John E. Terry Jr., age 74, of Alexander, was born December 7th, 1947 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He passed away February 10, 2022.
John worked at the U.S. Geological Survey where he served as the District Chief and Director of the Arkansas District Water/Science Center for many years until he retired October 1, 2010. He was a member and leader in his church, Alexander First Baptist.
He is preceded in death by his father, John E. Terry Sr. and his mother Helen Geneva Moon-Terry. John and his brother, William Terry, shared a bond that many siblings never have had the privilege of experiencing. William and his wife, Mary, mourn the loss of their family member and friend as do their children, John’s nieces, Charlotte and Shirley and their children, John’s great nephews and niece. John also leaves behind two men he raised as his sons and were a big part of his life, Christopher Sharp and Dillon Sharp who also will miss him dearly.
Anyone who knew him was blessed in some way. His heart was big just like his smile. He admired loyalty and honesty, cherished old traditions and loved his family beyond measure. He was a mentor to many and an example to all. He will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 16 at Ashby Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 17 at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Pine Crest Memorial Park. Bro. Kim Hammer will be officiating.
Kipp Terry Harper, age 46, of Maumelle, formerly of Benton, loving husband and father, passed away Saturday, February 12, 2022. He was born April 25, 1975 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Kipp worked as a Surgical Technologist.
He is survived by his lifelong love, best friend, and wife of 22 years, Staci Harper; son, Jackson Kipp Harper; daughter, Alisan “Ali” Harper; and his parents, Terry & Gay Harper.
Visitation will be 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday, February 17 at Ashby Funeral Home.
Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 18 at Ashby Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kipp’s Memorial c/o Ashby Funeral Home
Etta Louise Moore, 85, of Benton, Arkansas, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Feb 8th, 2022 surrounded by the ones she loved the most, her family.
Louise “Granny” Moore, born on November 7th, 1936 to Cecil and Pearl Thornton in Hot Springs, Arkansas, immediately brought joy and something very special into this world. Louise went on to graduate from Hot Springs High School in 1955. After graduating from high school, Louise immediately began working at the Arlington Hotel.
In 1955, she met Doyle Moore and the two started a courtship for the next 4 years. Doyle and Louise were married on April 25th, 1959 and had two children, the late Vicki Moore Martin and Brian Moore, both of Benton, Arkansas.
Louise was a fiercely dedicated wife, mom, and grandmother. Family came first and was above all else to her, a value she instilled in all those around her. The hole left by her absence
will be impossible to fill.
Louise’s relationship with her Lord and Savior was an example to us all. She has left behind a legacy of prayer for her family and those that knew her. Louise understood the power
of prayer and her greatest desire was to know Him and make Him known.
Louise was predeceased by in death by her daughter Vicki Martin of Benton. Her parents Cecil and Pearl Thornton of Hot Springs. Brothers, Kenneth and Howard Thornton of Hot
Springs, Arkansas.
She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Doyle Moore. Son, Reverend Brian Moore (Elizabeth) and their six children: Layton, Mattie, Cade, Rylie Jo, Callie, and Isabell, of Benton, Arkansas. Granddaughter, Amy Martin, of Benton, Arkansas. Grandson, Aaron Martin (Melanie) and their three children: Kynlee,Easton, Lillian, of Benton, Arkansas.
Survivors also include sister Katherine Hughes and brother Roger Thornton (Brenda) of Royal, Arkansas. And a host of nieces and nephews.
Doyle and Louise were members of Geyer Springs First Baptist Church in Little Rock for 43 years where Louise taught Sunday School, taught women’s bible studies, worked with students, was a member of BSF, and more. In 2012 they moved their membership to Highland Heights Baptist where their son is pastoring in Benton, Arkansas.
Visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 PM, Saturday, February 12 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street. Funeral service, officiated by her son, Rev. Brian Moore, will follow at 4:00 PM. Burial at Peak Cemetery in Royal, Arkansas will be held on Monday, February 14 at 2:00 PM.
Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Maxie Thomas “Tommy” Merritt, 75, passed from his earthly life into his heavenly home on Thursday, February 10, 2022, after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Tommy was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on Thursday, January 9, 1947, to Maxie Theodore and Mary Bethunia Abbott Merritt. He attended Little Rock Central High School, graduating in 1965. He was elected Vice President of the Student Body, nominated to be voted on as Tiger Beau, voted as Most Courteous, and was a delegate to Boys State. After graduation, he attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.
He loved hunting and trout fishing on the White River. He coached the Salem American Legion Team and valued the continued friendship of his players. He was a past member of the Salem Park Board, a current member of Benton Lodge #34 F&AM, a member of the Saline County History and Heritage Society, and the Ivan Hunting Club.
Tommy had worked for the Auditor of State’s Office, International Graphics and retired from Arkansas Graphics. After retirement, he got his Certified Real Estate Appraisers License and appraised real estate for 20 years until his health forced his retirement in February of 2022.
He is predeceased by his parents and granddaughter, Erin Michelle Merritt.
He is survived by his wife and soulmate of 46 years, Leslie Snow Merritt; three sons, Arnie Shilling (Suzan), Andy Shilling (Sheri) of Alexander, Arkansas, and Brent Merritt (Lindsey) of Elk River, Minnesota; seven grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and his very special friend, Mark Barnes of Fordyce who was more like a brother.
The family wants to give a special thanks to Dr. Mendelshon at CARTI, the nurses on the tenth floor at Baptist Hospital, and all the nurses and caregivers from Arkansas Hospice for the exceptional care give to Tommy. We will be forever grateful. And to all of your friends and family who have reached out with their words of encouragement and especially the prayers. It was very comforting to know how special Tommy was to all who knew him. He will forever be missed.
A private service will be held at a later date under the direction of Dial and Dudley Funeral Home of Bryant, Arkansas.
Donations in Tommy’s name may be made to Saline County History and Heritage Society: P.O. Box 1712 Benton, Arkansas 72018-1712.