William Carl Reynolds Jr. (Bubba), 76, of Bryant, AR passed away on September 14, 2022 after a lifelong battle with diabetes, he was surrounded by his loving wife of over 50 years and his three children. He was born in Little Rock, AR on January 14, 1946 to William Carl Reynolds Sr., and Margaret (Griffin) Reynolds. He grew up in the Fourche Dam Pike area of Little Rock and attended Central High School. His love of athletics afforded him an opportunity to play football at Arkansas Tech University in Russellville, AR. After college, he began his career with Jones Truck Line and was a member of the Teamsters Union Local #878 and he met Bonnie Crow, whom he married, and welcomed three children. Early in their marriage they spent time together traveling to rodeos; Bubba, a steer wrestler, and Bonnie, a horse lover. Bubba was also an avid outdoorsman, one of his favorite pastimes was chasing ducks across the state of Arkansas with his two boys, brother-in-law, and nephews. Bubba is also oftentimes remembered as a proud pee wee football coach for the Salem Chargers. In his later years, Bubba enjoyed Sunday card games with his friends, and spending time with his family. Bubba and Bonnie Reynolds have called Bryant, AR home for the past 50 years.
Bubba was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Reynolds; his children, William Reynolds and Erika Waller, of Little Rock, AR, Bart Reynolds and wife, Jennifer, of Bryant, AR, and Brittany Fraser of Alexandria, VA; his grandchildren, Sydney Reynolds, Ben Reynolds, Haley Reynolds, Ella Reynolds, Grace Waller, Morgan Fraser, Owen Waller, Grant Fraser, Ryan Reynolds, and Cullen Fraser; his sister, Judy Griffin and husband, Lloyd (Buddy) Griffin; his nephew, Casey Griffin; his nephew, Brad Griffin and wife, Dawn and daughter Katie; his niece, Lisa Jessup and husband, Ross, and their children, Griffin, Chase, Alex and Pierce; his nephew, Lloyd Griffin and wife Kara, and their children, Gray, Campbell, and Jack; his brother-in-law Bobby Crow and wife, Ellen, and their children, Wayne and Charles; his sister-in-law, Betty Callahan and her children, Micheal, Brian and Debra; and numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins and cherished friends.
Honorary Pallbearers are: Mike Pettus, Dean Kinney, Mike Goshien, Bill Lovell, Archie Rawlins, Vern Vaughn, and Ron Eckart
There will be a Visitation on Monday, September 19th at 10:00 a.m. with a Memorial Service to follow at 11:00 a.m., honoring Bubba Reynolds life at Ashby Funeral Home, 108 West Narroway, Benton, AR 72015.
In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to The American Diabetes Association diabetes.org or Arkansas Regional Organ Recovery Agency arora.org in memory of William Carl Reynolds Jr. (Bubba).
Ben F Clardy Jr. age 87, passed away in his home September 14 after a battle with cancer. He was able to live his final days at home with the support of his family and Saline Memorial Hospice. God and family were the most important things in his life. Ben was a lifelong member of Sardis United Methodist Church and resident of Sardis Community. Whether it was fishing, golfing, bird watching or tending to his flowers and berries, he loved being outside. He was always generous, sharing his knowledge of nature with others. Family beach trips were always the highlight of the year.
Ben was a paratrooper in the US Army. After returning to Arkansas, he received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Arkansas in Geology. He spent his career as a Geologist with the State Geologist Commission.
Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Benjamin Frederick Clardy Sr. and Nell Anniece McDonald Clardy, Uncle Erasmus and Aunt Minnie Bradbury who helped raise him and Charlie Vyles his brother-in-law and special friend. He is survived by his sisters Caroline Harkins and Sally McKay, his children Benjamin F. Clardy IV (Julie), Elizabeth Kooiman (Rodney), Samuel Dee Clardy (Michelle), grandchildren Jonathan Kooiman (Taylor), Benjamin Clardy V (Claire), Cody Clardy, Jessica Kooiman Clifton (Houston), Andrew Clardy, Clayton Clardy, Cole Clardy and honorary granddaughter Emily Jones Childress (Brandon) and great granddaughter Sloane Kooiman.
The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Martindale and Kristen of Saline Med-Peds and the staff of Saline Memorial Hospice for their tender loving care of Ben during his illness.
Visitation will be Monday, September 19th from 6-8pm at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton. The funeral will be at Sardis United Methodist Church on Tuesday, September 20 at 10:00am followed by his burial at McPherson Cemetery with Military Honors.
Memorials may be made to the Sardis UMC Food Pantry.
Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Debra “Deb” Diane Johnston was born in Wenatchee, Washington on September 17, 1948 to Charles and Marion Meaders. She left us on August 31,2022 after a courageous battle with cancer. Deb was proceeded in death by her parents. She is survived by her loving husband, GW Johnston, of Benton, her sister Jane (Ray) Paradise of Texas, her brother Chip Meader of Arizona, her daughter Jody Ramsey of Texas and son Robert (Staci) Ramsey of Oklahoma, son in laws David (Kim) Johnston of Texas, Daniel (Jenny) Johnston of Benton, Daryl (Kerrie) Johnston of Arkansas, Thomas (Mary) Johnston of Minnasota. Along with 17 grandchildren Koby Ramsey, Kory and Shanny Ramsey, Kyle and Rachel Ferguson, Kody and Kelsie Martin, Trenton Ramsey, Alaura Ramsey, Kelsey and Hailey Johnston, Chris Vernon, Sela Johnston, Brooklyn and Brittni Little, Kendra Hatcher, Dalton and Erin Johnston, Landon and Isabella Johnston, Blaine Reynolds and 9 great grandchildren, Deb also leaves countless friends whom she loved like her family.
Because she was so full of sparkle, joy, and lived her life to the fullest, there will be a memorial held on her heavenly birthday, Saturday, September 17th at Centerpoint Church in Benton at 3pm.
Earlene Caruthers Hunnicutt, 83 of Benton, passed away on September 14, 2022. She was born on May 3, 1939 in Leola, Arkansas to the late M.M. “Red” and Ethel Cates Caruthers Hudson. Earlene was a member of Holland Chapel Missionary Baptist Church where she invested in the lives of generations of young people.
A loving wife, mother and grandmother, Earlene was preceded in death by her parents.
Earlene is survived by her husband of 57 years, W.T. “Tom” Hunnicutt of Benton, sons, Brice (Kristie) Hunnicutt of Longview, Texas and John (Angie) Hunnicutt of Benton, six grandchildren and countless friends.
Chapel services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 2:00 Saturday with Bro. Roger Taylor officiating. Burial will follow at Ten Mile Cemetery.
Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday at Ashbys.
The family would like to thank the staff of Amberwood Health & Rehabilitation and Arkansas Hospice for their exceptional and compassionate care provided to Earlene.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Holland Chapel Student Ministry or Arkansas Hospice.
On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Ronnie Crews, age 80, of Benton, AR passed away on September 14, 2022.
He was born on February 20, 1942 in Charleston, Missouri to the late Vernon and Mabel Crews. He had 4 older brothers and 3 younger sisters and was taught to work hard and love well.
Ronnie loved the outdoors and enjoyed deer hunting with his sons and grandsons. He loved people and people were drawn to him by his quick wit and gentle ways. Ronnie loved life and the people God brought into his life. He truly believed that each new day was a gift from God and never expected to live to be 80.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers: Adron Crews; David Crews; Ray Crews; Wayne Crews and his sister Mary Crews.
He leaves behind his cherished wife of 61 years Jeanie Crews and their children: Keith Crews (Melinda) of Arkadelphia, AR; Brien Crews (Ann) of Benton, and Audra Eason (Wayne) of Roland, AR.
Grandchildren: Ashleigh Debeza (Alfonso); Derek Kinkaid; Dillan Kinkaid (Ashleigh); Drake Kinkaid (Taylor); Aaren Burnett (Jordan); Breana Crews, and Nathan Crews. Great-grandchildren: Maddie Grace; Brynner; Layla; Caroline; Cameron; Cathryn; and Lady.
He is survived by his sisters: Doris Wimberly of Memphis, TN and Linda Cecil of Steele, Mo., three sisters in laws and several nieces and nephews.
Ronnie started school in the small rural community of Steele, Mo and completed High School there in 1960. Until the end of his life, he stayed in touch with school friends dear to him. When Ronnie was 17 he made a profession of faith during a revival at First Baptist Church in Steele, Mo. Ronnie served in many capacities in the churches he attended. He taught youth in his younger years and was currently the department director of his Senior Adult Sunday School at First Baptist Church in Benton, AR. Ronnie was a good cook and was known for his deer chili and apple pie.
He began his career as a scale technician at Howe Richardson Scale Company in Memphis, TN. Later In 1977 Ronnie, along with his wife Jeanie, formed the Pioneer Scale Company which has grown to four locations with the corporate office located in Benton under the leadership and management of their two sons. Ronnie was a mentor and friend to his sons, his employees and many customers over the years.
Ronnie will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.
Special thanks to Encore Hospital nurses and doctors and especially nurse, Jessica Bliss (Ronnie’s great niece) and her husband, Walter for their excellent care and assistance. Also, thanks to the staff at North Little Rock Baptist for their kind and compassionate care in Ronnie’s final days.
Memorials may be made to Gideons International or Arkansas Baptist Children’s Home.
Visitation will be held Friday, September 23, 2022 at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church in Selph Hall. The Celebration of Life service will begin at 11:00 am with Dr. Rick Grant officiating.
Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Lillian “Tina” Faustine (Hill) Morris, 77, of Benton, Arkansas passed away September 15, 2022. She was born August 23, 1945 to the late Arthur Barto Hill and Lillian Earlene (Jackson) Hill.
Lillian was a minister for several years in Las Vegas and a teacher for over 20 years. She had a sweet and quiet soul. Lillian was rich in character and loved helping and being around people. Lillian loved her family dearly and was extremely proud of them. She touched so many lives. Lillian enjoyed and taught art and was extremely talented in painting.
Lillian is preceded in death by her husband, Horace Glynn Morris; step-son, Ricky Morris; parents, Arthur Barto Hill and Lillian Earlene (Jackson) Hill.
Lillian is survived by her son, Billy and wife, Susie; daughter, Deborah and husband, Jay; step-sons, Steve and wife, Susan and Terry and wife, Stacey; ten grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and a host of other family members and friends that will all miss her dearly.
Visitation is Tuesday, September 20, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street. Funeral Service is at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, September 21, at Benton First Church of the Nazarene, 1203 W Sevier St, Benton, AR 72015. Interment will be at Hephzibah Cemetery in Emerson, AR.
Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.