Randle JT Dodd, 86 of Hot Springs, Arkansas, was born on September 15, 1935 in Bragg City, MO and entered into his heavenly rest on April 19, 2022 at the place he loved, his lake home. He was a former pathologist and owner of multiple businesses throughout the many years of his life. He was one who never met a stranger, enjoyed making others laugh, and many would say he was the life of the party when there was a party. He loved watching the ponies run just as much as he loved watching the sunset on Lake Hamilton. He also loved calling the Hogs during football and basketball season. Needless to say, he was a man of many loves!
But his best and true love was his bride, Doris J. Collins of Hot Springs, Arkansas. He is also survived by his sister, Joyce Totty-Pruette (Dodd); his children, Lisa Dodd, Perry Dodd and wife, Christina; and Mark Dodd and wife, Irene; and Joyce’s children, Keith Totty, John Totty, Michael Totty, and Caron Totty.
He is also survived by countless grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, Aaron Dodd-Little, Jennifer Galbicka, Kristina Dodd, Perry Blake Dodd II, Courtney Bateman, Tabitha Dodd, Mark Dodd II, Nikki Collins (Josh), Sean Collins (Melissa), Braelynn Branson, Bailey Branson, Avery Adams, Hunter Endres, Francesca Gosenson, Spencer Collins, Remi Branson, Allie Mae Branson, and Chi Chi; devoted caregiver, Elizabeth Stevenson.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs Rural Dodd and Ruth Dodd Gates, his sister, Marlene Swolensky (Dodd), Tommie Caple, Don Collins, and Tim Collins.
Cremation was entrusted to Ashby Funeral Home of Benton, Arkansas.
Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Clifton Nathaniel Sheridan, age 68, passed away while surrounded by family at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock, AR, and went to be with his Lord on April 19, 2022. He left this earth as a treasured and devoted husband to Jan Sheridan for 47 years, and a loving, caring, supportive father, “Papa C”, brother, and friend to many. He was One in a Million.
Clifton was born in Benton, AR, on July 30, 1953, in the same Jones Clinic as the future love of his life was born only 37 days before. He was the son of Lawrence and Madeline Sheridan of Benton. Clifton was the third of six children and always took a special interest in helping with their upbringing and success.
Clifton grew up attending Harmony Grove School and developed a love and special skill to play sports. He particularly loved basketball. He would often shoot hoops and dodge cow patties in his family pasture, practicing and honing his God-given abilities. It wouldn’t be out of the ordinary to see him dribbling the ball while running the roads of Benton. During his basketball career at Harmony Grove, he earned the nickname “Red Bird.” This was partly due to the Cardinal mascot, his red hair, and his ability to soar through the air and dunk it! He was referred to as “Red Bird” long after his hair turned white because he was so legendary.
Growing up as the third of six siblings during that time meant never having brand new clothing, but rather hand-me-downs and special made shirts from the family’s feed sacks. Clifton always wanted to do well, and he cared about his appearance, so as soon as he was old enough and able, he began to work. His first job was mowing yards. He then added selling weekly newspapers for the Benton Courier as well as stuffing and preparing them for sale. Soon after, he met a sweet lady named Ethel, who owned Ethel’s Snow Cones. He began working at her snow cone hut, going with her to purchase ice, and mixing syrups. His next job was at Stucky’s, pumping gas and working the front counter. All these early jobs fostered a love of working hard and achieving success. As a result of his hard work and saving money, he was able to go to Gingles Department Store and purchase 7 new clothing items in each category. This was a story he often told his children; his own personal lesson of how hard work pays off.
After graduating from Harmony Grove High School in 1971, Clifton attended Central Baptist College in Conway on a basketball scholarship. During his time there he earned an associate degree. He was offered a position on Ouachita Baptist College basketball team but decided to turn that down in order to attend UALR in pursuit of his coaching degree. This also allowed him to earn an income at Saline County Boys Club where among other responsibilities he was able to teach young boys basketball skills. He was 6 weeks from earning his degree when he was offered a position at Bauxite and Northern Railway Company. He had worked part-time during college for Missouri Pacific Railroad, so accepting this position was an easy decision and one he had pursued monthly visiting with then general manager, Charlie Rule. His love of basketball was ever present, so he remained active in college intermural sports in addition to community basketball leagues. His playing days came to a halt in September, 1997 when he suffered an aortic dissection. Although this condition is fatal for most, because of his physical condition, he survived the dissection and major surgery, and was able to remain with his family for 25 more years.
Clifton’s number one cheerleader through schooling and sports was the love of his life Jan (Bragg) Sheridan. The two met at a high school basketball game in their sophomore year, 1968. It was obvious to both from the start that God had put them in each other’s lives. After dating 6 years, they were wed at their church home, Northside Church of Christ, on August 17, 1974. Clifton was baptized on July 31, 1974, at Northside, where he, together with Jan, brought their children up to know God and serve others.
The next few years were busy for the newlyweds. Clifton began his railroad management career in 1977, followed by the birth of his son Eric Nathaniel in 1980, and daughter Amy Elizabeth in 1984. He was a very involved father and cared deeply for his family. He loved when his children were babies but couldn’t wait for them to grow big enough to take his son deer and turkey hunting and coach both kids in sports. He coached Eric in baseball for several years and then began coaching Amy. He was a very special Coach C to the Wild Thangs softball team and their families as well as a few years of coaching girls’ basketball. Even as a dedicated coach for his children’s teams, he also continued to play basketball and softball as often as possible. As the years went on, he became the number one fan in the stands for Amy and his granddaughters Haley and Hope Sheridan through local leagues and Benton athletics, and a year of sports for his granddaughter Alena White. He had already given a sports-like nickname for his young grandson Preston “Speedy” White.
Clifton retired from Bauxite and Northern Railway Company as general manager in 2014, after 37 years of service. This short line railroad serviced the Alcoa/Almatis, Reynolds and Norton/Saint Gobain plants. Countless friendships were formed within all companies and remained for years. After retirement he enjoyed working around the house and yard and playing golf. He played weekly with a very special group of friends. He also enjoyed taking sons and grandsons to play.
Clifton was one of the nicest and most caring people that most people could ever hope to meet. He loved talking and never met a stranger. For many years he would often extend his own yard work to his neighbors’ houses. He would regularly use his leaf blower and keep all the surrounding neighbor’s driveways and sidewalks clear of leaves and do any little thing he could do to help his neighbors and friends. His motto was often “See work. Do work.” He often didn’t wait to be asked for help, but always saw the opportunity and just took it.
Clifton was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Gary Sheridan and sister-in-law, Vivian Sheridan, sisters, Oneida Brockway and Norma Hill, nephew Gabe Hill, and great nephew Brock Howard. Also preceded by father and mother-in-law, A. R. and Lena Bragg and brother-in-law Travis Yingling.
He is survived by his wife Jan Bragg Sheridan, son Eric Nathaniel Sheridan (Farra), daughter Amy Elizabeth White (Chris), and grandchildren Haley and Hope Sheridan of Benton, AR, Alena and Preston White of Little Rock, AR, and Gray, Everett, Garner and Ford Cassidy of Oxford, MS. He is also survived by brothers Larry Sheridan of Malvern, AR and Joe Sheridan (Sharon) of Overland Park, KS, sisters-in law, Liz Edwards (Don) of Spring, TX, Brenda LaBee (Butch) of Benton, AR, and Edna Yingling of Danville, AR, aunt Adene Hovis and uncle Bill Lewis of Athens, AL as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
Visitation will be Sunday, April 24 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton. Services will be Monday, April 25 at 10 a.m. at Ashby Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at New Rosemont Cemetery in Benton, AR.
Online guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Luther Eugene “DUNNERBE” Callahan Jr., age 45, of Traskwood, was born May 24, 1976 in Ozark, Arkansas and gained his heavenly wings on April 22, 2022.
He is survived by his wife, Carrie Callahan of Traskwood; brother, Melvin Dikeman of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; sister, Tauna Collins of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; brother-in-law, Glen Collins of Haskell; a very loved chosen family, Bobby and Charlene McAllister of Poyen & Bobby Dale and Chuck McAllister of Benton; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
DUNNERBE is preceded in death by his mother, Lillie Barger Callahan and father, Luther Eugene Callahan Sr. both of Paris, Arkansas.
Private memorial services will be held at a later date.
Patricia Alene Summerville, 67, of Benton passed away on April 22, 2022. Patricia was born in Little Rock, AR to J.C and Mable Dodgen on May 3, 1955. She worked as a department manager in retail for many years. Patricia was a simple person and enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening, reading, having barbeques, and having family gatherings.
Patricia is preceded in death by her parents, and one son; Michael Shane Dodgen. She is survived by her son; Robert Summerville. Daughters; Sheena Summerville, and Misty Barbee, Grandchildren; Josh Summerville, Cassil Sheppard, Raven Sheppard, Jada Ellinger, Gavin Ellinger, Hunter Ellinger, Jeremy Summerville, Nathan Thompson, Joby Thompson, Peyton Brasheres. Great Grandchildren; Sawyer Thompson, Owen Summerville, Ariel Summerville, Alexis Thompson. Brothers; Ronnie Dodgen, Morris Cox, Butch Hendrix, Robert Carol Hendrix. Sisters; Doris Bosma, Phoebe Chambers, Faye Hendrix, other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be held Monday, April 25, 2022, from 5:00 PM-7:00 PM at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home. Services to be held Tuesday, April 26, 2022, at 10:00AM, with interment to follow at Rosemont Cemetery.
Wanda Lou Ridens, 85 of Mabelvale, Arkansas passed away on April 21, 2022.She was born June 18,1936 to the late Raymond Buddy Moore and Edna Crowley Moore.
Wanda worked as a state employee for many years. She enjoyed being a homemaker. Wanda found great joy in loving and taking care of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is preceded by her parents Raymond and Edna Moore; her son, Robert Ridens; daughter Sandra Tankersly.
Wanda is survived by her loving husband, D`Arthur Ridens; daughter, D`Anna Harrell; brother, Ray Moore; sister; Dorthey Wall; two grandchildren, Joshua Harrrell, and Jessica Ridens; four great-grandchildren, Chy`ann, Joshua Jr, Carson, and Avery, along with a host of family and friends who all love and will miss her dearly.
Celebration of life will be, Tuesday, April 26,2022 at Life Line Baptist Church at 1:00 P.M. with lunch at 11:00 A.M. visitation at 12:00 P.M.