Read to learn who was in World War II, who was VP of her company, who enjoyed pranks, who was a librarian, a nurse, a hat collector, who watched murder mysteries, who was a woman in construction, a shriner, or a newspaper pressman.
Shirley Jean Cathcart, age 53, of Benton, passed away Thursday, July 6, 2017. She was born October 3, 1963 in Orange, Texas. Shirley previously had worked for the Bossier Parrish Police Jury as an office manager. She was preceded in death by her father, Jospeh W. Ham. She is survived by her husband, Gary Cathcart of Benton; daughter, Cassie Camp (Burl Jr.) of Benton; son, Jonathan Young of Louisiana; brother, Joseph Ham, Jr. of Louisiana; four sisters, Kandy Fowler of Louisiana, Debra Peterson of Louisiana, Regina Cash of Texas and Marcy Sepulvado of Texas; seven grandchildren, Grace, Landry, Kimber, Colton, Madi, Skyler and Jackson and several nieces, nephews and other family and friends. A celebration of Shirley’s Life will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 9 at Ten Mile Creek off Ten Mile Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital @ 501 St. Jude Place in Memphis, TN 38105.
Jimmy L. Bramlett, of Benton, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family on July 7, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born in Pocahontas, AR, Jimmy was born November 9, 1945. He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 47 years, Ola Hawkins Bramlett, and two daughters, Jayme Bramlett and Andrea Lee (Jared). He lived and breathed for his seven grandchildren: Caroline and Mary Kate Folds, Collin, Josie and Logan Lee, Talita and Beatriz Vermiglio. Jimmy is also survived by by four brothers, Benny (Peggy), Johnny (Paula), Tommy (Carol), a sister, Colma Lee Grissom (Louie Devereux) and his best friend, Larry Tittle. Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, Norman Bramlett, and Reva and CC Decker, and his lifelong friend, Danny Flores. Jimmy was a Vietnam Veteran, having served in the United States Army. After 32 years of service, Jimmy retired from Alcoa as a lab technician. He was an active member of Salem United Methodist Church and served in many capacities over the years. He rode broncs, played baseball and coached both daughters in softball. Jimmy loved life. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, and Harley motorcycle rider. He was quite the jokester and always enjoyed a good prank. Many tall tales have been told with his friends and family. He was loved by all that knew him, and leaves a huge void in many lives. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Salem United Methodist Church, 1647 Salem Rd, Benton, AR with Rev. Carlton Cross officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jimmy Bramlett to Salem United Methodist Church or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Ashby Funeral Home, Benton, AR
Marilyn Edith Lane, age 86, of East End, was born June 17, 1931 to Frederick Ernest and Grace Mockridge. She went home to be with the Lord on July 9, 2017 after an extended illness. She was born in Maywood, CA and was educated at the SDA academy in Lynwood, CA. She was married at 16, Jack Lane, a handsome sailor and they raised their children in Southern California. She moved to Little Rock in 1998 after 36 years of service with Anthony Industries. At the time of her retirement, she was Vice President and treasurer of the company. She was fiercely dedicated to her husband, her immediate and extended family and to education and loved to attend the many graduations of her children and grandchildren. She also loved to travel the world as well as serve the children and women at her church and throughout the community. She is survived by her three children; Adrienne Grace Murphy (Ray), Jack William Lane, Jr (Cathy), and Jon Frederick Lane (Christi), 15 grandchildren; Merri, Valerie, KyLeyne, Stephanie, Jack, Jody, Ashley, Jeffery, Melissa, Jenni, Jonny, Kadance, Billy, Statler and Brad, and 17 great-grandchildren; Bethany, Karrah, Bradley, Hunter, KayLea, Annie, Zoe, Jackson, Talmadge, Truman, Will, Ethan, Olivia, Eliza, Serenity, BradLee, Fiona, Jonny and Lilly. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack William Lane; her brother, William J. Mockridge and her great-grandson, Lane McKinnon Fox. Pall Bearers will be Jack William Lane, Jr., Jon Frederick Lane, Raymond Murphy, Jack William Lane, III, Joseph Davage Lane, Jeffery Raymond Lane, Jon Frederick Lane, Jr., and Benjamin Bradley Fox. Her funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m, Saturday, July 15 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 13901 Quail Run Dr., Little Rock, AR 72210. Flowers can be sent to Ashby Funeral Home, 108 Narrowway in Benton, AR.
Edna Sue Walston, 81 of Benton, died on July 10, 2017. She was born December 8, 1935 at Nashville, Arkansas to the late Ed and Ada Watson Walston. She graduated from Nashville High School in 1953. Edna received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hardin University in 1957 and a Master of Science in Library Science from East Texas State University in 1960. She did further studies at the University of Arkansas and at the University of Colorado. As a life work, she chose to be a junior high school librarian. Her first job was a Holly Grove, Arkansas. After six years, she moved to El Dorado in 1963. As librarian in the same junior high school for 26 years, she retired in 1989 to be a care giver to her father in her home. While active, she was a member of many professional organizations associated with education. This included being a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, a professional society of Women educators. At the prime of her life, she served on the Cerebral Palsy Board of Union County and looked forward to working with the local television telethon each year. Her interests were varied. She enjoyed much travel with the Golden Voyagers, a group of fellow Christians. She was an avid genealogist. After she had thoroughly researched on her own family history, she was dedicated to helping her friends learn more about their family history. Miss Edna, as she was known by her friends, became a Christian in 1948. For many years, she was a member at college Avenue Church of Christ in El Dorado, where she was the church librarian and a Bible school teacher. After she moved to Benton, she worshiped at Northside Church of Christ and enthusiastically worked in the benevolent program. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Martha Bauer. She will be missed by her niece, Angela Bauer, other loved ones and friends. Chapel services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 10:00 a.m. Friday with Jim Gardner officiating. Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. at County Line Cemetery in Nashville, Arkansas. Visitation will be at Ashbys, Thursday, 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Dennis Ray Dovers, age 67, of Benton, passed away Monday, July 10, 2017. He was born August 4, 1949 in Dumas, Arkansas. Dennis was a Union Painter and Construction worker. He was preceded in death by his parents, A.Z. and Clara (Bunting) Dovers and a sister, Carolyn Dandurand. He is survived by two daughters, Amy Davis Lowry (Chad) of Benton and Carnesha Dovers Robertson (Danny) of Beebe; sister, Martha Highsmith (Buddy); brother, Bryan Dovers (Paula) all of Benton and five grandchildren, Geoffrey “Jordan” Covert, Mason Ray Kaw-Liga Dovers, Daly Rose Robertson, Dawson Lane Robertson and Chloe Dakota-Anne Covert. Dennis was a loving father, PaPaw and brother. He was always helping wherever he was needed. His family was his passion and he will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association @ P.O. Box 15829 in Arlington, VA 22215. A private family graveside service will be held at a later date.
Nicole Marie Linenfelser, 38 of Alexander, passed away July 11, 2017. She was born January 2, 1979 in Rockford, Illinois to Robert David Bruce Linenfelser and Cheri Lynn DeGroff. Nicole was a case manager at the Counseling Clinic for the past several years. She had a very caring, helpful personality and an infectious, indescribable laugh that many will not forget. Nicole was preceded in death by her father, David Linenfelser. She is survived by her fiancé, Mark Olson of Alexander, sons, Trevor and Ryder Linenfelser, daughter, Sophia Linenfelser, sisters, April Jez and Angela Linenfelser, both of Benton, mother and step father, Cheri and Bill Farnam. A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 15 at Ashby Funeral Home at 1:00 p.m. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Iris Virginia Hirman, age 78, of Benton, passed away Thursday, July 13, 2017. She was born September 29, 1938 in Little Rock, Arkansas. Mrs. Hirman was retired from Philips Lighting and a member of West Bauxite Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy R. and Steva Lee Strange; son, Gregory Caple and a daughter, Cheryl Hawkins. She is survived by her husband, Milton Hirman; son, Joe Caple; step-son, Michael Hirman; two brothers, Hugh and Michael Strange; sister, Barbara Wood; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Visitation will be 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, July 16 at Ashby Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 17 at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Forest Hills Cemetery. The family will be gathering at the home of Joe Caple @ 211 W. Lea Circle in Bryant, Ar. 72022.
James ‘J.P.’ Patrick Blankenship, 66 of Tull, AR, entered Heaven’s gates peacefully after a hard-fought battle with cancer, on Thursday, July 13, 2017. He was of the Baptist faith. He was born June 4, 1951 to the late James Edward and Wanda Glee Walden Blankenship. He was preceded in death by his parents, and 2 half brothers He is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth Buckelew Blankenship, they would have celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary on August 12, 2017; his son, Nathan Blankenship (Kelly); daughter, Jamie Yates; and grandchildren, Jacob, Caleb, and Natalie. Other survivors include his brothers, Ben Blankenship (Karen) and Roger ‘Bo’ Blankenship; sister, Donna Blankenship; and a host of family and friends. Visitation will be held at Sunday, July 17, 2017, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Ashby Funeral Home Chapel in Benton. Funeral will be Monday, July 18, 2017, 2:00pm, at Ashby Funeral Home Chapel in Benton, AR, with burial at Ebenezer cemetery in Tull, AR. The Air Force will be conducting military honors. Brother Kim Hammer will be officiating. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
James Edward Toney, age 93, of Benton, went to his Heavenly Home July 14, 2017. He was born in Camden, Arkansas on March 31, 1924. James grew up in Carthage, Arkansas and married his high school sweetheart Hattie Williams on September 9, 1941. He joined the U.S. Army in 1943, serving in the Philippines during World War II, and received the Purple Heart. Returning home in 1946, he found employment with Reynolds Metal Company in Bauxite and moved his family to Pine Haven. In 1950, they moved to Benton. James was preceded in death by his parents, J. A. and Cleo Toney; sister, Louise Morris; brothers, Rayford and Morley Toney and his wife of 65 years, Hattie Williams Toney. Survivors include his sons, Ronnie (Mary) and Terry (Polly) Toney; daughter, Barbara Wheeler all of Benton; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He was a frequent visitor to the Benton Senior Center where he met his best friend and companion, Jessie Smith. James was also a long time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Benton. Pallbearers will be: grandsons, Chris Brown and Michael Toney; great-grandsons, Cameron Hollowell and Jackson Huskey; grandsons-in-law, Matt Magby and Brett Huskey. Honorary pallbearers will be: grandson, Tony Wheeler; great-grandsons, Jordan and Jared Huskey and Tyler Toney. Visitation will be 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, July 18 at Ashby Funeral Home with funeral services beginning at 11:00 a.m. Bro. Kim Hammer will be officiating. A private interment to be at Pine Crest Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saline Hospice or Hospice Home Care on Bowman Rd in Little Rock, Ar. The family wishes to thank Jessie Smith, Southern Trace, Elijah’s Place at Mt. Carmel, Saline Hospice, Saline Hospital, Hospice Home Care on Bowman Rd in Little Rock, Doctors, Nurses, all Caregivers and our many Friends for their love, support and the many prayers offered to God during these past months. THANK YOU!
Amanda French Crawford, 34 of Benton, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Friday, July 14, 2017. She fought a long and courageous battle with post transplant complications. Amanda was born in Arlington, Texas on April 14, 1983 to Estol and Sharon Myrick French. She was born again into God’s family by her faith Jesus Christ and his assurance of the gift of eternal life. She was a 2001 graduate of Benton High School and member of the Southern Bells Choir, receiving many awards. After high school, she attended Henderson State University on a vocal music scholarship, but was diagnosed with cancer during her first year. After her initial battle with cancer, she returned to college to pursue a career in Nursing, later graduating from the College of the Ouachita’s school of nursing in 2004. She spent the next decade working as a family practice nurse. Amanda is survived by her husband, Shane Crawford, brother, Justin (Lizzy) French, sister, Jennifer (Brian) Cunningham, parents, Estol and Sharon French and numerous nieces and nephews. Church services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at Ten Mile Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Will Diggs officiating. Burial will follow at Ten Mile Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Ashby’s. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Dolores Ann Gile, age 85, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas passed away peacefully in Hot Springs, Arkansas on July 17, 2017. She was born October 26, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan. She was a member of The Women’s Club at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church. Dolores was a simple woman whom everyone loved, especially her husband of nearly 65 years, John Giles. Dolores is preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Barbara Gough; and two brothers, Donald Jaffray and Jerry Jaffray. She is survived by her husband, a sister, Joan Barron; 12 nieces and nephews; and many other family members and dear friends. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at: https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=32112&32112.donation=form1& Funeral Services will be held in Clinton, Michigan. Local arrangements are by CedarVale Funeral Home located at 200 Minorca Road in Hot Springs Village.
Daniel Scott Ray, of Alexander, went to be with the Lord on Friday, June 30, 2017, at the age of 23. A private, family memorial will be held in memory of him. He was born to Milton and Sherry Ray. Daniel was the brother of Michael Ray, and his wife Jessica. And the twin of David Ray. He was the grandson of Mary Copper Johnson. He had many other loving family members. Daniel is preceded in death by his grandparents Doris and Sandford Ray, and Jimmy Cooper. He was attending UALR working on a business degree. However, he was a writer at heart. He had compassion for others resulting in friends all over the world. He collected hats and had one for every occasion. He owned over one hundred hats. He filled the lives of those around him with joy and excitement. He will be dearly missed.
Rhonda Ann Theel, age 57 of Benton, passed away on July 6, 2017. She was born to Carol Henderson in Houston, TX on December 23, 1959. She loved taking care of her family. Watching murder mysteries, cooking and gardening were some of her favorite activities. Rhonda is preceded in death by her mother, Carol Cox; father and mother-in-law, Sue and Ronnie Theel; two grandsons, Cev Wright and Jacob White; and father-in-law, Bill Burrow. She is survived by her loving husband of 17 years, Bobby Theel; six children, Niki (Larry), Jessie (Tony), Cori, Justin (Holly), Brandon (Mandi), and Scout; 17 grandchildren, Matteah, Daxton, Ellie, Ethan, Lily, Bella, Serenity, Aiden, Van, Charlee, Alexis, Haley, Kenzleigh, McKenzie, Khloie, Boyd and Saylor; sisters, Lynn Suggs and Cindy Cox; Brother, Jason Cox and a host of friends and family who all love and will miss her dearly. A celebration of life will be held at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at 11:00 AM. Visitation will be Tuesday night from 6-8PM at the funeral home. To sign online guest book, go to www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com
Eutha Bishop Scott, 83, of Benton passed away Monday, July 3, 2017. She was born on May 5, 1934 to Ted and Sarah Boggan in Griffithville, Arkansas. Eutha graduated from Griffithville High School and worked as a secretary in law offices before moving to the construction business. She was a long-standing member of Women in Construction, serving as their regional director, mentoring too many in the construction industry. She and her late husband, Jack Scott, owned Champion Builders until her death. Eutha was a member of Highland Valley United Methodist Church. Eutha was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; son; Rick Bishop, and daughter; Julie Bishop. She leaves behind, two children; Doug (Carol) Bishop, Ted (Becky) Bishop, daughter-in-law; Kathy Bishop, and eight grandchildren. The family would like to thank Jeanette Coulter, Eutha’s caregiver, and the staff at Mt. Carmel for the love and support they gave their mother. Visitation will be held Monday, July 10, 2017 from 12-2 pm in the chapel of Pinecrest Funeral Home, 7401 Hwy 5 N., Alexander, Arkansas, a funeral service will follow at 2. Please share your memories of Eutha at www.dignitymemorial.com/pinecrest-funeral-home-memorial-park.
Darren Michael Wilkerson, 52, of Mabelvale, passed away July 5, 2017. He was born November 19, 1964 in Little Rock, Arkansas to Bill Wilkerson and Glenda Lawson. Darren leaves behind his father; Bill Wilkerson (Florence), his mother; Glenda Lawson, two children; Stephanie Wilkerson, Devin Wilkerson, two sisters; Stephanie Sweaton, Lilly Lawson, two grandchildren; Thayden Coleman and Emma Wilkerson. A Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 12, 2017, from 12-2 pm in the visitation room of Pinecrest Funeral Home, 7401 Hwy 5 N., Alexander, Arkansas. Please share your memories of Darren at www.dignitymemorial.com/pinecrest-funeral-home-memorial-park.
Linda Ailene Ballard, 68, of Mabelvale, Arkansas, passed away July 6, 2017. She was born March 2, 1949 in Monroe, Louisiana. She is preceded in death by her father Joseph Ballard; and her brother Thomas E. Ballard. She is survived by her mother Elizabeth Elder Ballard; two sisters Mary Ann Kappel (Len), and Elizabeth Ballard; one brother Robert Ballard (Cynthia); and a host of nieces, nephews, great- nieces, and great- nephews. Services will be held Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Pinecrest Funeral Home; with a visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park.
William Lester Dillon Sr., 91, of Benton, Arkansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 15, 2017. He was born in Dewitt, Arkansas on November 3, 1925, to the late Manley and Amanda (Mandie) Dillon. He is preceded in death by his wife, Natalie Wilder Dillon; parents; brothers Richard, Richmond, and Charles Dillon. He is survived by his children, Bill Dillon, Jr, and Denise Dillon Chism (Clint); grandchildren, Casey Harris, Kimberly Robbins (Lance), Carly Morris (Shane), Candy Chism West (Monty), Joey Chism (Shannon), and Caleb Chism; and 14 great- grandchildren. He graduated from Little Rock Central High School in 1943. Upon graduation, he joined the United States Navy in which he served in the Pacific during World War II as a Signalman Second Class. He retired from St. Paul Insurance Company following 30 years of service as a Claims Representative/ Insurance Adjuster. He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, Gideons International, a Perpetual Member of Pulaski Heights Masonic Lodge No. 673, and a Shriner. He was also a member of FAY Hempstead Lodge, and Occidental Council No. 1. He loved serving his Lord, Jesus Christ, and serving others. The family would like to offer a very special thanks to Heartland Rehab Staff, who truly became our friends and family, for the special care and love given to Mr. Dillon (Daddy). Thank you all so very much. We love you. A graveside service will be held at Pinecrest Memorial Park Wednesday, July 19, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 18, 2017, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Pinecrest Funeral Home, 7401 Hwy 5 North, Alexander, Arkansas. To sign the online guestbook go to www.Pinecrestmemorialpark.com
Bradford Ray Hicks, 71, of Benton, passed away on July 4, 2017. He was born on May 26, 1946 in Tull, Arkansas to the late Lonnie and Vera (Ashcraft) Hicks. Mr. Hicks is survived by one brother; Mike Hicks of Benton, many nephews and nieces. Cremation arrangements by Roller-Ballard Funeral Home, (501) 315-4047.
Timothy (P-Paw) Carl Shepard,64, of Bryant died Sunday, July 9, 2017. He was born March 5, 1953 in Eufaula, Alabama to the late Albert and Margret Sinquefield Shepard. He served in the United States Navy from 1983 to 1986, and also in the Reserves. Survivors include his wife of 24 years Doris (Nenee) Odom Bruce Shepard; two sons, Shawn Shepard and Joseph Berry Bruce, three daughters, Misty Hamilton, Tina Bruce (Sherry), and Cyndie Bruce Tharp (Robert) ; one brother, Michael Leroy Shepard (Sara); twelve grandchildren, Forrest Lee Hamilton, Hudson Cole Hamilton, Sydney Jewel Stephan, Keegan Reed Barfeild, Sarah Michelle Erwin, Sophia Danielle Shepard, Gage Dalton Tharp, Chris Tharp (Mary Morgan), Brian Tharp (Mi randa), Shelby Katill Bruce, Abby Grace Bruce, and Stephen Bruce; five great grandchildren, Anslee Tharp, Tucker Tharp, Victor Tharp, Jason Tharp, and Zaiden Lee Hamilton; two nieces, Rachael and Bethany, and one nephew, Chris, and Numerous great nieces and nephews Memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, July 14, 2017 in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton (315-4047).
Patricia Darlene Kehrees, 84, of Benton passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2017. She was born Novemeber 10, 1932 in Excelsior Springs, MO to the late Albert Booker and Edith Booker Crumley, Patricia was a retired antique dealer. In addition to her parents, her husband, George A. Kehrees also preceded her in death. Survivors include four sons, Tom Kehrees (Margie) of Bryant, Mark Kehrees (Terri) of Bryant, Tony Kehrees (Karen) of Kansas City, and Kelly Kehrees of Kansas City; eight grandchildren, Andrea Mierop (Jimmy), Andrew Kehrees, Nick Kehrees, Alex Kehrees (Rayann), Kelsey Kehrees, Paul Bradley, Jason Bradley, and Brian Bradley; and one great-grandson, Jimmy Mierop. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 12:00 p.m. Thursday morning, July 13, 2017 at Roller-Ballard Funeral Home Chapel (315-4047).
Thomas Joe Skubal, II of Benton, Arkansas passed away July 6, 2017. He was born December 15, 1953 at Camp Kilmer, New Jersey to Georgia Ann Marshall and the late Thomas Joe Skubal, Sr. Thomas was a power plant operator at Baptist Medical Center. Thomas loved riding his motorcycle. Favorite times were spent in late night talks with his children and grandchildren. He also enjoyed taking his family on vacations to the beach at Destin and Panama City. Thomas was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Joe Skubal, Sr. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Eunice Lynn Skubal of Benton, Arkansas; two daughters: Amber Joyce Ochoa and husband Eduardo of Benton, Arkansas and Angie Marie Demo and husband Bill of Jacksonville, Florida; grandsons: Seth Ochoa, Easton Ochoa, and Scotty Garner; granddaughters: Maddie Demo and Katie Demo; mother, Georgia Lauderdale of Phoenix, Arizona; two sisters, Kathy Bell and husband Dennis of Iowa and Angie Snelling and husband Tim of Phoenix, Arizona; his “girls” at the ball diamond; and many more family members and friends who loved Thomas and will miss him always. Memorial service, officiated by Rev. Edward Kitchens, will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Thursday, July 13, 2017 at Gospel Light Baptist Church, 910 W. Hazel Street, Benton, Arkansas. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook:www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Acie Claude Blair, 81, of Benton, Arkansas passed away surrounded by his family July 10, 2017. He was born October 13, 1935 in Benton, Arkansas to the late Alton and Annie Beardon Blair. Acie proudly served during the Korean conflict in the United States Army. He owned his own welding shop for many years. Acie was a member of Dotted Lake Hunting Club. He was an avid fisherman, deer hunter and loved spending time with his family. He was kind-hearted and never met a stranger. His family want to live their lives in the example set forth by this amazing man. Acie was preceded in death by his wife, Willie Mae Blair; parents, Alton and Annie Blair; daughter, Kimberly Blair; sister, Letha Caple; and three brothers, Alton Blair, Jr., Albert “Pete” Blair, and Alfred Blair. He leaves to cherish his memory two sons, Anthony “Tony: Blair of Benton, Arkansas and Michael Blair of Benton, Arkansas; daughter, Melissa Whitney; eleven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two sisters, Linda Witham and husband Donnie of Benton, Arkansas and Helen Pierce of Benton, Arkansas; two brothers, Alan “Buddy” Blair and Arlie Blair of Benton, Arkansas; many nieces and nephews; and a host of family members and friends who love Acie and will miss him always. Reception visitation will be held from 2:00-4:00 PM, Friday, July 21, 2017 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas. Memorial service, with military honors, will follow at 4:00 PM in the chapel. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home, a certified Veterans Funeral Care provider. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Geneiva W. James, 83, of Benton went to be with the Lord on Monday July 10, 2017 while in a nursing home. Geneiva was born on March 9, 1934 to the late Robert and Ella (Hickman) Cook in Bauxite, Arkansas. Genieva was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved spending time with her family. Geneiva was preceded in death by her husband of 36 years Richard James, two sons; Richard and Ronnie James and one daughter: Nancy Capps. She is survived by one daughter Tammie Adams and her husband Larry of Bauxite, five grandchildren: Kerry Goodnight and her husband Jerry, Christopher Adams, Brent James, Nikka Pettit and Amanda Adams and eleven great grandchildren. Visitation will be Thursday, July 13 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Smith-Benton Funeral Home Chapel, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas. Funeral will be held Friday at 2:00 PM at Smith-Benton Funeral Home with burial directly following at Smith-Rosemont Cemetery. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Guests may register atwww.smithfamilycares.com.
James Edward Echols, 85, of Mabelvale, passed away July 18, 2017. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and retired as a newspaper pressman at the Arkansas Gazette after 30 years of service. He then joined the family business, Lawn Mowers Plus. He served as a deacon at Chicot Road Baptist Church and was a member of the Gideons. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Thelma Lawler Echols, his wife, Lola Mae Echols, and two brothers, Harold Dean Echols and Billy Martin Echols. He is survived by his sons, Jeffery Alan Echols (Stephanie), James Richard Echols (Cindy), both of Mabelvale, and Ricky Lee Echols of the Fairplay Community; brother, Ronnie Lee Echols; grandchildren, Melissa Marie Reid, Vickie Lynn Echols, James Edward Echols, Ethan Grayson Echols, Anna Grace Echols, Victoria Alexis Thompson, Alexander Shell Thompson, Aiden Scott Thompson and Ashton Dale Thompson; and great-grandchildren, Maitlyn Marie Jones, Jacelyn Anne Jones and Trei Jackson Jones. Services are pending. Memorials may be made to the church at 13301 Chicot Rd., Mabelvale, AR 72103. Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., (501)224-2200. James’ online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
Pat Sidney Holloway, age 70, of Benton, AR was born September 16, 1946 in Sparkman, AR to the late Blake Holloway and Etta Mae O’Neal. He was a retired truck driver. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one sister, Marilyn Nowlin. He is survived by five children, Tracy Holloway and wife, Cindy of Manning, AR, Sid Holloway and wife, Wendy of Hampton, AR, Angela Roberts and wife, Tony of Bismark, AR, Jason Holloway and wife, Stacy of Fordyce, AR, and Matthew Holloway and wife, Kacie of Benton, AR; two siblings, Carolyn Wylie and husband, David of Hot Springs, AR, and Freddie Holloway of Sparkman, AR; brother-in-law, James Nowlin; two nieces, two nephews; ten grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Services entrusted to Arkansas Cremation.