easy for her to make friends. Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 7 at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 8 at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Ivy Chapel Cemetery. Bro. Tom Williams will be officiating. If you wish to honor Patsy, in lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Ivy Chapel Cemetery @ 706 Ivy Chapel Rd in Little Rock, Ar 72206 or Saline Memorial Hospice House @ 23157 I-30 Frontage Rd in Bryant, Ar 72022.
Barbara Ellen Wallis, age 84, of Benton passed away Monday February 5, 2018. She was born February 19, 1933 in Newport, Arkansas. Barbara was a retired Secretary for Farm Bureau Ins. and a member of Ten Mile Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Leslie Wallis, three brothers and one sister. Survivors, two sons, Steven and Bill Wallis both of Benton; granddaughter, Sara Wallis, Little Rock. Cremation services are by Ashby Funeral Home. Services will be held at a later date.
Thomas K. Henderson of Hot Springs Village, AR passed away on January 30, 2018. He was born August 29, 1936 in Honolulu, HI to Thomas G. Henderson and Emma K.S. Lum. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, wife, Beverly W. Henderson, and step-son, Todd A. White. He is survived by his sons, Jeffrey Henderson (Lynn), and Alex Henderson, step-children, Dawn Kuhn, and Wayne C. White (Angelica), three grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, and four step-great-grandchildren. “Tom had served in the US Air Force and, after college, went back to work for the US government, frequently in a military support role. His work included regional support from the Dallas office, a tour in Germany, and field trips to Central America, Pacific islands, and East Asia, and he earned commendations including a certificate in appreciation of 35 years of service from the Assistant Secretary of Defense. He was an avid sportsman skiing, playing tennis, and especially after coming to the Village, playing regular rounds of golf. He was a long-time member of Unitarian churches in Texas and in the Village, where he held various leadership positions. “Beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Tom was known for his good humor, gentleness, kindness, generosity, and easy smile.” A memorial service will be held Monday, February 12, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Village Church on Barcelona Rd. Arrangements have been entrusted to CedarVale – The Hot Springs Village Funeral Home. For online condolences please visit www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com.
Dustin Kane Holland, age 30 of Bryant, passed away on January 30, 2018. He was born on December 2, 1987 to Christopher and Georgia Holland in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dustin was a jack of all trades and a destined athlete. He was all-state in high school football and became all-conference at Henderson State where he graduated in 2014 with his bachelor’s degree in general studies. As much as “D Holl” enjoyed lacing up his own cleats, he preferred to get his boys dressed for their games. Dustin loved being a “daddy” to his three children more than he enjoyed anything else in life. He coached baseball and football for his sons, Drake and Brady, but also made sure to instill the legacy of legendary to his baby girl, Aubrey Paige. Dustin is preceded in death by his father, Christopher Holland; two grandfathers, George Hall and George Holland; great-grandmother, Gracie Holland; and great-grandfather, Bernard Holland. Dustin leaves behind three loving and beloved children, Drake Alan, Brady Kane and Aubrey Paige; his loving mother, Georgia Ann Holland; brother, Dylan Holland; grandmothers, Willa Dean Hall, Sharon Danford, and Donna Holland; step-mother, Shannon Holland; aunt, Wendy Holland; two great-uncles, Jim Holland and Rick Holland; as well as a host of family and friends who all love and will miss him dearly. A celebration of life will be held at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home on Monday, February 5, 2018 at 1:00PM with visitation the day prior from 2-4PM. Interment will be at New Rosemont in Benton, Arkansas following the services. To sign online guestbook visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com
Zachary “Zack” Ryan Turner, age 21 of Bauxite, went to be with his Lord as a result of an auto accident in Pottsville, AR on February 5, 2018. He was born on May 15, 1996 to Jeffery and Dedra Turner in El Dorado, Arkansas. He loved to hunt, fish, and to be outdoors. He often spent this time with his dog, Wrangler, who already misses him greatly. Zack graduated from Bauxite High School in 2015, where he enthusiastically cheered for his Bauxite Miners. He attended the University of Arkansas where he took great pride in being a Razorback. More recently, he transferred to Arkansas Tech University in Russellville. Zack was very talented, intelligent and independent. He excelled at everything he put his mind to. He was the life of any party and packed a whole lot of living into his 21 years here. “ZT’s” dimpled smile and big heart will be missed profoundly and beyond comprehension. He is preceded in death by his grandfather, George Turner “GT” who lovingly referred to Zack as “Goat Head”. He leaves behind two proud, loving parents whose lives will forever be changed, Jeff and Dedra Turner; a brother who also lost a best friend, Trevor Turner; loving sister, Jessica Jones (Christopher); nephew, Evan Jones and nieces, Kaitlynn and Adalyn, who made him a very proud uncle; devoted grandparents, Margie Turner, and Gary and Debbie Vinson; cousins who were more like siblings, Sarah and Luke Yarbrough as well as Brandon and Lauren Turner and Kailey Stogsdill; an aunt who adored him, Dawn Vinson; uncles, Buddy Turner, Chuck Turner, Tom Turner (Glenda); and aunts, Kim Smith (Donnie) and Susan Stogsdill (Donivan), as well as an exponential amount of family and friends who love and miss him dearly. A celebration of life will be held at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home on Friday, February 9, 2018 at 4:00PM. In lieu of flowers, it has been requested that donations be made to the Zack Turner School Spirit Memorial Scholarship. Please make checks payable to Bauxite High School and mail to BHS C/O Josh Harrison, 800 School St, Bauxite, AR 72011. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.dialanduduleyfuneralhome.com
Gerald Dee “Jerry” Henson, JR, age 60 of Bryant, Arkansas, died on February 6th, 2018 in Saline Memorial Hospital Hospice. After many years of daily battles with abdominal pain and distress, he is now at peace. Jerry was born January 22nd, 1958 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Gerald Dee Henson, Sr. and Joyce Evelyn Gire Henson, both of whom predeceased him, as did brothers, Mike Mazzanti and Anthony “Tony” Henson. Left to cherish his memory is the immediate family: beloved wife, Star; daughter, Stephanie (Les) Powell of Vilonia, and son, Gerald Dee “L.J.” Henson III (Jessica) of Bryant; sister, Diana Remer of Bryant; along with grandchildren, Grayson Henson, Brooklyn Powell, Bryson Powell and in-laws, Harold Lee and Joann Marie Verdier McNamee, formally of Corning, Arkansas, now living in Little Rock, Arkansas. There are also many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and a host of friends so dear they were considered extended family. Few men have ever seized each day with such enthusiasm and optimism as did this man. His was a creative entrepreneurial spirit. Each endeavor kindled his contagious excitement…from Beanie Babies, to Barbecue, to Real Estate, etc. etc. etc. However, Jerry was never far from the business of buying and selling cars. The challenge of give and take with the other gregarious personalities drawn to that enterprise kept him challenged and engaged. Despite complicated health issues, his passion for service to others never waned. When elected for the City of Bryant Council, he attacked each issue as if it was his personal calling to find a fair solution. He gave countless hours to the demands of governance required in a rapidly expanding city that discovered in him a natural leader and booster. The Boys and Girls Club of Bryant provided another opportunity for his unique brand of volunteerism and the selfless time spent supporting the mission of this organization brought well-deserved honors: the Hometown Hero Award, the Charles Broadway Community Excellence Award and the 2017 Saline County Living Magazine Super Hero Award. Always humble, his response to the spotlight of recognition was, “there must be some mistake, you have the wrong guy.” Family, especially his children and grandchildren were truly the light of his life. It was incredible to observe the love, devotion, and commitment Star and Jerry shared. She was his North Star…always showing the way. Family visitation is scheduled from 6:00-9:00P.M. Thursday, February 8th at Indian Springs Baptist Church in Bryant, Arkansas. Funeral Service will be conducted at 1:00P.M. Friday, February 9th , also at the Indian Springs Baptist Church; burial to follow in Pinecrest Cemetery. Brother Tom Williams will officiate. Those who wish to memorialize Jerry are encouraged to consider the Boys and Girls Club of Bryant. Such a donation will be an appropriate and much appreciated tribute.
Anna Mae Rhodes, 83, of Benton, passed away Wednesday, January 31, 2018. She was born December 19, 1934 in Benton to the late William and Gladys Kriegbaum. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jakie Rhodes. Anna was a member of Salem United Methodist Church. She worked in the banking industry and retired from Alcoa Credit Union after working there most of her life. Survivors include her two sons, Joel Rhodes (Kim) of Benton and Terry Rhodes of Little Rock; daughter, Carma Rhodes of Little Rock; brother, Bobby Kriegbaum of Benton; and three grandchildren. Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Pipkin Cemetery in Salem with Rev. Carlton Cross officiating.
Eleanor Josephine Pinkston Huie, age 82, of Benton went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, January 29, 2018. She was born on January 26, 1936 in Strawberry, Ark. to the late Marvin Orgel Pinkston and Vergia Perrin Pinkston. After graduating from Tuckerman High School in 1954, Eleanor married Billy James Huie of Morrilton and they had a family of five children raising them in North Little Rock, Little Rock, and finally Benton. From humble beginnings growing up in Tuckerman picking and chopping cotton, working various jobs dutifully including sewing and hanging drapes, and rearing five kids, mom developed a strong work ethic that would engender her to greater tasks throughout her life. Noteworthy in her earlier years, she once picked 300 pounds of cotton in one single day, was a star basketball player on her high school team, and participated in beauty pageants. Mom valued the importance of higher education and supported her children in attaining the necessary skills to succeed in life. Although she lacked the opportunity in attending college immediately following high school, mom would take several classes at UALR-Benton later in her life and would perform her studies with excellence. She especially enjoyed writing and her instructors admired her as a prize student. Eleanor was of strong Christian faith and read and studied her Bible daily. She was very proud to have completed a Bible correspondence course with high marks from Ambassador College as a young adult. The biblical story of Joseph fascinated her the most. For most of her life, mom did not relish being called by her middle name until she suddenly realized one day that Josephine was the feminine version of Joseph, one who had a pure and godly heart. Eleanor supported her late husband Bill as owners and operators of Collection Service of Benton in the bill collecting business. She was considered his much worthy secretary there for about 30 years before his death in 1998. Afterwards, she worked the business part-time from home until her retirement in 2014. Mom was a wonderful cook, a gracious hostess, and made the home a welcoming encounter to family, friends, and her children’s friends. She delighted in bringing joy to her children. In her leisure time, Eleanor enjoyed gardening, decorating the home, and driving her beautiful black Cadillac Eldorado. Preceding Eleanor in death are her parents, her husband, half-brother G.A. Perrin, and sister Melba Whittaker. She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Rita Milam and husband Dennis of North Little Rock, Greg Huie of Benton, Dr. Reeves Huie of Benton, Marla Sams and husband Randy of Benton, and Renee Girou of Plano, Texas; grandchildren: Austin Sams and Crayton Sams; great-grandchild: Hugh Arlin Sams; brothers and sisters: Reuben Pinkston of Bryant, Veda Thompson and husband Gary of Bryant, Charles Pinkston and wife Pat of Bryant, Sharon Curths of Bryant, Eddie Pinkston and wife Jo of Natchitoches, Louisiana, and Nancy Pinkston of Euless, Texas; and a host of family members and friends who love Eleanor and will miss her always. Mom’s two beloved sons served as her primary caregivers at home during her illness. This allowed her to stay at home where she wanted to be in the last years of her life. Visitation will be held from 10:30 am – Noon, Saturday, February 3, 2018 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Graveside service will follow at 1:30 pm at Elmwood Cemetery in Morrilton, Ark., where Eleanor will be laid to rest next to her husband Bill. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook:www.SmithFamilyCares.com William “Bill” Bert Coburn, Jr., 65, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away February 1, 2018. He was born January 18, 1953 in Little Rock, Arkansas to William Bert and Bess Mae (Watson) Coburn. Bill retired after working for ALCOA for thirty years. He was a member of United Steelworkers Union. Bill enjoyed spending time outdoors hunting, fishing, and gardening. His greatest love was spending time with his family. Bill was preceded in death by his father, William Bert Coburn, Sr.; and sister, Deborah Coburn. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of over forty-one years, Leslie Coburn of Benton, Arkansas; two daughters: Sara Beth Russell and husband Kevin of Benton and Nikki Heck and husband Alden of Little Rock; three grandchildren: Luke, Matthew, and Rebekah Russell; mother, Bess Mae Coburn of Avilla, Arkansas; brother, Bob Coburn and Marie of Avilla, Arkansas; nephews: B.J. Coburn and Josh Mahfouz of Benton, Arkansas; and a host of family and friends who love Bill and will miss him always. Reception visitation will be held from 3:00-5:00 PM, Sunday, February 4 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas. Funeral service, officiated by Elder James Winston, will be held at 11:00 AM, Monday, February 5 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery in Tull, Arkansas. Memorials may be made to Fuller Chapel Primitive Baptist Church, 134 Scenic Valley Loop, Maumelle, Arkansas 72113. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Guest Register:www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Patricia Lee Huff, 81, of Alexander, passed away January 29, 2018. She was born in Little Rock, Arkansas August 1, 1936, to Kenneth and Aline Dock Britt. Patricia was a member of First Missionary Baptist Church of Mabelvale. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 58 years, Melvin Grogan Huff; and son, Ken Huff. She is survived by her two daughters, Vicki Smith (Mickey) and Terri Witt; five grandchildren; and five great- grandchildren. A Mardi Gras celebration in Pat’s honor will be held Tuesday, February 6, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Pinecrest Funeral Home, 7401 Hwy 5 North Alexander, Arkansas 72002.
Lois Helen Grooms, 82, of Mabelvale passed away on February 3, 2018. She was born on September 27, 1935 to William Rogers Johnson and Helen Victoria (Brown) Jackson. Lois was a Bookkeeper with Tax Team Inc. She is survived by her children, Julia Ann Grooms of Benton, Cathie Sherrell of Mabelvale, Amy Shrum (Mike) of Cabot, Virginia Ross of Lonsdale; grandchildren, Taylor Harris (Chelsea) of Bryant, Sara Harris of Bryant, Christian Harris of Benton, Shannon McNulty of Mabelvale, Holly Hill (Stephen) of Benton and Jonathan Berkshire and fiancé Hailey Squires of Conway, Kyle, Brandon, Kayla and Bryan Shrum all of Cabot, Trey Ross of Little Rock and Matthew Ross of Lonsdale; three great-grandchildren; sister, Glenna Ruth Penny of Little Rock and brother, Roger A. Johnson of Conway. She is preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Gary Gene Grooms. Funeral services will be announced at a later date. Memorials may be made to Fallen Firefighters Memorial Fund Local 34 at www.operationswarm.org/littlerock or please call (501) 352-7716. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Mrs. Grooms’ online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
Della Lee “Stovie” Stovall McClure, 90, of Shannon Hills, died peacefully on January 30, 2018 after a long battle with Alzheimers. She was born November 14, 1927 in Dodson, Louisiana to Della L. Fisher Stovall and Rawson T. Stovall. She married and moved to Little Rock in 1947 where she began her family and professional career as a dental assistant. Stovie loved to be around people and especially enjoyed volunteer work at hospitals and nursing homes. She could always brighten up someone’s day and make them laugh. The nursing home residents were always happy to see her when she came to visit. She also enjoyed young people and worked as a substitute teacher while her children were growing up, following them from grade school through high school. Students were glad to have her for a sub and remember her as Miss Mack. Stovie also loved the outdoors and enjoyed going to the beach and laying in the sun. She loved to go camping at the various lakes and streams around Arkansas. Stovie was a member of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church and enjoyed her church family there, especially her Sunday School class. Stovie was preceded in death by her parents; six brothers, Richard, Wilson, M.M., Raymond, R.F. and Beverly Lynn Stovall; and one sister, Mary Evelend Stovall. She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Robert C. McClure; daughter, Gilda Ann Grant and husband, Quint; three sons, Ronnie Winston Rogers and wife, Gena, Rawson Conway McClure and Jonathan Parker McClure and wife, Angela; eight grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. Visitation will be Sunday, February 4 from 2-4 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.). Services will be Monday, February 5 at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home, officiated by Rev. Paul Sanders, followed by interment at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander. Memorials may be made to Geyer Springs First Baptist Church, 12400 I-30, Little Rock, AR 72210. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Stovie’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com
Arkansas sports legend Clyde Scott passed away January 30, 2018 after a long battle with dementia. He was ninety-three years old. Clyde was born August 29, 1924 in Dixie, Louisiana, the third of ten children to Luther and Callie Scott. With the discovery of oil in Arkansas, his dad, an oil field worker, moved the family to Smackover where Clyde attended school. Along with his brothers, Tracy and Benny, Clyde first gained notoriety on the football field as a Smackover Buckaroo. As a Buckaroo he also ran track where he set high school state records in the 100-yard dash, the 220-yard low hurdles, the 110 high hurdles and the javelin. Like his father and many men in the small towns of Arkansas, summers he played baseball which Clyde always considered his best sport. His baseball prowess caught the attention of the scouts and The St. Louis Cardinals offered him a contract his senior year in high school. As much as Clyde loved baseball, he also wanted to go to college. With the help of Congressman Oren Harris and some businessmen in Smackover, he received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, Class of ‘46. Clyde played football for the Midshipmen in 1944 and 1945 and was named a second team All-American in 1945. (Navy at the time was ranked number two in the country.) Many touchdowns and a famous race to the end zone against the Army great, Glenn Davis, added to the growing legend that led to the name, Clyde Smackover Scott. He ran track at the Naval Academy where he set academy records in the 100-yard dash, 220 low hurdles, 110 high hurdles and the javelin. In 1944 and 1945, he was the academy’s undefeated light heavyweight boxing champion. After Naval Academy football practice one day in 1945, he had the good fortune to meet Leslie Hampton from Lake Village, Arkansas. She was the reigning Miss Arkansas there for a tour of the academy on her way to competing in the Miss America pageant in Atlantic City. The upperclassman scheduled to be her escort was called away on a cruise and Clyde was asked to fill in that fateful day. They met, fell in love and decided by the end of the school year they wanted to get married. With the war having ended, Clyde made the decision to resign from the Academy in order to marry his Arkansas beauty. That summer, after being visited by coaches from around the country, including Bear Bryant at Kentucky and Johnny Vaught at Ole Miss, he was recruited to come to the University of Arkansas by Coach John Barnhill. The fact that his bride-to-be was attending the U. of A. and a soon to be mother-in-law who only wanted her daughter married to a Razorback may have influenced that decision. At the University of Arkansas, Clyde was named All Southwest Conference 1946, 1947 and 1948, Second Team All American in 1946 and First Team All American in 1948. His jersey number “12” was retired by the University of Arkansas shortly after his graduation. Clyde still wanted to play baseball but Coach Barnhill would not allow it because it interfered with spring practice. He did, however, permit his star to run track where Clyde set school and SWC records in the 100-yard dash, the 220 low hurdles, the 110 high hurdles, the 440-yard relay and the javelin. The two times he ran the 100-yard dash in college, he tied the world record held by the great Jesse Owens. In the 1948 NCAA Finals he again tied a world record competing and winning in the 110 high hurdles with a time of 13.7. That summer he made the U.S. Olympic team in the 110 high hurdles and went to the 1948 London Olympics where he won the silver medal in a very close finish. Clyde always wanted to try out for the 1952 Olympics in the decathlon but his status as a professional football player made him ineligible. As a tribute to his athletic greatness and overall respect for the man, then President Bill Clinton took Clyde and Leslie to the Atlanta Olympics where Clyde finally made his Olympic return. Clyde was selected in the first round of the 1949 NFL draft as the first pick by the Philadelphia Eagles. He played three seasons with the Eagles and one season with the Detroit Lions. As a professional football player Clyde was on two world championship teams – one with the Eagles in 1949 and one with the Lions in 1952. Clyde battled injuries throughout his pro career and was forced to retire after the 1952 season. He received many awards when his playing days ended. While his selection to the National Football Hall of Fame was an outstanding honor, Clyde treasured the recognition he received from his beloved State of Arkansas – a few notables being the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, the Southwest Conference Hall of Fame and the National Football Hall of Fame. In a statewide poll conducted by the Arkansas Democrat Gazette in 2000, he was selected as a member of the University of Arkansas All-Century Team and was voted the Arkansas Athlete of the Century. Clyde spent his business career in Little Rock working in the insurance industry as an executive, most notably for Jack Stephens at Union Life. He retired in 1995 and spent much of the rest of his life doing what he loved best – hunting ducks, catching crappie and playing golf and cards with his buddies at Pleasant Valley Country Club. Throughout his life, Clyde dealt with his fame with grace and a humble spirit. He was special. While many are remembered for their achievements, Clyde is remembered for being a good and great man who excelled both on and off the field and was much loved and respected by his family, his friends and his many fans. Clyde is survived by his wife of seventy-two years, Leslie, his two children, Marsha Scott of Fayetteville and Steve Scott (Shirley) of Maumelle; his three grandchildren, Robert, Lily and Caroline Scott and his two step grandchildren, Caleb LeFevre and Chris LeFevre (Gabby), both of Little Rock. He is also survived by his brother, Ben Scott of Independence, Missouri, and sisters, Marci Porter of Ft. Smith and Carol Maxwell (Don) of Utopia, TX. Clyde and Leslie were active members of Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock. The family would like to thank all of his wonderful caregivers, especially Tim Vinyard, Curtis Harris and Sam Bones who were with him throughout his long illness. Also special thanks to Tina Wright as well as Arkansas Hospice. We will be forever grateful to his doctor, Lee Archer, who provided outstanding medical care and became a close friend to Clyde and the family. We would also like to thank all of his loyal fans throughout the state, especially his number one fan and friend, Bud Whetstone. There will be a visitation, Friday, February 2 at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Little Rock, 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Funeral services will be held the next day at Second Presbyterian Church, 600 Pleasant Valley Drive, at 1:00 P.M. with a reception to follow at the church. Memorials may be made to Second Presbyterian Church, Pay it Forward Scott Family Scholarship in Bentonville, AR, and doctorswithoutborders.org. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Clyde’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com
Michael J. Knight, Sr., 61, of Hensley went to be with the Lord, February 2, 2018. He was born August 13, 1956 to Henry and Evelyn Knight. Affectionately known as “Big Mike”, he had a generous heart and a kind soul. He was a loving father, grandfather, and friend. Mike is preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers Bob Knight and Willie Knight. He is survived by his daughter, Susan (Jeff) Fugatt; son Michael (Kristen) Knight, Jr., two grandchildren, Lane and Ryan; two great-grandchildren; sister Betty Knight, and many friends that will miss him dearly. A Memorial Service will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, February 9, 2018, at Crystal Hill Assembly of God Church, 6722 Mountain Pine Rd, North Little Rock