Wilma Marie Tyler was born September 23, 1922 in Bremer County, Iowa daughter of Theodore and Frieda Bergman. She graduated from Denver High School and went on to Wartburg College in Waverly, IA, graduating with a two- year teaching degree. From there she taught school in Alta Vista, IA where she met Bill Tyler. After Bill left to serve in WWII Wilma went to Wright AFB in Ohio to help with the war effort. After the war, Bill and Wilma were married May 26,1946 and spent 68 happy years together first in Ames, IA, then Cedar Falls, IA and finally retiring in Hot Springs Village, AR in 1981. Wilma attended the University of Northern Iowa receiving her bachelor and master’s degree in Library Science. She went on to spend many years as head of the Dike, IA school libraries winning prestigious state and national awards for her work at the schools. Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a stillborn brother, and a sister, Velda. She is survived by two sons Steven (Cynthia) Waverly, IA, Thomas (Joan) Holly Springs MS, two grandchildren Lori Lund of Phoenix, AZ, Ryan Tyler (Crystal), Mt. Pleasant, SC., six great grandchildren, one great- great grandchild and a sister, Rosalie Thompson of Hot Springs Village, AR. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, January 13 at Christ Lutheran Church, Hot Springs Village, AR. Memorials may be given in her name to Christ Lutheran Church, Hot springs Village or Arkansas Hospice, Hot Springs, AR. Cremation Arrangements Entrusted to Arkansas Cremation. www.ArkansasCremation.com.
Randy Aaron Denley, age 40, of Benton passed away Monday January 2, 2017. He was born December 11, 1976 in Little Rock. Randy was a truck driver for Liquid Connections Inc., formally from Minn. and of Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Lee Denley. Survivors include his mother, Yvonne Lawrence, Benton; three daughters, Caden Lea Denley, Minnesota; Janelle Lynn Denley, Little Rock; and Danielle Logsdon, Little Rock. Memorial services will be held at Ten Mile Missionary Baptist Church, Thursday, January 5th at 1:00 p.m. with Bro. Will Diggs officiating. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Mrs. Onita Rayburn, age 91, of Benton passed away Tuesday, January 3, 2017. She was born February 24, 1925 in Newark, Arkansas. Onita was a homemaker and a member of Parkview United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Ola Marshall, husband, John Neal (Buck) Rayburn, sons, Jerry and Don Rayburn, brothers, Leo and Floyd Marshall, sisters, Ruby Baughn, Norene Gipson, and Volina Davis. Survivors, daughter and son-in-law, Bonita (Marion) Orender, Benton; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
William “Bill” Atkinson Jr., age 77, of Benton passed away Thursday, January 5, 2017. He was born July 4, 1939 in Morrilton, Arkansas. William was a retired truck driver, a member of the US Army Reserve and a member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church. Survivors, Wife Doma Atkinson, Benton; daughter, Sharon K. Roberson, Little Rock; son, Michael K. Atkinson, Benton; brothers, Larry, Charles, Nathan and James Atkinson, sister, Alta Jo Craig, grandchildren, Kristen Roberson, Caitlyn Atkinson, and Evan Atkinson. Visitation will be from 12:00 to 1:00 PM Tuesday at Ashby’s. Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Tuesday at Ashby Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Pine Crest Cemetery. Minister will be Bro. Scott King. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lung Cancer Alliance. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Daniel Wayne Blair, age 49, of Benton, passed away Friday, January 6, 2017. He was born April 10, 1967 in Benton, Arkansas. Daniel worked 20 years for FedEx Freight as a Diesel Technician. He was a member of Kentucky Missionary Baptist Church and the South Bland Hunting Club. Daniel was preceded in death by his sister, Wanda Jean Morgan. He is survived by his wife, Sara Michelle Blair; two sons, Austin J. Prichard and Zachary W. Blair; daughter, Jessica D. Prichard; parents, Allen Floyd (Buddy) Blair and Glenda Beatrice Blair; and two sisters, Loretta A. Burris and Patricia W. Suarez. Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 9 at Kentucky Missionary Baptist Church. Bro. Donny Haynes will be officiating. Burial will be at McPherson Cemetery in Benton at a later date.
Malinda Sharpless Bonoit, age 59, of Alexander passed away Friday January 6, 2017. She was born February 16, 1957 in Memphis Tennessee. Malinda was preceded in death by her parents, Donald and Marjorie Sharpless. Survivors include the love of her life, Danny Crews, brother, Donald Schoenburg, Florida; sister, Shelly Garner, California; aunt, Lou Ann Cameron, Benton and other relatives along with many friends that she leaves behind that will miss her dearly. Memorial services will be 6:00 pm Thursday at Ashby’s Chapel. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Muscular Sclerosis Association, 11901 Financial Center Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Beulah Ivy Wright went to her Heavenly Home Saturday, January 7, 2017. She was 94 years old. Beulah was a lifelong resident of Saline County Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elbert Eligia Ivy and Nola Ritchey Ivy; her husband, J.H. Wright; four brothers, Dewell, Tom, Raymond and Horrel, two sisters, Lorene and Opal. She is survived by five children, Patsy Wagner, Jimmy Wright (Loretta), Paul Wright (Janice), Doyle Wright (Carolyn) and Mary Watson (Gary) all of Benton. “Granny” as she was lovingly known by many is also survived by twelve grandchildren: Susan Miller, Heather Gammill (Bubba), Lori Bacon (Tony), Lynnea Wright, Lesley Wright, Wesley Wright (Misty), Kristen Dickinson (D.J.), Lisa Wright, Jay Wright (Karen), Tara Shelton (Brandon), Sarah Rector, and J.J. Bruton (Briggs). There are also fourteen great-grandchildren: Bethany, Savannah, Kadin, Andrew, Joey, Lizzie, Maggie, Jacob, Sadie, Si, Eva, Tripp, Jack and Mac. She is also survived by one sister, Hazel Ramsey and one brother Albin Ivy (Mary) both of Benton. Beulah accepted Jesus as her personal Savior in 1936 at the age of 14. She was baptized in 1939 in the Saline River and has been a member of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church since that day. She was also an active member of the Kate Wright Sunday School class and the Golden Links Choir. She was a charter member of the Saline County Quilters Guild, a 75 year member of the Sharon Extension Homemakers Club, served on the Saline County Fair Board and served for 60 years as an election official in Saline County. She was an active volunteer in many church, school and community organizations and she never turned down an opportunity to serve others. Honoring her as pallbearers will be Randy Carter, Brandon Wake, Bryson Tittle, John Bramlett, Wesley Wright and Jay Wright. Honorary pallbearers will be grandson in-laws and all of her nephews. Visitation will be held Monday night at Sharon Baptist Church, 402 Shenandoah from 6-8pm. Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 10, 2017 at 1:00pm at Sharon Baptist Church with Dr. Michael Reese officiating. Interment is immediately following at Sharon Cemetery.
Charles Lewallen, age 95, of Benton passed away on Saturday January 7, 2017 at his home. He was born March 21, 1921 in Charlotte, Arkansas. Charles was a member of Marlow Missionary Baptist Church in Ico, Arkansas and was a preacher for over 70 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Josia Brogdon Lewallen, daughter, Charlotte Lewallen Wilkerson, son, Jackie Lewallen, brother, Ernest Lewallen, and sister, Audie MacDonale. Survivors, Wife, Lucille Scoggin Lewallen, Benton, son, Terry (Bitsy) Lewallen, Bryant; daughter, Peggy (James) Hampton, Benton; eleven grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday at Ashby’s. Funeral services will be 1:00 PM Wednesday at Ashby Funeral Home Chapel with burial at Cameron Cemetery. Minister will be Bro. Robert Standley. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Eleanor Toshiko Kurosaki passed peacefully on to eternity in her sleep early on Sunday, January 8, 2017, at the age of 96. She was born on March 28, 1920 in Honomu, Hawaii to Eleanor Toshiko Kurosaki passed peacefully on to eternity in her sleep early on Sunday, January 8, 2017, at the age of 96. She was born on March 28, 1920 in Honomu, Hawaii to Kichiji and Ichi Fujii. She had been living in Arkansas for six years prior to her death, but lived most of her life in Hawaii, on the big island of Hawaii for her youth, then later on Oahu. She married Katsuto Kurosaki in 1946 and they had two sons together. Eleanor stayed home with them while they were young, then worked in retail for many years until retirement. Later, while at Heartland Rehab and Care Center in Benton, she was known as “Miss Hawaii” because she would tell everyone she met where she was from and promise to take them with her when she returned. She always had a ready smile and was loved by all who knew her. She was a member of Kaimuki Christian Church in Honolulu. She was preceded in death by her husband, Katsuto Kurosaki, her parents, Kichiji and Ichi Fujii, two brothers, George Fujii and Ronald Fujii, and two sisters, Hideko Komoto and Ellen Nishiguchi. She is survived by her sons, Neal Kurosaki (Wendy) of Honolulu, HI, and Ryan Kurosaki (Sandy) of Benton, AR; four grandsons, Jason Kurosaki (Megan) of Westchester, IL, Drew Kurosaki (Ashley) of Benton, Chase Kurosaki of Honolulu, and Aaron Kurosaki (Christian) of Benton; seven great-grandchildren, Anniston, Kaitlynn, Andrew, Lila, Lydia, Audrey, and James; one sister, Sue Mirikitani of Pearl City, HI; and many nieces and nephews. Many thanks are offered to the caregivers who assisted with her care both in Honolulu and in Benton, and especially to those who cared for her at Heartland and in Hospice. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association (http://www.alz.org/arkansas/ or 204 Executive Ct., #301, Little Rock 72205) or to Kaimuki Christian Church (1117 Koko Head Ave., Honolulu, HI 96816). A memorial service will be held at Ashby Funeral Home on January 28 at 11:00 am with visitation to follow.
Jodi Woods 60, of East End passed away December 31, 2016 with her family by her side. She was born on October 12, 1956 to Henry and Yvonne Gammon in Stuttgart, Arkansas. She was retired from Entergy. Her passion was to be in the deer woods with her family and friends. Jodi is preceded in death by her husband, David Woods; daughter, Melissa Leslie; father, Henry Gammon and step-dad, Wayne Faisst. She is survived by her sons, Michael Cox, Kris Woods (Erica), Nathan Hutchins (Nikki) and Matt Woods; grandchildren, Devon, Faith Ann, Andie Grace, Christian, Clayton, Ellie, Nayda, Ryan, Connor, and Arrianna; mother, Yvonne Faisst; brother, Gary Gammon (Carolyn) and a host of family and friends who all loved her and will miss her dearly. Celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at 1:00 PM at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant. Visitation will be Tuesday, January 3, 2017 from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. Thank you to all hospice employees who provided the best care possible for Jodi. To sign online guest book visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
Raylene Bates, 67 of Alexander passed away on January 2, 2017. She was born on March 18, 1949 to the late, Johnny Ray Cole and Margia Lucille Cole in Oklahoma City, OK. Her grandchildren were the joys of her life. She also liked fishing and was a race car fan. She is preceded in death by her parents; three sisters, Patsy, Clois Ann and Pauline; two nephews, Johnny and Jay; and niece, Sherri. She is survived by her loving husband of 30 years, Daniel Bates; three children, Jeannie Rankin (Robert), Jerry Autry (Toni) and Renee Foraker (Zane); eight grandchildren; Amber, Charrie, Russell, Bryce, Brandon, Tyler, Luke and Carter; three great-grandchildren, Cameron, Rose and Olivia; two sisters, Loretta (Forrest) and Lorene and host of family and friends who all loved her and will miss her dearly. A celebration of Raylene’s life will be held Friday January 6, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home chapel in Bryant. Visitation will be Thursday, January 5, 2017 from 6-8 PM at the funeral home. To sign online guestbook visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
Nancy McKewen Jorgensen 64 of Benton passed away on January 8, 2017 with her family by her side. She was born on November 3, 1952 in Dewitt, Arkansas to John and Maxine McKewen. Nancy loved baking desserts, reading, working out and helping those in need. She was a talented artist and loving mother, sister and Nana. Nancy retired from the U.S. Postal service in 1996. She later found her love for working with those with special needs. She is preceded in death by her parents and step father, Taylor McAdams. Nancy is survived by her husband, Joe Jorgensen; daughters, Jamie McCombs (William) and Jenny Jacks (Jason); step children, Jennifer High (Sam) and Josh Jorgensen (Lainie); nine grandchildren, Jack and Andrew McCombs, Beth and Ben Jacks, Katie and Mackenzie High and Mattingly, Mia and Maddox Jorgensen; sister, Alice Lawson (Mike); brother, John McKewen (Mary); John and Scott Lawson, who were like her sons; her dog, Gracie and a host of family and friends who all loved her and will miss her dearly. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Benton First Christian Church. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to CJohns and Saline Memorial Hospice. Arrangements provided by Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant. To sign online guest book visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
Voldia Harden, 98, of Alexander passed away December 27, 2016. He was born in Wing, Arkansas on November 21, 1918 to George and Rhoda Harden. Voldia served in the Army during World War II. Voldia was preceded in death by his wife; Dorothy Harden and one son; Verlon Harden. He is survived by two children; Carolyn England and Leon Harden, nine grandchildren; including Andrea Bearden-Brown (Kenny), Angela (Bearden) Lea, Bill Bearden, Jason Phillips, Tina Garrett, fourteen great grandchildren and seven great great grandchildren.
In Memory of Bobby L. Hampton August 20, 1948 – January 5, 2016 Arrangements under the direction of Forest Hills Funeral Home, ALEXANDER, AR.
Billie Benton Foote Eagle, age 73, of Alexander, AR went to be with her Lord and Savior, on Sunday, December 25, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 17, 1943 in Beebe, AR to the late Paul and Vida Mae Little Benton. Known lovingly as mom, grandma, GG (great-grandma), and LouBug, she battled illness gallantly for several years but refused to allow it to stop her from spending time with her family and friends. She was an active member of the Official TOPS Club Inc, where she had made lifelong best friends, a member of Palestine Missionary Baptist Church in Sheridan, and a retired secretary. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two husbands, Ronald Lee Foote and John David Eagle, her brother, James Paul Benton, and grandchildren Brianna and Kody Foote. Survivors include her three children, Donna Harris (Jeffrey Warf) of Alexander, AR, Robbie Witherspoon (Johnny) of Jacksonville, AR, Gary Foote (Jennifer Hrebik) of Alexandria, VA, and step-daughter, Teresa Coggins; eight grandchildren, April Moore (Donald), Courtney Henry (Chris), Matthew Heien (Chrissy), Johnathon Harris (Tori), David Mills, Michael Harris (Amy), Dakota Foote, and Kalynne Foote; fourteen great-grandchildren, Jacob, Alyssa, Ashley, Amy, Andrea, Christopher, Laken, Maddison, Kane, Wesson, Bryson, Cypris, Paris, and baby girl Foote; one sister, Bobbie Hawkins (Bert) of Collierville, TN; one sister-in-law, Judy Benton of Hot Springs, AR; a host of nieces and nephews; other relatives; her dear friends with TOPS, and numerous other friends. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 30, 2016 in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton (501-315-4047) with Rev. Clyde Chenault officiating. Interment will follow at Palestine-Jones Cemetery in Sheridan. Serving as pallbearers will be Jeffrey Warf, Johnny Witherspoon, Matthew Heien, Johnathon Harris, Michael Harris, and Dakota Foote. Honorary pallbearers and ushers are Chris Henry, Donald Moore, Don Benton, JP Benton, Peter Hawkins, Andrew Hawkins, and Philip Hawkins. Visitation is from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, December 29, 2016 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please consider memorial donations in memory of Billie Eagle, to the Humane Society of Saline County, 7600 Bauxite Hwy, Bauxite, AR 72011 or Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923.
Betty Ford Mobley, 76, of Benton, AR passed away Friday, December 30, 2016 with her family by her side. She was born March 31, 1940, in Benton, AR to the late Luther and Minnie Ford. She was an active member of Calvary Assembly of God Church in Benton and retired from Walmart after fifteen years. She also worked for many years at Calvary Assembly of God Day Care. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her father and mother-in-law, J. E. and Luda Mobley; two brothers, Bill and Jesse Ford; and her Godson, Matthew Radar. Betty is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, Jay Mobley of Benton; son, Paul Mobley (Linda) of Benton; daughter, Peggy Bailey (Tracy) of Benton; brother, Irvin Ford (Delores) of Benton; sister, Opal Curtis of Bryant; grandchildren, Mark Mobley, Tyler Bailey (fiancé, Shelby Harrison), Kristen Bailey, all of Benton, Stephanie Williamson (Brett) of El Dorado, Rachel Cobb (Chris) of Bryant, Leslie Bass of Benton; five great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, whom she loved very much, all the kids from Calvary Assembly Day Care who knew her as Bet-Bet and had a very special place in her heart, as well as her precious dog, Abby. Anyone who met Betty fell in love with her. She enjoyed music and played both the piano and organ. She had a special gift from God which allowed her to play by ear. Betty was also an excellent cook. She enjoyed life in general and especially loved camping. Most of all, she loved spending time with and being surrounded by her family and friends. Betty will long be remembered for the loving kindness she displayed to all she met. Visitation will be held at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (315-4047) in Benton on Tuesday, January 3, 2017 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Calvary Assembly of God in Benton with Reverend Van Gilbert and Reverend Randy Roach officiating. Interment will follow at Social Hill Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Doug Curtis, Bill Ford, Greg Ford, Carl Gann, Ron Vinyard and Mike Zuber. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Mobley and Tyler Bailey.
Mary Frances Zuber Thomas, age 91, of Benton, went to be with the Lord Monday, January 2, 2017 at Alcoa Pines Nursing and Rehabilitation. She was born July 21, 1925 in Saline County to the late James and Frances Irwin Zuber. She was a private duty nurse for many years and a member of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church in the Sharon Community, where she loved to sing in the choir. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by seven brothers and six sisters. Survivors include her two children, Judy Thomas of Bryant and Tommy Thomas and wife Rebecca of Haskell; four grandchildren, Billy Cox and wife, Windy of Bentonville, Kyle Cox and wife, Suzanne of Bentonville, Stephanie Thomas of Benton, and April Thomas and significant other, Jerry Applegarth of Benton; five step-grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren, Caitlyn, Taylor, Connor, Haley, Nicholas, Brooke, Samantha, Becky, and Angel; fifteen step-great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter, Bailey Ann; one sister, Betty Curtis of Benton; two brothers, James Zuber and Donald Zuber, both of Benton, and numerous other relatives. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 7, 2017 in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton (501-315-4047) with Bro. Richard Mills officiating. Interment will follow at Cameron Cemetery in the Salem Community. Serving as pallbearers will be Jerry Zuber, John Morris Zuber, Kenneth Zuber, Randall Wilchman, Roy Zuber, and Tommy Zuber. Visitation will be from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Friday, January 6, 2017 at the funeral home. In addition to flowers, memorials may be made to Susan G. Komen Arkansas, 904 Autumn Road, Suite 500, Little Rock, Arkansas 72211.
William Edward Knauer Jr, age 86 of Benton, AR passed away Monday, January 2, 2017 at the UAMS Medical Center in Little Rock. He was born October 23, 1930 in Louisville, Kentucky to William Edward Sr and Josephine (Martin) Knauer. He was a loving Father and Grandfather and a Construction Contractor. He is survived by two sons; Brent Knauer of California and Ryan Knauer (Carrie) of Benton, two daughters; Teri Lynn Schafer of Branson, Missouri and Karen Anderson of Ozark, Missouri, one brother; Robert Knauer of La Mesa, California, five grandchildren; Carly and Lauren Anderson, Danya and Roslyn Schafer and Lindsey Knauer and two Great-grandchildren. He also leaves his furry companion, Chief. At the request of the family, services will be private. All arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home, Benton, Arkansas.
Eugene ”Red” Dinsmore 88, of Benton, went to heaven January 3, 2017. He was born August 23, 1928 in La Salle, Illinois to Harry and Ethel Dinsmore. He was a Korean War Veteran. He was also a member of the Optimist Club and Lions Club. He worked as a lineman for First Electric for 28 years, and was a lifelong resident of Saline county. He was proceeded in death by his parents, siblings, and son, Donald Dinsmore. He leaves behind his wife of 67 years, Tennye Sue Dinsmore of Benton; son Bruce Dinsmore, Sr. (Betty) of Wake Village, TX; daughter in law, Donna Dinsmore of Benton; nephew, Jeff Baldwin (Marty) of Bryant; grandchildren, Kristina Dinsmore, Jeremy Dinsmore, B.J. Dinsmore, Brad Dinsmore (Erin), Christopher Baldwin, and Kaitlyn Baldwin, and great grand-children, Shawna Dinsmore, Lynlee Dinsmore, and Declan Dinsmore. Visitation will be Wednesday January 04, 2017 from 6-8 p.m., at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held Thursday January 05, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home (501-315-4047) officiated by Bro. Carl Richey and Bro. Kim Hammer. Burial will follow at Old Rosemont Cemetery in Benton. Serving as pallbearers are Gary Terry, Darrell Ammons, Odis Parsons, Jack Rundel, Chris Baldwin, and Jeremy Dinsmore. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Holland Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, 15523 I-30, Benton, AR 72015.
Daniel Lee Hilterbrand, 59, of Benton, Arkansas passed away January 1, 2017. He was born June 14, 1957 in Fairfield, California to the Catherine Green Hilterbrand and the late Sam Hilterbrand. Daniel leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, Crystal Toth Hilterbrand of Benton, Arkansas; son, Hunter Hilterbrand and wife Milissa of Benton, Arkansas; daughter, Heather Hilterbrand of Benton, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Nate Allen, Natalie Allen, and Bentley Hilterbrand; mother, Catherine Hilterbrand of Bryant, Arkansas; step-daughter, Sarah Zylma-Lonoak; two brothers, Ralph Hilterbrand and wife Jennifer of Glen Rose, Arkansas and Sam Hilterbrand and wife Susan of Haskell, Arkansas; and many more family members and friends who loved Daniel and will miss him always. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook:www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Howard Wayne Moose, 74, of Benton, Arkansas passed away January 2, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 6, 1942 in Norwood, North Carolina to the late Milton and Hazel Hines Moose. Howard proudly served and retired from the United States Navy. Howard was a veteran of the Vietnam War. After retiring and moving to Benton, he embarked on a new career at Bass Pro Shops in Little Rock. He enjoyed spending time outdoors camping, hunting, and fishing. Howard was an avid car enthusiast and an ace mechanic who could often be found tinkering in his shop. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a sister, Olivia Ann Huneycutt. Howard leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife of 51 years, Shirley Nadine Moose of Benton, Arkansas; daughter, Tamara Ocampo and husband Neptali of Benton, Arkansas; son, Stacy Moose and wife Angela of Manteo, North Carolina; grandson, James Ocampo of Benton, Arkansas; sister, Deborah Kay Wallace and husband Lacy of Norwood, North Carolina; niece and nephews, Kirk Huneycutt, Dale Huneycutt, Leisha Wallace, Michael Huneycutt, Dustin Wallace, and Aaron Wallace; and many more family members and friends who loved Howard and will miss him always. Reception visitation will be held from 1:00-3:00 PM, Saturday, January 7, 2017 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas. Funeral service, officiated by Rev. Mike Tittsworth, will follow at 3:00 PM. Memorials may be made for cancer research to CARTI Foundation Inc., in honor of Howard W. Moose; P.O. Box 55011, Little Rock, AR 72215. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home, a certified Veteran Care provider. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Billy Gene Tucker, 78, of Benton, passed away on January 5, 2017 at the Saline Memorial Hospice House in Bryant, following a valiant battle against cancer. A lifelong resident of the Little Rock area, he was born just before his twin sister Betty Jane on May 22, 1938, to Clyde and Lillie Tucker of Mabelvale. The family lived on Mabelvale Pike, and he grew up running with his older brothers along the Fourche Creek bottoms. He attended Mabelvale schools and graduated from Mabelvale High School. A member of the class of 1956, he was voted Most Athletic, playing baseball, football, and, on the strength of his fade-away jump shot, made the all-county team in basketball. After high school, he joined the U.S. Army Reserve and was a member of the Match Rifle team. He began his business career at Union National Bank in Little Rock, working the night shift in the transit room, compiling the day’s transactions. Another duty was returning bad checks to local businesses and government offices and exchanging them for cash. This was all done by hand in the 1950s, and he told of strolling around downtown from store to store and down to the courthouse, returning checks and walking back to the bank with a briefcase full of cash. “It wasn’t unusual to carry the briefcase back to the bank, by myself, with $50,000 in it,” he said. “Can you imagine a bank letting that happen today?” He left the banking business in 1960 to work as a field engineer for National Cash Register. He started out repairing mechanical cash registers, and when he retired thirty-four years later, he was working on computerized registers, bank machines, and scanners, making many lifelong friends along the way. He was never idle. He loved to tinker, rebuilding and restoring things like furniture, guns, and a solid brass cash register. He loved to hunt and fish, spending hours in the woods and on the water with family and friends alike, most especially with his nephew, Don Tucker. He was in the stand with both of his grandsons when they got their first deer and nobody was happier for them than him. He loved to take kids fishing to see their excitement when their bobber ducked under the water, and even in his last months, he got as excited as an eight-year-old about a big catfish he caught. He loved to water ski and taught lots of kids, spending hours in the boat pulling them one after another. He loved to bowl and did so competitively for years at alleys all over the Little Rock area. The bowling was fun, but his favorite part was the friendship and time spent with his bowling buddies. He was always ready to help friends or family with a project, spending hours remodeling houses and repairing cars, and he was one of the first to check on a sick friend and see what he could do for them. He will be missed by many. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Ed Tucker. He is survived by his wife, Julie Mahan Tucker of Benton, his son Bill Tucker, Jr and wife Karen of Lonsdale, his stepson Billy Mahan and wife Tiffany of Benton, his stepdaughter Robin Pfaff and husband David of Seattle, his brother Carroll Tucker, and his sister Betty Duff, both of Little Rock. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Sam Tucker, Rachel Tucker, Trea Mahan, and Lexi Mahan. He leaves behind a host of nephews and nieces, cousins, and friends to cherish his memory. Pallbearers are Sam Tucker, Trea Mahan, Billy Mahan, Kelly Tucker, Daniel Tucker, and Ralph Brink, Jr. Honorary pallbearers are all of his bowling buddies and old friends from NCR. A Visitation/Reception will be held on Sunday from 2-4 PM at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, January 9, 2017 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home with burial at Philadelphia Cemetery in Prattsville, Arkansas. Service entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.