Arthur B. Holiman Jr., age 97, of Benton, passed away Thursday, June 2, 2022. He was born to Arthur Sr. and Sibyl Gideon Holiman on October 27, 1924 in Benton, Arkansas. Arthur was married to Jerrene McCurdy in January of 1954 until she died in May of 1994.
He served in the U.S. Army Air Corp. After serving, he graduated from the University of Arkansas where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. Arthur worked many years in the family business, Holiman Cleaners, and later retired from the Holiman Insurance Agency. He was a member of First United Methodist Church, the Rotary Club, EAA, the UALR Board of Visitors, and the 368th Fighter Group (Thunder Bums). One of his hobbies was flying and he built & flew his own airplane.
Arthur is survived by his children, Holly Holiman of Rogers and Art Holiman III and wife Carol of Little Rock; grandchildren, Hannah (Craig) Pasquinzo of Fayetteville and Josh (Melissa) Peabody of Benton; four great-grandchildren; and a dear friend & traveling companion through the last 20 plus years, Billie Henry.
Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 17 at the First United Methodist Church in Benton with Services to follow at 11:00 a.m.
Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church in Benton.
Rev. William (Bill) Watson Ferguson Jr., age 77, of Benton, was born February 15, 1945 in Little Rock, Arkansas to William Watson Ferguson Sr. and Ethel Marie Siefert Ferguson. He passed from this life to be with our Lord Jesus on June 2, 2022 following a 4 year battle with cancer. Bill was in Hospice Care at home at the time of his death.
During his childhood, he was in the Boy Scouts and became an Explorer Scout. He also became a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, joining the Robert C. Newton Camp #197 in 1963. Bill had a passion for history and later became a life member. He served his country from Spring 1965 for 9 years in the Arkansas Army National Guard 212th Co. A Signal Corp Rank of Sergeant E5. Bill attended Little Rock University, then El Comino College in California. His Arkansas Law Enforcement Training was at the Police Academy in Camden, Arkansas and he was sworn in February 15, 1980 & served for 5 years.
At the age of 56, Bill changed his life forever turning it over to our Lord to become a minister completing Lay Speaking Class February 2, 2002 and Local Pastors License School May 24, 2002. He then attended Hendrix College and completed his course of study through Perkins School of Theology. Bill is also ordained as a Christian Minister by the Christian National Church. He was the pastor of Traskwood United Methodist Church at the time of his death.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn Ferguson; three sons, Ben Ferguson (Melba), Paul Shellnut (Lynn), and Michael Shellnut (Stacey); two daughters, Lydia Galinkin (Badi) and Becky Johnson (David); twelve grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and a host of family & close friends that love him.
Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday, June 5 at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 6 at Ashby Funeral Home with burial to follow at Roselawn Cemetery in Little Rock. Services will be conducted by Rev. Hart Moore, Rev. Tom Crawford, and Randall Freeman of Robert C. Newton Camp #197.
Pallbearers will be Don Kinney, Dean Kinney, Jim Bauldree, Brandon Johnson, Kenneth Wittke, and Zachary Shellnut. Honorary pallbearers will be Ben Ferguson and Zackery Kraft.
The family would like to thank Arkansas Hospice Care for their compassionate and caring service during this most difficult time.
Kimberly Dawn Willoughby Bieker, 61 of Benton, formerly of Concordia, Kansas, was released from her earthly body and checked into the pearly gates on June 1, 2022.
She was born on February 13, 1961 in Iowa City, Iowa to Conrad and Bonnie Paquette and was chosen as a small child by Archie and Gloria Willoughby.
Kim was fun loving, free spirited, stubborn as they come and generally a pain in the neck.
She married Dale Bieker on July 5, 1986 in Wamego, Kansas. They made their home in Concordia, Kansas and then moved to Benton, Arkansas in 1992. They had three children together. Kim enjoyed working, her children, and being a Nana. She always said “If I knew grandkids were this much fun, I would have had them first.”
Kim worked at several jobs, Pinky’s as a waitress, Carter Oil and Tire, Schwanns, Birch Tree Community and Montgomery Wards, eventually becoming a stay at home mom.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Gloria Willoughby and infant daughter, Sarah.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband, Dale Bieker, son, Micah Bieker, daughters, Emily (Blake) Hoyt of Little Rock, Karli (Michael) Bieker of Bryant, granddaughters, Makenzi and Makenna MacIntire and Briar Morgan, grandson, Winn Hoyt; sister, Vicki (Kelly) Hill of Eagle River, Alaska, brothers, Randy (Linda) Willoughby of Minneapolis, Kansas and Troy Willoughby of Concordia, Kansas.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Teri Lynn Sullivan of Benton, AR passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2022. She was born August 29, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois. Teri graduated State High School in Terre Haute, Indiana. She earned a degree in Cosmetology in Indiana; and later worked as a care giver to cancer patients in Arkansas.
Teri was preceded in death by her parents, Norman Jackson Auterson and Emily Marie Slater. Survivors include her husband of 16 years, John Marvin Sullivan, son, Doug Alkire of Benton, AR; daughter, Amber Grill of East End, AR; sister, Jacquelyn Marie Rainey and husband, Stephen of Pensacola, FL. Grandchildren: Trinity, Brayden, and Cierra Alkire of Terre Haute, and Waylon Alkire of Benton; Nevaeh Suit, Elijah and Calianne Grill of East End, a great-grandson, Westyn Cottrell of Terre Haute; step sons, Kerry and Mark Sullivan, extended family, multiple nieces & nephews, numerous friends and 3 dogs (Butterball, Conrad & Shoeshine).
Teri was a devoted wife, faithful sister, courageous mother, proud grandmother, genuine friend, spirited neighbor, talented cook and passionate animal lover. She enjoyed reality TV shows, reading, camping, boating, traveling, and spending time with family. She will forever live on in the special places she held in our hearts and through the memories we share. Teri is greatly missed by all who knew her.
The body is shown perishable; it is raised imperishable; it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power; it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. So, when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying: “Death is swallowed up in victory”. Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Cor. 15:42-44, 54, 57)
Sonny Drew Grider was born May 25th, 1946 in Herbine, Arkansas and passed away surrounded by family on June 1st, 2022. Sonny Grider is survived by his beloved wife, Lee Grider and his dear daughters- Sonya, Nancy, and Esther. Sonny was also blessed with 11 brothers and sisters and 5 grandchildren.
Sonny was a proud soldier and a faithful Christian. He served his church, country, and family with a humble and selfless heart. His life’s example of steadfast love and encouragement has left a legacy of friends and loved-ones to tell the stories of mischief and caring that make up Sonny’s many adventures.
Visitation and the funeral service are being held June 14th at First Baptist Church of Bryant. Visitation will start at 9am, followed by service at 10 am. The burial will take place at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery of North Little Rock at noon.
Charles Hansil Hughes, age 88, of Benton, passed away Saturday, June 4, 2022. He was born March 1, 1934 in Bismarck, Arkansas to the late James and Jessie Miller Hughes. Charles was a U.S. Navy Veteran and a self-employed carpenter.
He is survived by his wife, Sarida Hughes; four sons, Chuck Jr., Arty, David, and Roger Hughes; daughter, Sheila Claxton; sister, Maxine Hulst; sixteen grandchildren; and nineteen great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday, June 6 at Ashby Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 7 at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Fairplay Cemetery. Carolyn Hannah will be officiating.
Family Comments: Charles loved fishing, hunting, dominoes, and spending time with family.
Elizabeth (Ellis) McPherson, 88, of Benton, joined her husband of 70 years, Orville McPherson, in heaven on June 5, 2022. She was born to Jim and Rachel Ellis on September 13, 1933 in Benton, Arkansas. Elizabeth was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Jimmy Ellis; a nephew, James Ellis; and a niece, Rachel Ann Lacy.
Left to cherish her memory are a son, Sam (Susan) McPherson of Amarillo, Texas; daughters, Marilyn (Bob) Rowland and Sharilyn (Eric) McCallister both of Benton; nine grandchildren; twenty-five great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Ruby Ellis; and several nieces, nephews, cousins & a host of friends.
She was a longtime member of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church and was a homemaker.
Elizabeth enjoyed traveling and sight-seeing, her favorite place was Dream Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.
Visitation will be 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 7 at Sharon Missionary Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 8 at Sharon Missionary Baptist Church with burial at McPherson Cemetery on Salt Creek Rd in Benton.
Betty Carol (Burks) Chunn, age 73, of Benton, AR, went to be with the Lord on May 25, 2022. She was born September 10, 1948 to Jesse Lemuel Burks and Vera Ruth (Rogers) Burks.
Betty’s strong faith in the Lord led her in all daily activities, as well as good times and bad. She put all trust in Him and always proudly wore her gold cross necklace around her neck. She was the tenth child born into the Burks family of 12 whopping kids. Family was her highest priority, and she loved each family member unconditionally. Betty always said that being a mother was her greatest joy, and she lived her life showing that nothing was more important than being a mom and taking care of her family. Betty always wrote her own loving cards to send to family during holidays and on special occasions. She wrote poetry, children’s books, and countless songs about family. She enjoyed singing, playing the autoharp and piano, and making silk flower arrangements. Many years ago, she began signing her name as “Bodink” on her writings and that became a fun family nickname for her. She was also a huge bird-lover and always made sure the feeders in her yard and on the porch were full of seed. On many occasions, Betty was seen chasing from her yard stray cats, squirrels and other varmints that had intentions of getting the birds’ food. “Scat you cat!” she’d often scream at them. She had an amazing sense of humor and spent much of her time plotting her next prank or joke on friends and loved ones. She truly left her loving mark on everyone that knew her and will be dearly missed by all.
Betty is preceded in death by her husband John Fred Chunn Sr.; son, John Fred Chunn Jr.; and five sisters: Eva Cox, Bonnie Garner, Joyce Gibson, Sue Long, and Margie Ruth Burks.
Betty is survived by two sons: Bobby McAllister (Dee Dee) of Salem, AR and Danny Chunn of Plano, TX; daughter Sonya Buffington (Eric Huff) of Bryant, AR; nine grandchildren: Jackie Wohlschlaeger (Robert), Taylor Buffington, Kierstin McAllister, John Fred Chunn III, Bailey Buffington, Kolton McAllister, Madison Chunn, Kenzie Buffington, and Abigail Chunn; three great-grandchildren: Maddox Wohlschlaeger, Fallon Wohlschlaeger, and Demi Wohlschlaeger; four sisters: Barbara Johnson, Martha Hilson (Carl), Kaye Callahan (James), and Sheila Clark (Dave); two brothers: George Burks and Jesse Burks; as well as a host of other family members and friends who will all miss her dearly.
Visitation is Wednesday, June 8, from 5:00-7:00 PM, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, AR. Funeral service is Thursday, June 9 at 10:00 AM, at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, followed by a burial service at Pinecrest Memorial Park.
Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
David Wyatt Lewis, 65, of Bryant, Arkansas passed away June 2, 2022. He was born May 21, 1957 in Fort Worth, Texas to Jerry and DiAnne (Derby) Lewis.
He was a successful restaurateur. He was a member of the Rusty Hook Fishing Club and also competed in local and national fishing tournaments. David was a talented guitarist who shared his love of music with his family. David was a fan of NASCAR Racing. David will always be remembered for his great smile, infectious laugh, kindness and generosity.
Preceding David in death are his grandparents, Roy and Susan Lewis and Lester “Ted” and Emma Derby; and father-in-law, Ikey Starks.
David leaves behind to cherish his memory the love of his life, Sandra (Starks) Lewis of Bryant, Arkansas; five children: Lindsay Lewis (Mahmud) of Stuart, Florida, Theresa Petrone (Sam) of Benton, Arkansas, Kimberly Lewis Sandage (Austin) of Donaldson, Arkansas, Mark Petrone, Jr. (Krisy) of Grand Junction, Colorado, and Graham Lewis of Bryant, Arkansas; twelve grandchildren; one great-grandchild; parents, Jerry and DiAnne Lewis of North Carolina; siblings: Jerry Glenn Lewis (Kathy) of North Carolina, Barry Lewis (Brenda) of North Carolina, Lori Lewis (Dennis) of Colorado; and many family members and friends who love David and will dearly miss him.
Memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM, Monday, June 6 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas.
Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Lola Sweeten Lovell Pracht, “Mother”, “Memaw”, was born on April 21st, 1923 in Benton, Arkansas. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. Lola was a Christian who attended First Baptist Church in Benton, Arkansas for 80 years and currently, Hot Springs Baptist Church. She loved both churches. Lola loved traveling with the Good Sam’s Club or anywhere she could make new friends. She was retired from AT&T.
Lola was preceded in death by her parents, Mae and Lennie Sweeten; first husband, Ed Lovell; second husband, Joe Pracht; sister, Elizabeth Sweeten and brother, James Harvey Sweeten.
Lola is survived by a daughter, Linnie Henson; a granddaughter, Holly Williams (Travis); four great-grandchildren, Teylor Arndt (Lindsey), Landon Arndt, Kate Williams and Ethan Williams; nieces, Sherri Sweeten and Kristi Edwards; nephew, Mike Slaughter; also Danny and Winn Williams and Janet Hughes.
Lola will be missed by everyone. Service will be held at Hot Springs Baptist Church 144 Weston Rd., Hot Springs, Arkansas, Saturday, June 4, 2022. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 10:30 A.M. followed by the funeral at 10:30 A.M. Entombment will be private.
Dawne Reynolds, 74, of Jersey, Arkansas passed away on Wednesday, June 1st, 2022, in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was born to the late, Will Smith Reynolds and Martha Duncan Carl, on Monday, August 25th, 1947, in Warren, Arkansas. When able, Dawne enjoyed being outdoors, whether it was riding four-wheelers or hanging out at the farm; but most of all, she loved spending time with her family.
She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Smitty Reynolds; and son, Art Sims.
She is survived by her two loving children, Missy Bass (Pete) and Greg Sims (Allissa); seven grandchildren, Amber Bennett, Ryan Bass (Jessy), Lauren Bass (Shane), Art Sims (Melody), Will Sims, Greyson Sims, and Bo Sims; five great grandchildren, Ada Grace, Alexa, Keaton, Jane, and Callie Dawne; her boyfriend, Randy Kitchens; and along with many many other family and friends who all love her and will miss her presence greatly.
Her celebrations of life will be held Saturday, June 4th, 2022, at 6:00 P.M. at 25 Bradley Street, Bryant, Arkansas 72022 and on Saturday, June 11th, 2022, at 6:00 P.M. at 1497 Highway 160 West, Jersey, Arkansas 71651.
A special thanks from the family to the Arkansas Heart Hospital in Little Rock for their outstanding care for Dawne.
To sign Dawne’s online guestbook, visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
Services provided by Dial and Dudley Funeral Home.