Henry Scroggins, 85 of Benton, died September 12, 2016. He was born to the late Ollie Coleman and Elsie Clark Scroggins in Casa, Arkansas on October 23, 1931. Henry was of the Baptist faith. He was a member of the International Union of Engineers for 51 years and was a heavy equipment operator. Henry was preceded in death by his parents, six brothers and six sisters. Survivors, wife, Betty Styers Scroggins of Benton, daughters, Theresa Richardson and husband, Wayne, Karen Penn and husband, Danny, Donna Sanders all of Benton, brother, O.C. Scroggins and sister, Helen Morrison, both of Benton and nine grandchildren. Graveside services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday at New Friendship Cemetery with Randy Ward officiating. Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Ashbys. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Winfred “Wimp” Nicklaus, 86 of Benton, passed away September 15, 2016. He was born April 14, 1930 in Benton to the late Lloyd and Molly Bethard Nicklaus. Wimp was retired from Alcoa after 31 years. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers in law, Jimmy Wright and Milton Davis. He is survived by his wife, Louise Nicklaus, daughters, Kathy Owrey and husband, David, Peggy Lewallen and husband, David, brother, Gary Nicklaus and wife, Barbara, sisters, Audrey Gillis and husband, Jim, Janet Wright, grandchildren, Jessica Lewallen, Katie Eastace, Shane Lewallen, Sheri Shoemaker and Andy Lewallen, great grandsons, Nevan, Everett, Wade, Liam, Eli and Oliver. Chapel services by Ashby Funeral Home will be Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Smith Rosemont Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Ashby Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church Debt Reduction Fund. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Ellen Elizabeth Jeans, 66 of Little Rock, passed away September 15, 2016. She was born April 27, 1950 in Hensley, Arkansas to the late Clyde and Leola Beard West. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters, Dorothy Smith, Gloria Shoemaker, Sue Spann and Claria Massey. Ellen is survived by her husband, Elton Jeans, son, Lee Jeans, daughter, Terri Jeans, seven grandchildren, one great grandson, sisters, Pauline Beard and Janice Skinner. Cremation was through Ashby Funeral Home. The family would like to thank Dr. Jamie Burton and Dr. Christopher Ross and all of the CARTI staff. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Viola D. Conley, 90 of Benton, passed away September 15, 2016 at home with her family. She was born January 1, 1926 in Bono, Arkansas. Viola was a graduate of Arkansas State University and received her master’s degree from Henderson State University. Viola’s teaching career spanned 43 years, 33 of those at Bauxite. After her teaching career, she spent several years doing volunteer work. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Benton for over 60 years. Viola was preceded in death by her parents, Loy and Ruby Atkinson and brother, Terrell (Grace) Atkinson. She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Myrom Conley, daughters, Nanette (Gary) Ramsey and Sherry (Dickie) Kentner, grandchildren, Chris (Donna) Ramsey, Kelli (Kenny) Burns, Eric (Carol) Jones and Amy (Jay) Turner, great grandchildren, Gabby Ramsey, Brayden Reddin, Gracie Ramsey, Dawson Turner, Justin Reddin and Hayley Turner. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Chris Ramsey, Eric Jones, Jay Turner, Kenny Burns, close family friends, Del Roberson and Jim Davis. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Lion’s Club and Coffee Group. Church services by Ashby Funeral Home will be 11:00 a.m. on Saturday at the First United Methodist Church in Benton. Burial will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery. Visitation will be at Ashby Funeral Home, Friday, 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to the First United Methodist Church or Saline Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Julia Evelyn Anderson, age 89, of Benton, passed away Sunday, September 18, 2016. She was born May 3, 1927 in Sour Lake, Texas. Mrs. Anderson was a homemaker and of the Church of God Faith. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Bradley Courts and Maggie Lillian Courts; husband, James C. Anderson; three sons, Alvin L., Carl E. and Delbert Anderson; two daughters, Virginia Hardin and Vivian Faye Ashworth; two brothers, Pete and Buddy Courts and two sisters, Lillian Westmoreland and June Guerney. She is survived by two sons, Robert D. Anderson (Barbara) of Benton and James A. Anderson (Nona) of Blanchard, Oklahoma; two sisters, Blanche Lowe of Woodville, Texas and Vivian Stanley of Kountze, Texas; eight grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 20 at Summit Cemetery.
Carolyn Russell, 59 of Benton, passed away September 21, 2016. She was born August 14, 1957 in Little Rock to Harry McClendon and Marilyn Ogles. Carolyn is survived by her sons, Jimmy (Rachel Jenson) Russell, Gary (Sierra Teague) Russell, David Russell, daughter, Cassandra Russell, brothers, Jerry and Harry McClendon, Ronnie Sanders, sister, Lexie McCallister and twelve grandchildren. Visitation will be Saturday at Ashby Funeral Home, 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Cremation will follow visitation. On line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Eva Price Singletary (September 24, 1948 – September 8, 2016) took one last step on life’s brief journey. A journey filled with joy, laughter, fun, family, friends, sickness, sorrow, hurt, suffering and all the rest that this life offers. She started a new journey, God met her at those pearly gates and gave her a new body, wiped all the tears from her eyes and welcomed her to the homecoming celebration held in her honor. She met Jesus and all of our family lined up to welcome her home. I will join her some day on that new journey but for now we will miss her and all the happiness she gave us in our short time together. There are tears of sadness for our loss but tears of joy for Eva’s victory over death. The family wants to personally thank each prayer partner who prayed for us during this difficult battle. Thank God for His Spirit that has walked with us during this two year journey. We love each of our family and friends. Dennis and Eva’s relationship should not be remembered by her pain and death but by the years of happiness we experienced together. She is survived by her husband Dennis Singletary, son Jon Singletary and his wife Wendi, son Nathan Singletary and his wife Roxanne, daughter Karin Smith and her husband Todd Smith, daughter Erin Boschetti and her husband Mic Boschetti. She is also survived by two brothers Rodney Price and Wade Price and their families. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church in Little Rock on September 17: Visitation 10:00-11:00 Memorial Service 11:30. We want to thank each friend and family member for your support and prayers during this difficult time.
Rocky Koon Sr. 63, of Mabelvale passed away on September 17, 2016 with his family by his side. He was born on December 10, 1952 to the late, Bo and Frankey Koon in Little Rock, Arkansas. Rocky enjoyed hunting, fishing, wood working and he could build anything he set his mind to. He loved his family with his whole heart. Rocky is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Buddy Joe Koon. He is survived by his loving wife, Karen Koon; four sons, Rocky Koon Jr (Renae), Thomas Koon (Rhonda), Gary Koon and Joshua Koon (Amanda); three brothers, Walter Koon, Stoney Koon and Gene Koon; six grandchildren; three great grandchildren and a host of family and friends who all loved him and will miss him dearly. Celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at 11:00 AM at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home in Bryant with visitation one hour prior to the service. To sign online guest book visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
Alfred Martin Bradford III 61, of Benton passed away on September 18, 2016 at his home with his family by his side. He was born on March 31, 1955 to the late, Alfred and Ollie Bradford in West Helena, Arkansas. Alfred was a family man. He loved his wife of 40 years, his kids and grandkids. Alfred was one of Jehovah Witnesses. What he loved doing most was spending time in the ministry talking about God’s kingdom. He enjoyed life and was full of life. Alfred is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Sherrie Bradford; three children, Alfred Martin Bradford IV, William Tarrence Bradford (Alicia) and Courtney Jene’ Bradford-Mbaye (Lamine); six grandchildren, Curtis, Amari, Kiley, Olivia, Chloe and Aminata; three sisters, Ruby Woody (David), Delores Taylor-Orr and Charlotte Bradford; brother, Robert Bradford (Mona) and a host of family and friends who all loved him and will miss him dearly. Memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 5:00 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witnesses in Mabelvale. To sign online guest book visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
Mary Dyer, 83, of Benton, passed away on September 18, 2016 with her family by her side. Mary was born on August 6, 1933 to the late, Delbert and Ethel DePriest in Paron, Arkansas. She retired from Reynolds Metal after many years and was a member of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church for 64 years; she was a member of the Kate Wright Sunday School Class and a member of the Senior Saints Choir. She worked as a sub in Judge Grisham Phillips office in the Saline County Courthouse in Benton, past President of Saline County Democratic Women, charter member of the Saline County Business and Professional Women, board member of Hurricane Creek Federal Credit Union, served many years on the Waste Water District and a board member of the CADC. She was a very loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Mary is survived by her two sons, Denny Dyer (Pat) and Bo Dyer (Linda); seven grandchildren, Greg Dyer (Shelly), Carlena Heath (Chris), Chris Dyer (Tausha), Niki Mathews (Steven), Dustin Dyer (Ashley), Kyle Dyer and Charlie Butler (Blair), sixteen great- grandchildren, Alix, Dalton, John, Zach, Kayla, Johnathan, Cali, Cole, Carley Ramsey (J. Alan), Daniel, Ethan, Lane, Austin, Jared and Gwenna; four sisters; Charlcie, Joyce, LaVeda and Brenda, and a host of family and friends that all loved her and will miss her dearly. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Sharon Missionary Baptist Church in Benton with Pastor Sean Collins officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service (1:00 PM) at the church. To sign Mary’s online guest book visit www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com.
Dennis Lee Evans Sr., of Mabelvale, AR, passed away on September 10th, 2016, at the age of 63. He was born in Little Rock, Arkansas on March 24th, 1953. He worked for the Saline County Sherriff’s Department, but retired from the Pulaski County Sherriff’s Department after 21 years. The things he enjoyed most in life were riding his motorcycle, hunting, singing kareoke, and having a good time . He was preceded in death by his parents Kenneth Henry and Mary Lou Findlay Evans, and his brother Kenneth James Evans. He is survived by his wife Vestal Hern Evans, his son Dennis Lee Evans Jr. (Kali), his step- son Matthew Finch, his daughter Melissa Marie Evans, his step- daughter Misty Stillman (Jessy), his sister Sandra Fulmer (Sherman), 7 grandchildren that he loved dearly, and all other family and friends . Funeral Services with be 10:00 a.m. Thursday September 15th, 2016 at Griffin Leggett Forest Hills Chapel, 10200 Hwy 5 North, Alexander, AR 72002 (501)455-1067. Visitation will be 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday August 14th, 2016. To sign the online guest book, go towww.griffinleggettforesthills.com
Dorothy Horn went to meet the Lord Wednesday, September 14th, 2016 surrounded by her family. She was born in 1924 in England, Arkansas. She is preceded in death by her husband Allen Horn and parents Joseph and Viva Meeks as well as three sisters Alice, Edith, and Minnie Bell and two sons, Robert Ervin Uzzell and Garland Horn and one daughter Sandra Uzzell. She is survived by children Melvin Uzzell, Loyd Uzzell and Loette Jarratt along with a host of grandchildren, great-grand children and great-great grandchildren. Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 18, 2016 at 10:00 AM followed by funeral services at 11:00 am at Griffin Leggett Forest Hills Funeral Home, 10200 Hwy 5 North in Alexander, Arkansas. Please visit www.griffinleggettforesthills.com to sign the online guest book.
George Francis Cardinal, 78, of Mabelvale passed away September 20, 2016. He was born February 22, 1938 in Boston, Massachusetts to Walter Francis and Alta Wood Cardinal. George was a retired salesman from Coca-Cola. He loved to play pool, cribbage, cook, and collect coins. Most importantly of all George loved his grand children and great grandchildren. He was a man with a strong Christian faith . He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Russell and Arthur Cardinal; and his sister Muriel Johnston. He is survived by the love of his life Annette Rook Cardinal; his sons George Cardinal II and Stephen Cardinal(Sheila); his daughters Connie Dayer(Jack), Georgianna Oldham(Johnnie), and Suzanna Blackburn(Sean); one brother Alan Cardinal; one sister Norma Falzone; twenty one grandchildren; and seventeen great grandchildren . A memorial service will be held, Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at Griffin Leggett Forest Hills, 10200 Highway 5 North, Alexander, Arkansas 501-455-1067, with an inurnment to follow at Forest Hills Cemetery.
Infant MaLeigha Nichole LaShay Ellison, age six weeks, of Benton, earned her angel wings on the morning of Thursday, September 15, 2016. She was born at Saline Memorial Hospital on July 26, 2016 to Marcus Denell Ellison and Carlee Beth Smith . She was preceded in death by her maternal great-grandmother, Keatha Kay Wright, maternal great-great-grandmother, Carla L. Wright, and her great aunt, Ronnie Wright. . In addition to her parents, she is survived by five siblings, Brayden, Malakai, Isaac, Marcus Jr., and Keirra; her maternal grandparents, Homer L. Smith and Torie S. Holt; maternal great-grandparents, Edward Cook, William and Patricia Russell, and Homer E. Smith; maternal great-great grandfather, Kay A Wright; paternal grandmother, Barbara Doby; numerous uncles and aunts; numerous cousins, and other relatives. . Funeral services will be 1:00 pm., Wednesday, September 21, 2016 in the chapel of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton (501-315-4047) with Bro. Kim Hammer officiating. Interment will follow in Hicks Cemetery in Benton.
Reverend Bill Sims, of Benton, AR passed peacefully into his eternal home on September 14, 2016. Reverend Sims was born September 10, 1929 in Guy, AR to F. C. and Beatrice Sims of Greenbrier, AR. He was married to his best friend, Maxine Hawk Sims, for over 56 years . Reverend Sims attained his doctorate and was ordained from Central Christian University and faithfully served the Lord as an Assembly of God minister for many years. He served his country and was a US. Army veteran. He will be greatly missed by family and friends . He is preceded in death by his loving wife Maxine, parents, and a brother, B. D. Sims of Earle, AR . Loving memories are left to his daughter, Jamie E. Burton, (Joseph) of Benton; granddaughter, Jaden of Benton; a sister, Carlene Hall of Greenbrier; several nieces, and nephews . A memorial celebration of Reverend Sims will be held on a later date at St. John’s Chapel by the Creek in Benton. Interment will be private at Oak Grove Cemetery in Conway, Ar. . Arrangements under the direction of Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton (501-315-4047).
Ethel M Vicory, 87, born 12 July 1929 in Coalhill, TN, passed peacefully in her sleep surrounded by family on 15 September 2016. A long time resident of Lonsdale, AR, she is preceded in death by her parents James and Stella Futrell and five siblings. She is survived by her husband Gene Vicory, sisters Betty and Clara, their spouses, children Dave, Lloyd, Patsy, and Linda, their spouses, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Her light brightened the world around her as she touched the lives of all she met. She was loved and will be missed by all, but never forgotten. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, September 21st at 1:00 pm at Mountain Valley Baptist Church, 400 West Glazypeau Rd, Hot Springs Village, AR 71909
Fayrean “Angel” Devennie Owens, 31, of Benton died peacefully at home with her family on Wednesday. Angel was born on August 24, 1985 to Evelyn Ellison in Little Rock. Angel is preceded in death by her great grandmother: Christine Jones; Grandfather: Larry Hubbard and one very special cousin MaLeigha Ellison. She is survived by her husband Scott Owens of Little Rock; one son: De’Anthony Owens; Mother: Evelyn Fisher; three sisters: Dankela Clegg of Little Rock, LaToya Barrow and husband Tyrone of Benton and Alisha Boson of Benton; three brothers: Stephen Newborn and E’shawn Fisher and Leroy Summons all of Little Rock; one very special friend: Patrick Norris and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday September 24, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at Smith Benton Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Luther Green officiating. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Guests may register atwww.smithfamilycares.com.
Jimmie Dale Rhodes, 79, of Benton, Arkansas passed away September 19, 2016. He was born August 23, 1937 in Rosebud, Arkansas to the late Chester R. and Ollie Mae (Gray) Rhodes. Jimmie proudly served in the United States Army where he earned the Good Conduct Medal in the Korean War. He was a member of Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene. Jimmie raised and showed miniature horses. He also raised birds, doves, quail, and chickens. Spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren was the highlight of his life. Preceding him in death are his parents; grandson, Nathan Ghent; and brothers, Gerald Rhodes and Jake Rhodes. He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife of 46 ½ years, Anna (Horwath) Rhodes of Benton, Arkansas; children, Tammy Ghent and husband Steve of Searcy, Arkansas, Carola Craig of Hernando, MS, Paul Rhodes and wife Karla of Benton, Arkansas, and Bobby Wickliffe of Benton, Arkansas; nine grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; “adopted” daughter, Mary Ann Dunn; precious yorkie, Abby; and many other family members and friends who loved Jimmie and will miss him always. Reception visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, Wednesday, September 21, 2016 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas 72015. Funeral service, officiated by Pastor Tim Evans, will be held at 10:00 AM, Thursday, September 22, 2016 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Burial with military honors to follow with Dustin Willis, DJ Mansfield, Dillon Rhodes, Koty Mansfield, Jerry Mansfield, and Shawn Turner serving as pallbearers, at Smith-Rosemont Cemetery. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home, certified Veteran Funeral Care provider. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Linda Garcia-Jo, 44, of Mabelvale, Arkansas passed away September 19, 2016 at her home. She was born September 25, 1971 in Napoleon, Ohio to Eliseo Barrientos Flores and Olivia Vela Hughes. Linda leaves to cherish her memories her loving husband, Jaime Garcia Alarcon of Mabelvale, Arkansas; children, Devin Johnson, Noah Johnson, Landon Cage Johnson, Amanda Wear, and Meghan Hughes; parents, Eliseo Barrientos Flores and Olivia Vela Hughes Flores; brother, David Flores-Jo of San Antonio, Texas; sister, Grace Martinez of San Antonio, Texas; and a host of family and friends who loved Linda and will miss her always. Visitation will be held from 3:30-5:30 PM at Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Rosary will be held at 5:30 PM, Thursday, September 22, 2016 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas, followed by Rite of Christian Burial at 6:00 PM. Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www.SmithFamilyCares.com.
Emersyn Rayne Hanley, infant daughter of Ryan and Erika Hanley of Haskell, AR, passed away on September 16, 2016 . She is survived by her parents; grandparents, John and Danita Hunter of Bryant, Robert and Robin Hanley of Malvern; aunts, Paige Sullivan of Malvern and Jenna Hunter of Bryant; four great-grandparents and a host of great-aunts and great-uncles. . Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 22nd at Fairplay Cemetery with Reverend Patrick Mead officiating. . Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct., Little Rock, AR 72205, (501)224-2200. Emersyn’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com
This person is presumably from Little Rock even though the obituary doesn’t say. He seemed like he led quite a life.
As I sit grasping my coffee and staring at a blank page I would normally find myself with “writer’s block’; however, today my mind is filled with the worry of how to fit a man’s life into a few short paragraphs. I fear it is not possible in this circumstance, and certainly not fifty words or less. Especially for such a character as Larry Church.
Cowboy Larry Church left this life on September 19, 2016 the same way he came in—fighting. Cowboy was born to a Cherokee squaw named Hummingbird in 1949 and it was said she loved her little spirited hummingbird dearly. When he was just a little guy, not even two, his mother died in child birth and his father ran off with an unknown woman leaving little Larry to fend for himself. Fend for himself he did, being raised in an orphanage, and eventually he grew into a rough and tough literal cowboy . When he was of age, he signed into the United States Army and was sent to Vietnam where he continued his fight for survival. Upon return from Vietnam he was so disgusted by the way he and his fellows were treated by the Americans he thought he was protecting that he shunned the government for a time. He went to Arkansas where he began herding cattle on horseback between Arkansas, Montana and Wyoming . At times when he was not herding he was a rodeo bull rider and became friends with a rodeo clown named Shorty Manville who was famous for the Madison Square Garden Rodeo Circuit. Cowboy described Shorty as, “colorful in his own right, walked with a cane from all the tumbles in his rodeo days, wore coke bottle glasses, a ten gallon hat and a foot long cigar.” Shorty and Cowboy were great friends and Shorty helped Cowboy recover when a bull broke his back during one fateful bad ride. His rodeo career over, and long days and nights in the saddle took its toll and he eventually became a truck driver. Cowboy always had a knack for drawing fate, and as fate would have it, he began driving for Merle Haggard. They became good friends and it is said one night they stopped for respite at a local “watering hole”. Inside was a “sing off” similar to a karaoke night we now know of. Haggard began to sing and there became whispers about the place, “Wow, that guy sounds just like Merle Haggard.” The cat was never let out of the bag. Cowboy, having found Jesus many years before, preached persistently to Haggard and eventually led him to accept Christ . He had a way with his ministering and shared God’s message everywhere he went, every chance he got (which was pretty much every time he opened his mouth). More recently, I witnessed something I must share (he would be quite embarrassed but that matters not now. For those that know him, you will fully understand). While lying in his hospital bed, a beautiful, very smartly dressed woman entered the room and Cowboy continually commented on how blessed he was to have such beautiful women caring for him. So much so that neither she nor I could get a word in edge wise. Finally, I interrupted and asked whom she was. She gave her name and said she was with the Chaplain Services. Cowboy’s face, which had been ashen for days, turned bright Native red and she and I laughed loudly when I told him he had been flirting with the chaplain. When she asked how many souls he had saved he began to tell her about his Cowboy Church ministry for troubled children years ago and we had a service right there in that room that everyone could hear . Cowboy was also a professional spur craftsman. In 1968 he trained under the scrutiny of D. Boone, an Oklahoma spur maker. He then grew to making spurs for movie sets such as those worn by Tom Selleck in the movie Quigley Down Under. He is also known for other craftsmanship such as saddles and knives he made from “scratch” or more often “scrap”. I observed him many times take a piece of steel from a scrap yard, cut and hone it into a beautiful piece of artwork. In 1987 he made 8 known pairs of spurs in Montana until his shop was burned out reportedly “simply because he was a Cherokee Indian.” . Cowboy eventually made his way to his sister, Joyce, in Arkansas, about 20 years ago and lived out his days trading and caring for his many fur babies. He is preceded in death by his love Drifter, his faithful dog of many years who could smell a thief from a mile away . As for summing up his life, we can never fully do that here; yet I will add his own words from years ago (circa 1990) as recorded by his sister: There are many stories attached to this history from the Cherokee Orphanage from which he ‘escaped’ at five with his brother (presumably another orphan) who was seven at the time. It was a three day journey for two little boys over the Cookson hills which was the beginning of his unusual life to present day. The stories are many and all of which could never be told. What I found personally is he talks with a loud voice (being totally deaf in one ear), a great lover of animals, old pick-up trucks, faded old blue jeans, camp fires and old black cowboy hats. A simple man talented in his simple lifestyle to fix anything with a piece of binder twine or bailing wire. A weathered face and a deep discerning spirit. A heart to be there for anyone that needs a hand. One of the last of the true God service, God fearing cowboys. In the last day of his Earthly life, Cowboy was adamant to fulfill four promises: 1) to have a good, hearty meal with Bob and Joyce at his favorite restaurant, the Golden Corral; 2) give a personally made knife to his dear friend Jeannie Gibby; 3) give a promised box of “good” bacon to Jeff Stracener; and 4) spend one more night with his beloved dogs Jake and Lily. . When he returned to hospital, he fought to the end. He did not give up on living but wasn’t afraid to die either. He fought off two doses of morphine and additional Ativan to stay awake and alert until he was surrounded by his below mentioned family and dear friend so he could tell each one of us, one by one how much he loved us and he was ready to stand next to Jesus whom he was adamant he saw standing at the foot of the bed. . Cowboy is preceded in death by his mother, Hummingbird and infant brother; and survived by his sister in Jesus, Joyce (Bob) Harris, niece Syndi and great niece Audrey, and many fur babies, especially Jake and Lily; two mules, a donkey and a mare horse. They were all his true loves. He also has some dear friends, especially Jeannie Gibby whom he loved dearly as he loved everyone despite his rough, gruff exterior. . He also had a strong appreciation and gratitude for Dr. Gregory Bienvenu who was with him through the final moments as well and the entirety of the Baptist Springhill staff, including the Dialysis Unit and ICU staff who cared for him. He continually offered his appreciation for how tenderly he was treated and for that we thank you, although thank you will never be enough for your compassion. . There will be no formal funeral, as you can tell, that wasn’t Cowboy’s way. We will, however, have a campfire and make “Larry Burgers” and tell Cowboy stories when we are able to stop the tears long enough to get it together. . We ask that, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to Drive Away Cancer, 1102 Abercorn Place, Sherwood, AR 72120 in Cowboy’s name. He loved the children, especially Emma from Texas, and this is a way to carry on his legacy in helping the kids. . We have also set up a Facebook page to continue telling the many Cowboy Larry stories that were too long to add here. https://www.facebook.com/CowboyLarryChurch/
Larry’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
Author: Synnova Henthorne