Obituaries

— OBITUARIES Information for the obituaries and funeral notices below was supplied to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Advertising Department by funeral homes.

INDEX

Some obituaries may appear in certain editions of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and not in others. This list shows the names of all people whose obituaries are in at least one edition. For obituaries not in this edition, please see our website, Arkansas Online, arkansasonline.com/obituaries/.

PULASKI COUNTY

Aaron Scott Allen, 25, of Little Rock.

Betty Ann Blake, 70, of Jacksonville.

Edward Alden Bowen Jr., 94, of Little Rock.

Ola Martha Edgin, 91, of Little Rock.

Alma Lee Wilkins Evans, 87, of Little Rock.

Maxine June Bulski Hamilton, 89, of Little Rock.

Dorothy Dixon Hatchett, 105, of Little Rock.

Joseph Edward Kearney, 94, of Little Rock.

Michael Lee “Mike” Milner, 68, of Little Rock.

Dana Minton, 55, of Little Rock.

Jim L. Montgomery, 81, of Little Rock.

Michael Sean Peoples III, infant, of Little Rock.

Bernice Whitmore, 87, of Little Rock.

Norman Anthony Woodford, 59, of Little Rock.

ELSEWHERE IN ARKANSAS

ALEXANDER Robert Lee Jones Jr., 83.

BEEDEVILLE Era Fay Browning Woods.

BENTON Emily Lavern Childs, 56.

Sunny Fraleigh Red, 91.

BROCKWELL Kenneth Wade Roddy, 70.

CABOT Deward Belmont Wharton, 86.

CLINTON Nelva C. Williams, 78.

CONWAY James H. Holmes, 67.

Betty Lou Huey, 78.

Myrtlene Trautman, 84.

CROSSETT Johnny F. Carter, 72.

DONALDSON Henry Harrison Chancellor, 84.

EVENING SHADE David O. Kunkel, 80.

FORDYCE Mary Granderson, 87.

FOUNTAIN HILL Jimmy Don Slaughter, 65.

GASSVILLE Glenda Ruth Britt, 61.

GRADY Harold E. Gateley, 100.

HAMPTON Patsy S. Widner, 71.

HOT SPRINGS Betty Savoie (Lout) LeBrescu, 71.

Carolyn Turman, 73.

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE Jane Hartman Shankwiler, 91.

MALVERN Thelma Frances Sheldon, 69.

MARVELL Dorothy Berry Spratlin, 73.

MONTICELLO Niki Griffith Morgan Barnes, 51.

MOUNTAIN HOME Anne Marie Adupe, 37.

NORMAN Rueben Lee Ford, 83.

RUSSELLVILLE Donna Elizabeth Calley Snow, 95.

STAR CITY Joy Belle McKinney, 76.

SWIFTON Victoria Reed, 43.

WARD Don Carlos Spence, 81.

OUT-OF-STATE

BEVERLY, Mass.

Devilla Williams, 59.

GRAND HAVEN, Mich.

Joan D. Ridge, 74.

HOUSTON Emma Omalee Gibbons, 77.

THE WOODLANDS, Texas William Doswell Conine III, 71.

Pulaski County

AARON SCOTT ALLEN, 25, of Little Rock passed away Wednesday, November 21, 2012. He was a loving son and brother who was always smiling. Aaron will be remembered for his kind and caring ways. We will miss him. He is survived by his father, Mark Allen; mother, Cindy Russell Allen; brother, Camron Allen; grandmother, Opel Russell; niece, Angel Allen; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Graveside services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday in Calvary Cemetery by Msgr. John O’Donnell. Online obituary and guest registry at www.nlrfh.com.

———◊———

BETTY ANN BLAKE, 70, of Jacksonville, passed away on Friday, November 23, 2012. Survivors include children, Lisamarie Folsom (Harland) and Frank A. Aloi (Susan); seven grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; three greatgrandchildren; sisters, Louise Galle (Norbert) and Rosemarie Murray (Ed); and close friend, Junis Blake. Arrangements made by Arkansas Funeral Care, Jacksonville.

———◊———

EDWARD ALDEN BOWEN Jr. of Little Rock passed away Nov. 21, 2012. He was born at Mammoth Spring, Ark., on Feb. 1, 1918, to E. A. Bowen and Lida Bowen. The family moved to Little Rock shortly after his birth, where his father began his teaching career at the newly opened West Side Junior High School.

Alden attended Little Rock Public Schools and Little Rock Junior College and then received a degree from the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. He was a lifelong member of the First Presbyterian Church, where he served as both Deacon, Elder and as Chairman of the Deacons on two different occasions.

He was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean Conflict. He was a long-time employee of Beach Abstract & Guaranty Company, where he began as a trainee in 1945. He later served as Secretary, Vice-President, President and Chairman of the Board of the Company. Among his civic activities, Alden served as President of the Oak Forest Lions Club and Arkansas Enterprises for the Blind (now World Enterprises for the Blind). He also served on the Little Rock Planning Commission, the Board of Directors of the City of Little Rock and the Little Rock Port Authority. He was past president of the Arkansas Land Title Associations and served on the Board of Governors of the American Land Title Association.

He was predeceased by his mother, father, a younger brother, Vernon P. Bowen, and his wife, Marjorie Jackson Bowen. He is survived by several cousins.

A special thanks to Patricia A. Creasy and Lois J. Hunter for their tender care of and attention to Alden.

A graveside service will be conducted at Roselawn Memorial Park, Little Rock, Arkansas, at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, with the Rev. Marie Mainard O’Connell officiating. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a favorite charity. Arrangements are under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

———◊———

OLA MARTHA EDGIN, 91, of Little Rock passed away November 25,2012. She was born on July 31, 1921, in Mena, Ark., to Riley and Dona (Harwood) Gilliam.

Survivors are a son, Donald Lee (Rosemary) Edgin of Little Rock; four granddaughters: Kelly Sherrena (Bradley) Dull of Mabelvale; Kimberly Dawne (David) Ford of Temple, Texas; Sarah (Jay) Bolton of Benton; and Angel Edgin of Lonoke; 10 great-grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. She is preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Edgin; sons: Allen and Elmer Lee Edgin Jr.; three brothers, one sister, two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, November 28, at Rest Hills Memorial Park in Sherwood with Pastor Tony Minick officiating. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday evening, November 27, at Little Rock Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to one’s favorite charity.

Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Court, Little Rock, Ark. 72205 (NW Corner of I-630 and Barrow Road), (501) 224-2200. Mrs. Edgin’s online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.

———◊———

ALMA LEE WILKINS EVANS, 87, died November 17, 2012, at HospiceHome Care Inpatient Center in Little Rock. She was born in Batesville, Arkansas, on June 2, 1925 to the late Iva and Arthur Wilkins. She is preceded in death by her husband, Tommy Nichols Evans.Alma was a homemaker with a love of gardening and green thumb that created a backyard resembling a botanical park.

She is survived by sons, Nick Evans (Ann) of Bentonville and Ron Evans (Pamela) of Manchester, N.H.; a daughter, Gay Wyatt (Randy) of Little Rock; grandchildren: Hammett Evans (Michelle), BriceEvans, Eleanor Evans, Melissa Caswell (Sean), Amelia Manning (Dan), Kimberly Lessard (Shawn), Tiffany Rowe (Josh) and Sara Beth Leader (Jonathan); great-grandchildren: Tyler, Griffin and Evan Caswell; Ella and Quinn Manning; Josh, Maddie and Lexi Rowe; a brother, Neil Wilkins (Beverly) of Batesville; and nine nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her namesake, Rebecca Lee Milam Richman of Batesville and Germany.

A visitation at 10 a.m. will precede a memorial service led by Rev. Nick Evans and Rev. Hammett Evans, Alma’s son and grandson, at 11 a.m. December 1, 2012, at Roller-Crouch Funeral Home in Batesville. Local arrangements by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501) 224-8300.

Memorials may be made to Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church Television Ministry, 4823 Woodlawn Drive, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205 or First Baptist Church in Batesville, 610 East Main Street, Batesville, Arkansas 72501. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

———◊———

MAXINE JUNE BULSKI HAMILTON, known to all as Mackie, wasborn on June 21, 1923, in San Francisco, California. She died at her home in Little Rock, Arkansas, on November 24, 2012. She was predeceased by her husband, W. P. (Dubb) Hamilton Jr., who diedin 2000. She is survived by her two daughters, Susan Hamilton Johnson and her husband, E. R. Johnson, of Mountain Home, Arkansas, and Catherine Hamilton Mayton and her husband, Michael R. Mayton, of Little Rock, Arkansas. She is also survived by her three beloved grandsons: William Hamilton Johnson of Aspen, Colorado; John Edward Johnson of Denver, Colorado; and Samuel Barrier Johnson of St. Louis, Missouri.

Mackie was named after her paternal grandfather, Maximillian Bulski, who immigrated from Germany and settled in the Napa Valley. She attended school in San Francisco and spent her summers at the family ranch in Napa Valley, riding her favorite horse, Mary, given to her by her father. Mackie was a competitive tennis player in her youth and remained a player and avid fan her entire life.

Mackie moved to Arkansas after she married Dubb Hamilton, whom she met while he was stationed in San Francisco during World War II. When asked why she left California and moved to Arkansas, she always said, “Dubb Hamilton was very handsome in his military uniform!” She loved her adopted state and all of its natural beauty. She was a member of the Country Club of Little Rock, the Arkansas Arts Center, the Fine Arts Club, and served as Chairman of the second Beaux-Arts Ball, which later became known as Tabriz. She was a founding member of the Arkansas Unit of the Herb Society of America, a long-time Pulaski County Master Gardener and a member of Partners for Pinnacle.She was also a founding member of the Arkopolis Investors Club.

Mackie was a member of the Women’s Emergency Committee to Open Our Schools (WEC) during the Little Rock Public Schools integration crisis, which worked along with the Stop This Outrageous Purge (STOP) campaign to recall members of the Little Rock School Board who opposed integration of the schools.

At the time of her death, Mackie was a Trustee of the Stella Boyle Smith Trust. As a Trustee, she followed the tradition established by Stella Boyle Smith by helping countless projects take shape, from gardens to music halls to hospital additions. She used her judgment and wisdom to make this state a better place for many.

There will be a reception for friends and family at the home of Reverend Susan Sims Smith and Dr. G. Richard Smith, 1809 Canal Pointe, from noon to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, November 28. The burial will be a private graveside service.

The family requests that memorials be sent to the Pulaski County Master Gardeners, 2901 West Roosevelt Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204. Mackie loved Arkansas and was a great ambassador for this beautiful state, but she always said when she died she hoped to hear the fog horns and smell the sea once again of San Francisco Bay.

———◊———

DOROTHY DIXON HATCHETT, 105, of Little Rock passed away November 23, 2012. She was born November 1, 1907, to the late Charles Augustus and Mazie Thompson Dixon at Ravenden Springs, Ark. (Randolph County). She was a graduate of Draughon’s Business College in Memphis and the Little Rock Law School and was admitted to the Arkansas Bar July 8, 1935. She served as Deputy Circuit and County clerk in Randolph County and worked in the offices of Governors Futrell and Bailey and for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. She moved to Clinton, Ark., in 1944, where she and her husband, Martin Verner Hatchett, established Southern Ozarks Realty. They also owned Van Buren County Abstract.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband and her sisters and brothers-in-law: Helen Dixon Bly (Harold) and Marian Dixon Sanders (Louis). Survivors are her niece Linda Bly Turnage and husband, Ed Turnage, of Little Rock.

Graveside Service and Burial will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 28, 2012, at Foster Cemetery, Highway 95 West, Scotland, Arkansas, with Pastor George O’Dell officiating. Arrangements are under the care of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton, Arkansas. Online guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

———◊———

Captain JOSEPH EDWARD KEARNEY USN (Ret.), 94 of Little Rockpassed away Monday, November 26, 2012. He was born November 28, 1917, in Little Rock, Ark., to the late Thomas Edward Kearney and Birdie Matthews Kearney.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Maurice Barham Kearney. He is survived by his son, Captain John Joseph Kearney USN (Ret.); his daughter, Anna Jane Johnston and husband, Scot, allof Little Rock; five grandchildren: Leslie Smith, Rebecca Neighbors and husband, Robert, Amy Bush and husband, David; and Megan Lane and husband, John, all of Little Rock; and Sally Johnston of Richardson, Texas; and nine greatgrandchildren: Savannah, Hannah, Reid, Haley, Fuller, Olivia, David, Jackson and Luke.

Visitation will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 27, 2012, at Ruebel Funeral Home followed by a Rosary at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, November 28, 2012, at Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church followed by burial at Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Arkansas Hospice or Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.

———◊———

MICHAEL LEE “MIKE” MILNER, 68, of Little Rock, Arkansas, wentto be with the Lord on November 22, 2012. He was born May 14, 1944, to the late Albert Lee Milner and Christella Fultz Milner.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann Milner; grandchild, Paul Christopher Donaldson; and brother, Tom Delaney Milner. He is survived by son, Michael Shane Milner (Sheila) of Mountain Home; stepson, Randy Lee Brown (Cathy) of Enola; stepdaughter, Donna Ann Donaldson of Little Rock; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and brother, James Patrick Milner (Irma) of Springfield, Missouri.

There will be no services. Arrangements provided by Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock, Arkansas 72209 (501) 455-5800. Online guestbook: www.rollefuneralhomes.com/drummond.

———◊———

DANA MARIE MINTON, Beloved Mom, Groovy, Daughter, Sister,Aunt, Cousin and Friend, left this world Nov. 25, 2012 to take the next part of my journey back to heaven.

I was born Aug. 20, 1957 to Dan and Marie Minton in Little Rock, Ark.I am survived by my two sons, Micky D. Stuart and K.C. Surrett, whom I love more than life itself; Micky’s beautiful wife Heather, which I could not have hand chosen better for him, and an awesome Grandson, Copeland Kash. My parents are alive and well in Nashville, Ark. I have one favorite brother, Quin Minton of Fayetteville, Ark., and one favorite sister, Dena Price (husband Mobie) of Murfreesboro, Ark. I have four pretty cool nephews, one fabulous niece. I am greataunt to six little munchkins they have provided me. Nine cousins and last but not least, my wonderful friend and assistant for the past seven years, Sydney Misenheimer, whom I could not have done this all without.

I fought a good battle withMelanoma and was positive to the very end, knowing that God had it all under control and would take me in his time, not in mine.

Please come join the celebration of my life in my back yard on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012 at 4:45 p.m. Everyone is welcome to enjoy the celebration! I am in a better place and will be waiting for you on the other side!

Let’s not waste money on flowers. If our four-legged are your passion, please donate to Help 4 Paws, #6 Ridgefield Cove, Little Rock, Ark. 72223. Sign an online guest book at www.husonfuneralhome.com.

———◊———

JIM L. MONTGOMERY, 81, of Little Rock departed this life onThursday, Nov. 22, 2012 peacefully at home. Jim was born March 10, 1931, in Canton, Miss., to James Lester Montgomery and Estelle “Polly” Cauthen Montgomery. Jim graduatedfrom Canton High School and Mississippi State University. He spent his entire career with Aetna Insurance Company asEmployee Benefits Manager in Little Rock and Oklahoma City. Following retirement, he served five years, along with his wife Mary Frances, as Camp Director for Camp Mitchell located on beautiful Petit Jean Mountain.

He is pre-deceased by his parents, step-mother Vivian Quinn West Montgomery Edwards, step-brother Robert H. West, and his beloved wife Mary Frances “Miff” Williams Montgomery. He is survived by his brother C. Robert Montgomery, step-sister Anne Seay, his children Polly Montgomery Deems (Don) ofLittle Rock, Cyndy Montgomery Tilden (Don) of Dallas, James “Jim” Montgomery (Tonya) of Denver, his grandchildren Taylor and Alex Deems, and Parker, Westin, Madison, and Kelsey Montgomery, and 11 nieces and nephews. Caroline Stevenson, his loving and devoted companion, also survives him.

Jim was a member of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and served in many leadership roles such as Senior Warden, Vestry Member, Search Committee Member, and was the proud Scout Master for Troop 7. He cared deeply about the scouting program and spent over 50 years assisting scouts with their goal of achieving their Eagle rank. He was an active member of Troop 045 for senior scouts and was very humbled to have the Troop 7 Scout Hut named for him. He also enjoyed the outdoors and spent many weeks on the Buffalo River and Big Piney Creek with the “Jasper in June” group. Hunting birds of any kind was a way to get away with his “hunting buddies.” He brought home duck, turkey, quail, pheasant, dove and some great stories to tell, as well. Jim enjoyed his many road trips with family and friends and the regular dinners out with the “birthday group.”

The family would like to thank his caregivers Ann McElroy, Susie Parker, Shelby Wilkerson, Marilyn Anderson, and Erma Esau, all of whom treated him with respect and compassion these last several years of his life. The family offers a special thanks to his personal physician and dear friend Dr. Harold Hedges. And, finally, the family is grateful to Arkansas Hospice for making his last days comfortable and giving him his wish to pass at home.

A service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1000 N. Mississippi Ave., Little Rock, Ark., on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 11 a.m. Jim will be laid to rest in the columbarium located in the courtyard of the church. A reception will follow the service in the church’s parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 1000 N. Mississippi Ave., Little Rock, Ark. 72207 or Boy Scouts of America, Quapaw Area Council, 3220 Cantrell Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72202. Arrangements by Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com. “May God hold us all in the palm of his hand.”

———◊———

MICHAEL SEAN PEOPLES III, Little Rock, Ark., passed peacefully on Nov. 19, 2012. Survivors: father, Michael Sean Peoples Jr.; mother, Reagan Rincher and a host of other loving relatives. Home going services Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012, 11:30 a.m., at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 South Chester, LR (501) 372-1305.

———◊———

BERNICE WHITMORE, 87, of Little Rock, Ark., went home tobe with her Lord on Nov. 23, 2012. She was born May 1, 1925, in Little Rock, Ark. She was preceded in death by her parents, Luke and Cora McJimpson; two brothers, Arthur Curry and LeroyMcJimpson; one sister, Sarah Jane McJimpson. She was a member of Liberty Hill Baptist Church.

Survivors: husband, Rufus Whitmore Sr.; two sons, Rufus Jr. (Jacquie) and Larry; two brothers, Luke McJimpson Jr. and Bill McJimpson; two sisters, Maurice Duhart and Lenora Hopkins.

Family hour, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012, 6-7 p.m., Liberty Hill Baptist Church, 1215 S. Schiller Street, Little Rock, Ark. Funeral service, Friday, Nov. 30, 2012, 10 a.m., Liberty Hill Baptist Church, 1215 S. Schiller Street, Little Rock, Ark. Arrangements by: Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester St., Little Rock, Ark. (501) 372-1305.

———◊———

NORMAN ANTHONY WOODFORD, 59, of Little Rock passedaway Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012. He leaves to cherish his memory: mother, Hazel Woodford Martin; son, Antwon (Cinda) Woodford; siblings, Alvin Thomas, Melvin (Veronica)Woodford, Alice Woodford and Gertude Middleton (James); two grandchildren, Corinthia and Colossia Woodford; fiance, Frances Middleton; and a host of other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012, from 6-7 p.m. at Hardy Funeral Home Memorial Chapel. Professional & Personal services entrusted to Hardy Funeral Home, 2408 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive (501) 372-4129. “We Care, When Caring Counts.” Arkansas

ALEXANDER - Robert Lee Jones Jr., age 83, of Alexander, passed away Sunday, November 25. He was born December 15, 1928, in Little Rock, Ark. Mr. Jones served in the U.S. Navy and was a master plumber, having owned and operated Jones Plumbing in Mabelvale for 30 years. He was a 33rd degree mason, past president and vice-president of the Arkansas Plumbers Association, co-founder of C.A.J. Apprentice Committee and a member of theLions Club.

Mr. Jones was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lee Jones Sr. and Serena Center Jones; his first wife of 48 years, Zena Ann Ault Jones; his second wife of 10 years, Wanda Goodson Jones; two brothers, Melvin and Floyd Jones; and daughter-in-law, Betty Jones. He is survived by four children, Charlotte Williams (Jackie), Kerry Jones (Susan), Joyce Tudor and Walter Jones; four step-daughters, Norma (Jim), Kathryn (Ronnie), Linda (Jim) and Mary Ann (Barry); brother, Jimmy Jones; two sisters, Maurine Polk and Betty Slaughter; mother-in-law, Violet; grandchildren, Jason Williams, (Cyndy Wortham), Neil Jones (Kristen), Stephanie Wolmarans (Kevin), J. Mechael Tudor, James M. Tudor III, J. Michael Tudor and Angela Adams; and great-grandchildren, Jared Williams, Zachary Jones, Jane Ann and Lillian Adams.

Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, November 27 at Ashby Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 28 at New Kirk Cemetery in Jessieville. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.

———◊———

BEEDEVILLE - Era Fay Browning Woods died Sunday, November 25, 2012. Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, funeral services 10 a.m. Wednesday both at Thompson-Wilson Funeral Home, McCrory. Interment: Pumpkin Bend Cemetery. Survivors: daughters: Nina Fay Cushman and Carolyn Meredith, seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, two brothers, one sister. (Thompson-Wilson Funeral Directors, McCrory 870-731-2551).

———◊———

BENTON - Emily LaVern Childs, 56, Benton died Monday, November 26, 2012. Survivors: husband, Randy Childs, Benton; son, Clarence David Hulsey; brother, William Edward Posey, Benton; sisters, Joyce R. Posey and Donna Posey, both of Benton; one grandchild. Visitation, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Ashby’s. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.

———◊———

BENTON - An amazing woman, Sunny Fraleigh Red, age 91, of Benton joined her Savior early Sundaymorning, November 25, 2012. She was born August 7, 1921, in North Little Rock. Sunny had the opportunity to celebrate this Thanksgiving with all five of her grandchildren and most of her 10 greatgrandchildren. She had a full life well lived. She was an LPN who worked many years in the offices of Drs. Ashby, Hogue and Thorn. She showed her love for people by her dedicated service to her church and community.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Willard Red; parents, Ann Lindsey (Fraleigh) and Ed Goose; and siblings Rosanne Wheeler, Lindsey Fraleigh and Charles Fraleigh. She is survived by her sister Charlotte Tremor Ashcraft; daughters, Sue Red Bryant (Larry) and Linda Red Everett; and grandchildren Richard Larry “Trey” Bryant III, Craig Daniel Bryant, Brad Burleson Bryant, Renee Everett Steed and Dwight Allen Everett.

In 1974, she helped organize Old Fashion Day, which raises matching federal funds to benefit the Senior Adult Center. Sunny was appointed director of the Saline County Senior Adult Center during the period when a bond issue was being proposed for the construction of a new building. She was instrumental in the passage of that bond issue. She served as the Director of the Center of Arkansas from 1976 to 1986. Sunny was named Outstanding Senior Adult Center Director for the state of Arkansas in 1982 and was crowned queen of the 34th annual Old Fashion Day celebration in 2008. Mrs. Red was an assistant state director for AARP from 1986-1990. In 1992, she was chairman of the first Annual Miles For Meals Walk. She was appointed to the Arkansas State Social Work Licensing Board and served from 1992-1998. Sunny was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Benton and a member of the T.E.L. Sunday School Class.

Visitation will be Tuesday evening from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m November 27, 2012, at Selph Hall at First Baptist Church in Benton. Funeral services will be conducted by Dr. Rick Grant at 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 28, 2012, at First Baptist Church with interment to follow at New Rosemont Cemetery. Pallbearers will be David Tremor, Kevin Steed, Jim Wheeler, Gary Burris, Trey Bryant, Craig Bryant, Brad Bryant, Dwight Everett and Robert Edwards.

The family would like to thank the staff of Ridgewood for their loving care and compassion. Online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ballard.

———◊———

BROCKWELL - Kenneth Wade Roddy, 70, died November 24. No memorial service is planned at this time. Local survivors: Joan Roddy (wife), Winston Roddy (brother). Arrangements by Eddie’s Family Funeral Home in Melbourne.

———◊———

CABOT - Deward “Dude” Belmont Wharton, age 86 of Cabot, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 25, 2012, at his home. He was born October 3, 1926, in Cabot to the late Randolph and Nora Stephens Wharton. Also preceded in death by wife, Mavis Lee Wharton; son Randall Wharton; grandson Joshua Wharton; two sisters, Joyce Anderson and CapitolaChesser; one brother, Fred Wharton. Dude was a veteran of the U.S.Navy and retired from the VA Hospital after 32 years of service. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Survived by daughter, Theresa “TC” Wharton Peeler of Cabot, Ark., one son,Johnny Zahari, and wife, Brenda, of Sherwood, Ark.; daughter-in law, Naomi Wharton of Cabot, Ark.; two granddaughters, Tiffany Wharton and Celia Zahari; two grandsons, David Yielding and Jarrod Zahari; one great-grandson, Tristan and his mother, Sherry Yielding; several nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.

Visitation will be Tuesday November 27, 2012, from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Service will be held Wednesday November 28, 2012, at 1 p.m. Mt. Tabor United Methodist Church in Cabot. Interment Cypress Valley Cemetery. To send online condolences visit www.thomasfuneralservice.com. Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Service in Cabot (501) 941-7888.

———◊———

CLINTON - Nelva C. Williams 78, of Clinton, Arkansas, went tobe with the Lord November 24, 2012. She was born October 6, 1934, in Bentonville, Arkansas, to the late Joseph Hobart and Etta Elizabeth (Durbin) Crouse. Nelva was a Nursery School Administrator and a member of the Assembly of God Church, where she served with her husband for many years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Gene Crouse, and a grandson, Brandon Tyler Bradford. She is survived by her husband of 60 years, the Rev. J. Ramsey Williams of the home, daughter, Kathy Bradford and husband Bobby of Clinton, Ark.; grandson, Paul Andrew Bradford of Clinton, Ark.; sister-in-law, Lois Crouse of Cypress, Calif.; three nieces, Peggy Watts of Cypress, CA; Sue Evans and husband Jon of Oak Glen, Calif.; and Nancy Bryant and husband Craig of Anaheim, Calif.; and many friends.

Palbearers: Don Williams, David Williams, Dennis Mitchell, Ken Mitchell, Curt Hagerty, and Steve Williamson. Honorary Pallbearers: Don Ray Williams, Harry Pritchett, Frank Durbin, Aaron Duvall, J.D. Mitchell, Jon Evans, and Craig Bryant.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. and Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 29, 2012 at First Assembly of God Church Clinton, Arkansas with Pastors Michael Powers and Bud Avants officiating. Burial will follow at Pee Dee Cemetery.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Junior Diabetes Research Foundation of Arkansas, The Gideons International Clinton Camp, and First Assembly of God Clinton General Fund.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton, Arkansas. Online guest book:www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

———◊———

CONWAY - James H. Holmes, 67, of Conway passed away November 24, 2012. Jim Holmes was born July 6, 1945 to Hulon and Grace (Ransom) Holmes at Conway. He was a 1963 graduate of Searcy High School where he was the Senior Class President.He then attended Arkansas State University on a track scholarship and was a member of Kappa Alpha Order. He received his degree in radio and television broadcasting and was employed by AETN for 39 years where he produced the show “Arkansas Outdoors.” He was selected as the Arkansas Wildlife Federation Conservation Communicator of the Year for presenting outstanding outdoor programming covering a wide range of topics. Arkansas Outdoors aired for more than 13 years on AETN and nationally for 3 years on the Outdoor Life Network.

He was a 34 year veteran of the Arkansas Army National Guard where he served as a member of the Marksmanship Training Unit at Camp Joe T. Robinson. He loved sports and the outdoors. He was a dedicated fan of Razorback football and was a member of the Arkansas Roadhogs.

He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Mary Alice Holmes of Conway; daughters, Jamie Michelle (Tony) Attwood of Fayetteville and Alissa Ann Watts of Texarkana; grandchildren Sydney Grace Watts and Brody James Watts; his brother Bill Holmes (Sandra) of Conway and his beloved dog Murray.

Funeral Services will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, November 29, 2012 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway. Entombment will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Visitation will be Wednesday from 6 until 8 p.m. also at thefuneral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to MD Anderson for Renal Cancer Research or the National Wild Turkey Federation. The online guestbook may be viewed by visiting www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

———◊———

CONWAY - Betty Lou Huey, 78, passed from this life on November 25, 2012. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, November 30, at 1 p.m. at the Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Conway, Ark. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, November 29, at the funeral home.

———◊———

CONWAY - Myrtlene Trautman, 84, Conway, died November 25. Survivors: son Karl Trautman {Regina} of Conway, grandson: four granddaughters; one greatgranddaughter, one sister. Service: 2 p.m. Thursday, November 29, at the chapel. Burial will be held privately. Arrangements by Bob Neal and Sons Funeral Home, Morrilton, Ark. 72110. Online obituary www.bobnealandsons.com.

———◊———

CROSSETT - Johnny F. Carter, 72, of Crossett, Ark., died on Sunday, November 25, 2012. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at Jarvis Chapel Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Crossroads Cemetery under the direction of Jones Funeral Home of Crossett, Ark. (www.jonesservice.com).

———◊———

DONALDSON - Henry Harrison Chancellor, 84, died on November 25, 2012. Visitation will be from noon till 2 p.m. on November 27th at Second Baptist Church, Malvern. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., November 27, 2012 at Second Baptist Church, Malvern. Burial, Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Friendship. Arrangements, Regency Funeral Home. Guest book, regencyfuneralhome.com.

———◊———

EVENING SHADE - David O. Kunkel, 80, of Evening Shade died Sunday, November 25, 2012. Funeral, Wednesday, November 28, 2012, at 2 p.m. the Piney Fork Church of Christ in Evening Shade. Burial, Evening Shade Cemetery. Arrangements by Qualls Funeral Home of Cave City. Visitation, Tuesday, November 27, 2012, from 5:30 until 8 p.m.

———◊———

FORDYCE - Mary Granderson, 87, formerly of Kingsland, died Saturday. Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at Buie Funeral Home. Burial will be private in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation is 1 to 2 p.m. prior to service time. Arrangements by Buie Funeral Home of Rison (870) 325-6216. Online condolences at www.buiefuneralhome.com.

———◊———

FOUNTAIN HILL - Mr. Jimmy Don Slaughter, 65, of Fountain Hill, died Sunday, November 25, 2012. Funeral services: 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home Chapel with burial in Flat Creek Cemetery. Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Tuesday. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Jones-Hartshorn Funeral Home of Hamburg. Online guest book at www.jones-hartshorn.com.

———◊———

GASSVILLE - Glenda Ruth Britt, 61, of Gassville died Saturday, November 24, 2012, in Mountain Home. Visitation: 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 27, 2012, at the Gassville Baptist Church. Memorial Service: 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Gassville Baptist Church by Conner-Hankins Funeral Home. A full obituary is available at www.conner-hankinsfuneralhome.com.

———◊———

GRADY - Harold E. Gateley, 100, retired farmer and Veteran of Grady, Ark., died November 24, 2012. Visitation held 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, November 27, Griffin Funeral Home Chapel, services 1 p.m. Wednesday, November 28, 2012, First Baptist Church, Grady, with burial in Grady Cemetery. Griffin Funeral Home Dumas in charge of arrangements.

———◊———

HAMPTON - Patsy S. Widner, 71, of Hampton died Saturday. Visitation will be Wednesday 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Benton Funeral Home in Hampton. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Victory Missionary Baptist Church. Burial at Salem Cemetery. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.

———◊———

HOT SPRINGS - Betty Savoie (Lout) LeBrescu, age 71, of HotSprings, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 21. 2012, at Mercy Hospital in Hot Springs following her heroic fight against cancer.

Born April 21, 1941, in Smackover, she wasthe daughter of Sidney Earl and Jewell Alberta Vaughn Lout. Preceding her in death along with her parents were three sisters; Christine Short, Lurlene Burton, Lila Johnston, and three brothers; Clinton Lout, S.L. Lout and Oscar Lout.

Betty retired from Murphy Oil Corporation in 2003 as Manager of Community & Public Relations. She graduated from SmackoverHigh School in 1959 where she was active in cheerleading, basketball and the band. She was a graduate of Draughon Business College in Shreveport, La.

While living in El Dorado, Betty served on the Chamber of Commerce from 1992 until retirement. She served as Chairman of the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce in 1996. Betty was a member of the El Dorado Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow in 1997.

She served on many Boards while living in El Dorado. They include: Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce, El Dorado Chamber of Commerce, and served as President of Community Hospice Advisory Board. Betty was also active with Main Street El Dorado, Salvation Army, and South Arkansas Symphony. Additionally, she also served on the American Petroleum Institute (API) General Communication Committee, National Association of Manufacturers-Public Affairs Steering Committee, and member of International Association of Business Communications. Further, she served on the N.A.M. Public Affairs Committee, and Planning and Zoning Committee.

After moving to Hot Springs, upon her retirement, she volunteered with Habitat for Humanity. Betty was an active member in her church, First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs.

She is survived by her beloved daughter, Robbin Savoie Benbrook, granddaughter, Andrea Savoie Benbrook, son-inlaw, Shane Benbrook, all of Little Rock and two brothers; Lamar Lout of El Dorado, Charles Lout of El Dorado, four sisters; Mickey Boyd of Marietta Ga., LaTance “Honey” Patterson of El Dorado, Myrna Johnson of Fayetteville, and LaRue Lewallen of Odessa, Texas.

Memorial Services will be at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28th, in the Young’s Chapel in El Dorado with Michael L. Mattox, Senior Pastor of First United Methodist Church of Hot Springs, officiating. Memorials are being accepted by John R. Williamson Hospice House, 2301 Champagnolle Rd. El Dorado, Ark. 71730.

Guest registration is at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

———◊———

HOT SPRINGS - Carolyn Turman, age 73, of Hot Springs, died Saturday, November 24, 2012. Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, at the Davis-Smith Funeral Home Chapel in Hot Springs with Bro. Jerry Jones and Bro. Tony Essner officiating. Interment will be in the Lowe Cemetery. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.

———◊———

HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE - Jane Hartman Shankwiler, 91, of Hot Springs Village passed away on November 17, 2012. Born August 14, 1921, in Enid, Oklahoma, to Alfred and Lois Vance. Memorial service at 10 a.m. Saturday, December 1st at Presbyterian Kirk in the Pines Church. Arrangements by CedarVale Funeral Home. Guests may register at www.cedarvalefuneralhome.com.

———◊———

MALVERN - Thelma Frances Sheldon, age 69, of Malvern passed away Sunday, November 25, 2012 at Mercy Hospital in Hot Springs. Private family services will be held at a later date. Cremation arrangements are by Regency Funeral Home. You may sign the guestbook at www.regencyfuneralhome.com.

———◊———

MARVELL - Dorothy Berry Spratlin, 73, of Marvell died November 25, 2012. Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 28th at Bayou Meto Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Chiildren’s Hospital or charity of choice. Arrangements by Essex Funeral Home, DeWitt.

———◊———

MONTICELLO - Niki Griffith Morgan Barnes, age 51, of Monticello passed away Saturday, November 24, 2012, at the Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, Ark. Born October 27, 1961in Monticello, Ark. she was the daughter of Joe Griffith of Monticello and the late Donna Lee Long Griffith.

She was employed at and served as vice president and treasurer of L.D. Long Inc. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Monticello and was very active with the youth groups at the church. She was an Emeritus board member of the Drew County Historical Society. Niki was also very active in the Junior Auxiliary of Monticello where she was a life member and past president. In 2008 she volunteered with the National Junior Auxiliary Foundation at their national conference where she helped host Miss USA. On the national level for Junior Auxiliary, Niki served for the years 2008 to 2010 on the National Scholarship Committee, from 2010 to 2012 she served on the National Public Relations Committee and from January 2012 to present, she was the Chapter Support Coordinator for Region 3.

Niki was preceded in death by her first husband, Randy Morgan and by her grandparents, L.D. and Rose Long and Joe, Sr. and Pauline Griffith. Survivors include her husband, Richard A. Barnes of Monticello; her son, Jay H. Morgan of Monticello; her daughter, Randa Lee Leonard and husband David of Azores Island, Portugal; her father and step mother, Joe and Gay Griffith of Monticello; Richard’s parents, Bill and Mavis Barnes of Monticello; and Randy’s parents, J.H. and Corene Morgan of Dermott.

Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at First Baptist Church, 413 North Main St., Monticello with Rev. Kenny Worbington and Rev. Mike Griffith officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Visitation will be 9:30 a.m. until service time. Memorials may be made to Monticello Junior Auxiliary, P.O.Box 298, Monticello, Ark. 71657 or Arkansas Children’s Hospital, 800 Marshall St., Slot 661, Little Rock, Ark. 72202. Arrangements by Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Home. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.

———◊———

MOUNTAIN HOME - Anne Marie Adupe, 37, of Mountain Home died November 25, 2012. Survived by her parents; Edward & Karen Kufeldt, one son; Kayden Kufeldt, one daughter; Serena Kufeldt, two sisters and one brother. Memorial services will be 3 p.m. Friday at the First Baptist Church in Bull Shoals, Arkansas. Online Guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

———◊———

NORMAN - Rueben Lee Ford, 83, Norman, died November 22, 2012. Survivors include wife, Millicent Ford; daughter, Melody Lee Morgan; three grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and four siblings. Memorial Service: 2 p.m. on December 1, 2012 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mount Ida, Arkansas with Fred Emmanual officiating. Arrangements: Arkansas Funeral Care, Jacksonville.

———◊———

RUSSELLVILLE - Donna Elizabeth Calley Snow, 95, Russellville, died Saturday. Graveside service and burial by Shinn Funeral Service, Russellville is 10 a.m. Wednesday at Hazen Cemetery near Hazen. Visitation: 5-6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials: Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home or Neighbor’s Table/All Saints Episcoopal Church. Online obituary/guestbook: www.shinnfuneral.com.

———◊———

STAR CITY - Joy Belle McKinney, 76, of Star City died Sunday. Services are 11 a.m. Thursday at the First Assembly of GodChurch in Star City. Visitation will be Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at First Assembly of God Church in Star City. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Service in Star City. Online obit www.griffinfuneralservice.net.

———◊———

SWIFTON - Victoria Elizabeth (Sawtelle) Reed, 43, of Swifton died Sunday. Survivors: husband, Jerry Wayne Reed; mother, Faye Sawtelle; stepdaughter, Misty Dawn Scudder; step-granddaughter, Jordyn Nicole Lane; nephew, James Harland Sawtelle, Jr; several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Graveside Service: 2 p.m. Wednesday, Swifton Cemetery. Visitation: Tuesday, 6-8 p.m. Arrangements: Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home. www.jacksonsfh.com.

———◊———

WARD - Don Carlos “Dude” Spence, 81, died November 25,2012, at his home in Ward, Arkansas, among his family and friends. Dude was born July 16, 1931 in Old Austin, Arkansas to Hayward and Donnie Spence.

A graduate and longtime supporter of Cabot High School, Dude was one of the members of the 2009 Cabot Panther Education Foundation Inaugural Hall of Fame. Dude served many roles in his community, county and state, including Cabot School Board and Lonoke County Judge, for which he served for 16 years. A hardworking “farmer,” Dude encouraged everyone he met to be involved in their community and to put family first.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Margie Dean Spence; his four children, Carla Baldwin, Paula Vance, Kevin Spence and Stacey (Jimmy) McMinn; 11 grandchildren, Todd Baldwin, Clay (Kerry) Baldwin, Whitney (Chris) Dickens, Josh Dorton, Blair Baldwin, Myka (Keith) Galloway, Taylor Spence, Spence Hart, Mackenzie Spence, Madison Hart and Brannon Mc-Minn; three great-grandchildren, Zoe Baldwin, Wren Baldwin and Talin Galloway, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, November 29, 2012 at First Baptist Church in Cabot, with Will Feland officiating. The family will welcome friends at their home following the service. The family requests that memorial donations be made to The Margie and Dude Spence Scholarship, through the Cabot Scholarship Foundation, 200 E. Main St., Cabot, Arkansas 72023 or to Beyond Boundaries, 2195 Peyton St., Ward, Arkansas 72176. Arrangements are by Moore’s Cabot Funeral Home and Crematory, (501) 843-5816. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cabotfuneralhome.com.

Out-of-state

BEVERLY, Mass. - Devilla Williams, age 59, of Beverly, Massachusetts, passed away Wed. Nov. 7, 2012. She was born January 31, 1953 in San Francisco, California. Devilla was a former resident of Mountain View, Arkansas. Graveside services will be December 5th at 10:30 a.m., at The Oak Grove Cemetery, Newnata, Arkansas.

———◊———

GRAND HAVEN, Mich. - Mrs. Joan D. Ridge 74, of Grand Haven, Michigan passed away Tuesday, November 20, 2012. She was born April 19, 1938 to the late Albert and Martha (Flagel) Howard. She married Donald Ridge on December 14, 1959 in Coloma, Michigan. He preceded her in death on November 6, 2010. Joan moved to Grand Haven two years ago from Clinton, Arkansas where she was owner of Blue Acres Farm in Grand Junction, Michigan.

She is survived by her two daughters, Kelly Thomas of Maumelle, Ark.; and Leah (Willy) Ten Brink of Grand Haven, Mich.; son, Donald (Barbara) Ridge of Hudsonville, Mich.; grandchildren, Jack Clark, Donnie Greene, Amanda Greene-Lewis, Samantha Dwys, Christopher Ridge, and Matthew Ridge, Sisters, Ruby (Max) Hickmott of Watervliet, Mich.; Edith (Dale) Miller of St Joseph; brothers, Don Howard of Grand Junction; Russ Howard of St Joseph; and Bruce Howard of Benton Harbor. Joan was preceded in death by her sister, Ruth and brother Carlyle.

Graveside Service and Burial will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at Eglantine Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home Clinton, Arkansas. Online Guest book: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.

———◊———

HOUSTON, Texas - Emma Omalee Gibbons, 77, of Houston, Texas, formerly of Hatton, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, November 22, 2012 in Houston. Services will be Wednesday, November 28, 2012 at 10 a.m. at Pleasant Grove Church of the Nazarene. Interment follows in Pleasant Grove Cemetery under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.

———◊———

THE WOODLANDS, Texas - William Doswell Conine III, 71, of The Woodland, Texas departed this life on November 22, 2012. He was born at Arkansas Post on December 21, 1940, to William D. Conine and Alice Marie McGraw Conine. He is predeceased by his father, mother and his brother Benny Dole Conine. Bill is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ella Jo Conine; daughter, Kimberly Alexandria Conine Morton and husband Dent of Birmingham, Alabama, son Christopher Keith Conine of Orlando, Florida, and four grandchildren David William Morton, Patrick Miller Morton, Margaret Spencer Morton and Benjamin Wilkes Morton, half siblings Bill Conine, Sheila Conine Forester, Renee Conine Peddicord, Marilynn Conine Anderson and his aunt, Janiece McGraw Collier, several nieces and nephews.

Bill spent his early years in Gillett before moving to Texas at the age of 13. Bill achieved remarkable success in his educational pursuit, earning a BS, MS and a PHD in Fluid Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Texas. During his career with NASA, he was instrumental in developing the heat shield fluid utilized to coat exploration shuttles in order to prevent the shuttle from burning up as it re-entered the earth’s atmosphere. (Formula published in “Foundations of Fluid Mechanics,” SW Yuan 1968). Bill continued his early career as an engineer for Tracor Engineering 1969-1973 and with Radian Engineering Corporation 1973-1976. In 1976, Bill was recruited by Mobil Oil Corporation, where he continued his distinguished career in executive management. He served on the Board of Directors for oil and gas worldwide exploration for 16 years. Bill represented Mobil Oil in negotiations with competing oil companies for contractual partnership agreements on ratio of expenditures to percentage of oil produced on drilling platforms in the North Sea. He retired after 18 year with Mobil Oil, in 1994 due to health, having been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. Throughout his life he always came home to Gillett, Arkansas, as a home town boy, in jeans and a simple T-shirt. He modestly downplayed his success in life. Bill’s children and grandchildren were the true treasures of his life. He always had stories to tell of their escapades and of his cherished visits during football season. He recounted his stories with a sparkle in his eyes and a smile on his face. Bill loved to visit with people and was especially interested in genealogy and South Arkansas History. He could be found at the court house tracing ancestors some time during every visit home. Bill always had time to listen to old and new friends alike and enjoyed catching up on home town news. Bill established a scholarship endowment to be awarded to students in need. His desire was to help individuals gaina better life by receiving training and education at a trade school or college to enhance the opportunity for a more successful life. Bill understood the importance of education and he always wanted to help others attain their goals. Many people from our small community achieve great success and we are rightfully proud of each of them. It is the special ones that give back to their communities in an effort to help their fellow man. Bill was one of the very special ones.

Pallbearers are Chris Conine, Dent M. Morton, David W. Morton, Patrick M. Morton, Benjamin W. Morton and Buzz Menard. Visitation will be held November 30, 2012 at Essex Funeral Home in DeWitt, Arkansas from 5-7 p.m. A service in celebration of Bill’s life will be held at Gillett United Methodist Church at 10 a.m. on December 1, 2012. Interment at Gillett Cemetery. Family requests that memorials be made to Grand Prairie Historical Society, Gillett United Methodist Church or Gillett Cemetery Fund.

Arkansas, Pages 8 on 11/27/2012

Upcoming Events