Freda A. Holladay, 65 of Bryant, passed away on October 9, 2019. She was born on June 4, 1954 in England, Arkansas to the late Noah and Pearl Highlander Burkette. Freda is survived by her son, Jim Holladay of Benton, daughter, Angela Holladay of Benton, brothers, Tony, Jerry and Danny Burkette, sister, Betty Vougler of England, Arkansas, six grandchildren, three great grandchildren. Services will be held at a later date. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Billy “Bill” Curtis, 86. It is with deepest sympathy that we announce the passing of a beloved husband, father, uncle, American Hero, 2 time war veteran and friend to many. Major (retired) USAF Billy “Bill” Curtis passed away on October 9th at his home in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas at the age of 86 with family by his side. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years and best friend, Betty, 6 siblings, Orvist Curtis, Homer Curtis, Vivian Jones, Polly Whitby, Alene Moss and Charles Vernon “Dick” Curtis and his parents, Sam and Ella Cross Curtis. Bill is survived by his two children, Craig and Tamora Curtis, brother, Jimmy Curtis and a host of nieces, nephews and other family. A Celebration of Life and a Military tribute will be October 26th at the Village Church of Christ. Visitation at 10:00 a.m. with memorial to follow at 11:00. Bill was a veteran of the Korean War where he honed his gunnery skills aboard a B-26 Bomber flying combat missions. He earned the coveted title of Master of Air Defense and was an instructor teaching the top air crews in the USAF. He became an RO flying in reconnaissance aircraft, two of which were the RE-101 (Voodoo) and RF-4 (Phantom) in the Vietnam War, where he earned several medals, including two Distinguished Flying Crosses, several Bronze and Silver Air Medals, Combat Medals and Service Defense Medals. After completing his tour of duty in Vietnam, he was chosen to be a part of the “elite” group of airman involved in a test program (in conjunction with NASA) of the renowned Blackbird/SR-71. After his assignment, Bill retired from the Air Force and moved his family to Beebe, Arkansas to be close to his family that was scattered throughout central Arkansas and close to his hometown roots of Paron. He went on to graduate from the University of Central Arkansas with a Math Degree, where he earned an accumulative GPA of 4.0. He then started his 2nd career of teaching High School Algebra and Geometry until 1992. Bill and his wife, Betty retired and settled in Hot Springs Village. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Michael Wayne Millsap, age 60, of Benton, passed away Sunday, October 13, 2019. He was born July 21, 1959 in Russellville, Arkansas to the late Clyde and Modena Millsap. Michael worked in the logging business as a logger. He is survived by his wife, Shelia Parsons of Benton; son, Cody Parsons of Benton; two daughters, Jacqueline Kenner of Bauxite and Elizabeth Parsons of Conway; brother, David Millsap of Russellville; sister, Teressia Kehr of Sand Springs, Oklahoma and two grandchildren, Drake and Addyson Kenner. Graveside services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, October 17 at Ebenezer Cemetery in Tull.
William Robert “Bill” Filer, age 83, of Benton passed away Sunday October 13, 2019. He was born March 27, 1936 in Lexington, Kentucky. Bill was a retired Electronics Tech for Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, a US Army and Air Force Reserve Veteran, and a member of The First Baptist Church in Benton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lee Filer and Hazel Crumby Filer, one brother. Survivors, wife, Gail Holland Filer, Benton; daughter, Jenny (Carl) Bane, Benton; step-sons, Derek (Lee Anne) Crowson, Benton; Trey Crowson, Benton; Brett Crowson, Benton; step-daughter, Whitney Cochran, Benton; three grandchildren, six step- grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, ten step-great-grandchildren. Cremation services are by Ashby Funeral Home. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Ludie Clyde Kidd Pitts, 87 of Bauxite, passed away on October 14, 2019. She was born on July 31, 1932 in Saline County to the late Lude “Dago” and Rintha Clyde Ramsey Kidd. Ludie graduated from Bauxite High School in 1951. She was retired from Southwestern Bell after 32 years of service. Ludie was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Gary Gene Pitts and sister, Dorothy Lee Kidd Davenport. Ludie is survived by her extended family, Jeff (Annie) Willis and their children, Bethany, Dustin(Tiffany) and Austin Willis, step children, Danny L. Pitts and Vicki Diane Pitts Lamb; several grandchildren and great grandchildren. Gravesides services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday at New Friendship Cemetery with Bro. Carl Richey officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the New Friendship Cemetery. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Donna Lynn Tarver, age 59, of Benton, passed away Thursday, October 17, 2019. She was born March 31, 1960 in Columbus, Georgia. Donna worked for Walmart for 23 years. She was preceded in death by her step-mother, Anita Tarver and a step-son, Jeremy Holmes. She is survived by her father, Bobby Tarver; two brothers, Chris and Mark Tarver; sister, Denise Tarver; her best friend, Shelly Sory and a step-son, T. A. Holmes. Arrangements were made through Ashby Funeral Home.
Glenn Paul Brooks, age 83, of Benton, passed away Thursday, October 17, 2019. He was born February 2, 1936 in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. Glenn graduated from Bauxite High School and then served in the U. S. Army. He retired from Reynolds Metals and was a member of Northside Church of Christ. Glenn was preceded in death by his parents, Sam M. and Myrtle Brooks; wife, Jacquie Neal Brooks and two sisters, Edna Selby and Laverne Brooks. He is survived by extended family and friends. Pallbearers will be Cody Childs, Monte Hodge, Dick Tucker, John Lawrence, Glynn McCallister and Bruce Carlisle. Honorary pallbearers will be the Bauxite Old Timers. Visitation will be 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 21 at Ashby Funeral Home with services beginning at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery. Bro. Kim Hammer will be officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bauxite Museum.
Larry Gene Begley, age 69, of Benton passed away Saturday October 19, 2019. He was born July 17, 1950 in Harrison, Arkansas. Larry was the owner of Salem Dairy Bar in Benton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Garland and Maxine Edison Begley. Survivors, wife, Lucianne Begley, Benton; son and daughter-in-law, Brian (Laura) Begley, Benton; sisters, Garla Shaw, Yellville Arkansas; Virginia Jarrett, Springdale Arkansas; and Maryetta Griner, Wyandotte, Oklahoma; two grandchildren, Bailey Begley and Brody Begley. Arrangements are by Ashby Funeral Home. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Billy Martin Sr. 79, of Alexander passed away on October 12, 2019 with his family by his side. He was born on February 7, 1940 to the late Ben and Opal Martin in McCrory, Arkansas. Billy enjoyed working on four wheelers and watching his son race them, horse races, fishing, and bull riding in which he was a professional up until 1979. He also enjoyed working on his farm after he retired from Central Heat and Air after many years of service. Billy got most of his enjoyment out of spending time with his family and grandkids. He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, James Forrest Martin; and daughter, Heida Lea Martin. Billy is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Linda Sue Martin; two daughters; Alesha Martin, and Mira Evans and husband Shawn; son Billy Wade Martin Jr and wife Karen; six grandkids, Madison Martin, Lane Medlock, Mary Evans, Taylor Wade Martin, Ben Evans, Jude Evans; one great grandchild, Aubree Medlock; nephew, Dennis Martin and wife Jennifer; great niece, Jenna Martin, and a host of other family and friends who will miss him and love him very much. Visitation will be from 6-8 PM on Wednesday October 16, 2019 at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant, Arkansas. Celebration of life will be Thursday October 17, 2019 at 10:00 AM in the chapel at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home with graveside service to follow. To sign online guestbook, please visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
Brenda Gail Lancaster 70, of Benton passed away on October 12, 2019 with her family by her side. She was born on April 9, 1949 to the late Lilburn and Sybil Hill in Abernathy, TX. Brenda enjoyed going camping and fishing at the lake when she wasn’t enjoying a good nap. She loved spending time with her family and was a longtime member of Old Union Baptist Church in Benton, Arkansas. She is preceded in death by her parents; daughter Kimberly Lotts; five brothers; one sister; and grandson, Jakob Bono. Brenda is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Bill Lancaster; daughter Darla Landers “Lance”; son, Chris Lancaster; seven grandchildren Will, Gavin, Canyon, Cheyenne, Charis, Hayden, and Gracie; great grandchildren, Jakob, Ben, Sadie, and one on the way Beau; two brothers; 4 sisters; and a host of other family and friends who all loved her and will miss her dearly. Memorial service will be held at 2:00 Sunday October, 20, 2019 at Old Union Missionary Baptist Church in Benton, Arkansas. To sign online guestbook go to www.dialdudleyfuneralhome.com.
Elenor Doris Skubovius 82, of Alexander passed away on October 17, 2019 with her family by her side. She was born on October 14, 1937 to the late Alfrod and Gladys Edwards in Des Arc, Arkansas. Doris loved going to the casino and playing bingo. She also loved spending time with her family, and especially spoiling her grandkids. She is preceded in death by her parents; son Chuck Stoots; five brothers; and two sisters. Doris is survived by her sons Ricky Stoots “JoAnn” and Chris Stoots; one daughter, Sherry Cornet; one brother; ten grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and a host of friends and family who all loved her and will miss her dearly. The family will hold a private memorial service at a later date. To sign guestbook, visit dialdudleyfuneralhome.com.
Carl James Austin 58, of Little Rock passed away on October 17, 2019. He enjoyed nature and fishing. He loved to talk to people and was always making new friends. Carl truly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and taking care of others. He is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Lois Austin, daughter; Alycia Austin and father Dan Graham and nephew, Matthew Krueger. Carl is survived by his daughter; Bryanna “Mike” Bowers; son, Jonathan “Cheyenne” Austin, two grandchildren; Brooklyn and Landen Bowers; life partner, Peggy Trout; three brothers, Jessie “Priscilla” Austin, Pete Austin, and John Wayne “Mandy” Austin; three sisters; Minnie “Robert” Krueger, Gail “Chuck” Norton and Willie Overcast and a host of family and friends.
Robert Dean Benson 59, of Mabelvale passed away on October 17, 2019 with his family by his side. He was born on November 16, 1959 to Clyde and Gladys Benson in Portsmouth, Ohio. Robert loved being outside and enjoyed nature, hunting, and fishing. He also loved being with his family, especially spoiling his grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father, Clyde. Robert is survived by his loving wife of 28 years, Laura Benson; his mother, Gladys Campbell; two children, Chantal Dixon “Ricky” and Megan Maulden “Brian”; three grandchildren, Gabriel Salazar, Garrett Salazar, and Whitney Dixon; one sister, Kelly Course “Chris”; one brother, Brian Benson “Sheila”; and a host of family and friends who all loved him and will miss him very much. Visitation will be Sunday October, 20 2019 from 2-4 PM at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant, Arkansas. Celebration of life will be Tuesday October 22, 2019 at 12:30 PM at the funeral home with graveside service to follow. To sign guestbook please visit dialdudleyfuneralhome.com.
Erwin “Pete” Wasser, 84, of Benton passed away Saturday, October 12, 2019. He was born December 24, 1934 in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania to the late Erwin and Anita Wasser. He worked for Frito-Lay for 18 years and was a member of Connect Church in Russellville, Arkansas. Pete is survived by his wife, Betty Wasser, of Benton; two sons, Wayne Wasser (Kathy) of Crowley, Texas and Mark Wasser (Anna) of Jonestown, Texas; daughter, Elona Grimmett (Mark) of Bryant; grandchildren, Kyle, Amy, Amanda, Logan, Adam, Trent and Rhett; two great-grandchildren; and his sister, Barbara Voth of Souderton, Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Clarence Wasser; and sister, Gloria Pflieger. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heifer International, #1 World Ave., Little Rock, Arkansas 72202. A visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., Thursday, October 17, 2019, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m., at Smith Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Letty “Pixie” Wiggs, 70, of Benton, Arkansas passed away October 16, 2019. She was born March 7, 1949 in Hunter, Arkansas to the late Donald Wills, Sr. and Nerva Wills. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Wiggs; sisters, Carol Jones and Jan Leal; brothers, Donald Wills, Jr. and David Wills. She is survived by two daughters, Kimberly Kusar and husband, Rodney Mast of Mashalltown, IA; Jennifer Nutt and husband, Eric of El Dorado, AR; grandchildren, Steven Kusar, Hunter Nutt, Logan Nutt and Eleanor Nutt; sisters, Marvis Depew, Pat Scott, Margaret Thompson, and Gina Gilmore; brothers, Deri Wills and Dennis Wills; and many other family members and friends who loved Pixie and will miss her always. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Children’s Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or any charity that benefits Veterans. Visitation will be 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Friday, October 25, 2019 at Smith Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, October 26, 2019 at Smith Rosemont Cemetery, 1010 Military Road, Benton, Arkansas. Online guestbook at www.smithfamilycares.com.
Jimmy D. Phelps, 73, of Bryant, Arkansas was born August 5, 1946 to Ernest and Bernice Phelps in Lindale, Texas. He died October 12, 2019 at VA Medical Center in Little Rock. He was a US Vietnam Veteran and retired from Fed Ex Freight. Jimmy and his wife Jane, enjoyed owning and showing quarter horses, having three world champion Buckskins and one Dixie National Champion. He is survived by his wife of thirty-five years, Jane Parker Phelps; sons Shane (Nikki) Portland, Oregon and Jason (Wendy) Mulberry, Arkansas; two grandsons, Tucker and Anthony; three sisters, and four brothers. A memorial service will be held at a later date
Donna Renee Wallace, 63, of Bryant, Arkansas, passed away Sunday October 13, 2019. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband; William Wallace, children; Shanta Wallace, Michael Wallace Jr. (Fatisha) and Donna Wallace (Nickey), siblings; Andrea Jones (Alice), Willie Jones Jr. (Alicia), Jacqueline Wallace (Terry), Helen Browning, Linda Sanders (Raymond), Gwendolyn Hollis (Joseph) and a host of relatives and friends. Funeral services will be held Saturday October 19, 2019, 12 noon, Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 1305 South East Street, Benton, Arkansas. The family will receive friends tomorrow from 6-7 p.m. at the church. professional services entrusted to Hardy Funeral Home, 5300 West 12th Street (501) 372-4129. www.hardyfuneralhomeinc.com.
Farrell Elwood Loftis, 74, passed away October 7, 2019. He was born November 8, 1944 in England, Arkansas to Ermie and Ellene (Ray) Loftis. Farrell was a Vietnam Veteran, He went to diving school in the Navy and later became an underwater welder. He also coached baseball for many years at the Junior Deputy Park and Curran Conway. He is preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Susie Rhodes. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Loftis; three sons, Bodie Loftis, Rusty Loftis, and Doug (Sonjia) Loftis; two daughters, Wendy (Ray) Parker and Sarah Shadell; two brothers, Ben (Kathy) Loftis and Don Loftis; sister, Diane Ramsey; eight grandchildren, Taylor Loftis, Colby (Hannah) Loftis, Cody (Carley) Glenn, Logan Loftis, Cole Glenn, Austin Cloyd, Rachel Parker, and Cameron Parker; two great- grandchildren, Kameron Loftis and Kaison Loftis; and his dog, Bandit.
David Lee (D.L.) Bennett, 93, of Hot Springs Village, passed away October 14, 2019. He was born on July 10, 1926, in Rector, Arkansas to the late Willie Gregg and Ruth Elizabeth (Cagle) Bennett. David is succeeded by his sister Faye Bennett of Portland, Oregon, by nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, as well as many cousins. He was preceded in death by his brothers Russell and Glenn Bennett and his wife, Helen Bennett. He will be laid to rest by Helen’s side in CedarVale Cemetery. He was a Certified Public Accountant who always worked hard to obtain the best results for his clients, many of whom became his close friends. He was very happy, many years ago, being able to return to Arkansas from Indianapolis, Indiana, and, with Helen, to live and work in Hot Springs Village. His home, which looked over a lake, gave him much pleasure. He was a long time faithful and active member of Barcelona Road Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, he would prefer donations to Barcelona Road Baptist Church. At his direction, a graveside service will be held on October 17, 2019, at CedarVale Cemetery, Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, at 10:00AM, with Reverend John Stubblefield officiating. George William Fisher of Jessieville was born on May 12, 1933 and passed away on Monday, October 14, 2019. Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Caruth Village Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Rock Springs Cemetery.
Keith M. Wilkins, Jr. of Hot Springs Village was born on July 9, 1942 and passed away on Wednesday, October 16, 2019. Keith was a graduate of East High School, Memphis, Tennessee, where he lettered in football, basketball, and baseball. He proudly served in the United States Air Force. Memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice, 508 Ouachita Avenue, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas 71901.
Randall Stewart Garner, 59, passed October 14, 2019. Celebration of Life will be Saturday, October 19, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. at Bishop Park, 6401 Boone Rd., Bryant, Arkansas. Memorial Donations can be made to the American Lung Association. Arrangements entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, Jacksonville, Arkansas. Online Guestbook: www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com.