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, at arkansasonline.com/obituaries/.
PULASKI COUNTY
Wilbur Gene Gaddy, 84, of Sherwood. Prince Albert Perkins, 73, of North Little Rock.
ELSEWHERE IN ARKANSAS
BATESVILLE
John Alfred Bransford Jr., 75. Lydia Darlene Dowell, 65.
CONWAY
Floyd Eric Henley, 87. Ben Wallace Hicks, 58.
FORDYCE
Elizabeth Ann Culpepper, 69.
GREENBRIER
John Edward Brantner, 78. Mary Frances Quarles, 58.
HARRISON
Linda Alberto, 65.
HELENA-WEST HELENA
Hugh Meldon Woods, 89.
HIGDEN
Austin E. Rice, 86.
HOT SPRINGS
Essie Mae Childress, 87.
JONESBORO
Dwight Cunningham, 70.
MORRILTON
Mary Inez Hopkins, 92.
QUITMAN
Janice Marie Altom, 73.
RUSSELLVILLE
Patsy McVay, 79.
STAR CITY
Jimmy Pickens, 71.
STUTTGART
Georgia “Ann” Stone, 64.
TYRONZA
Larry G. Higginbotham, 65.
WYNNE
Doyl Earl Brown, 93. Joseph Leon Vanlandingham, 85.
OUT-OF-STATE
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo.
Jessie Lee Holt, 73.
Pulaski County
Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, WILBUR GENE GADDY, passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2014, in Little Rock, Ark. He was born April 8, 1930, to the late William C. Gaddy, Sr. and the late Athalea J. Cloud Gaddy, both of Monticello, Ark. He graduated from Little Rock High School in 1949, attended Little Rock Junior College (now UALR) and Draughon’s School of Business. He retired from the US Air Force in 1972, and the US Postal Service in 1992.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother, William C. Gaddy Jr. of Baton Rouge, La. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Mary Lou Carter Gaddy of Sherwood, Ark.; one daughter, Nancy C. Gaddy Hyde (Marty) of Sherwood, Ark.; two sons, Thomas R. Gaddy (Shawna) of Sherwood, Ark., David R. Gaddy (Lisa) of Conway, Ark.; two granddaughters, Christina L. Gaddy of Sherwood, Ark., Holly S. Baron (Johnathan) of Cabot, Ark; two grandsons, Brandson MC Gaddy and Trevor Gaddy, both of Conway, Ark.; three great-granddaughters, Kailey E. Gaddy, Alexis M. Walker, and Lynleigh J. Baron.
Visitation will be Tuesday, May 27, 2014, 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Sherwood, Ark. Funeral services will follow at 11:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church. Burial will be at 1 p.m. at Arkansas State Veteran’s Cemetery, 1501 W. Maryland Ave., North Little Rock, Ark. www.arkansasfuneralcare.com. Arrangements made by Arkansas Funeral Care.
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•–––––PRINCE ALBERT PERKINS, 73, of North Little Rock, departed his life May 21, 2014. He was preceded in death by: father, Willie D. Perkins, Sr.; mother, Lucille Bradley Perkins; sister, Sally Lee Perkins; brother, Willie James Perkins. He leaves to cherish his memories: wife of 46 years, Florestine Perkins; two children, Michael Perkins (Rhonda), Michelle Perkins-Brooks; five grandchildren, Alisha, Breonna, Olivia, Mikaela and Michael Jr.; four brothers, Robert J. (Jeanette) Perkins of Little Rock Ark., Willie D. (Veniece) Perkins Jr. of Florence, Ala., David L. (Jacqueline) Perkins of Decatur, Ga., and Dwight Perkins of Huntsville, Ala.; five sisters; Peraline Southard of Tishomingo, Miss., Classie R. Jackson, Annie R. Perkins of Luka, Miss., Bettie J. Perkins of Huntsville, Ala., Elnora (Darron) McCamey of Hollywood, Ala.; aunts, Ruby Bradley of Tupelo, Miss. and Odell Harris of Milwaukee, Wis., and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and dear friends.
Visitation: Tuesday, 9:30-11 a.m. Funeral: Tuesday, 11 a.m., both at St. Mark Community Church, 800 N. 1st St., Jacksonville, Ark. Pastor Al Romes, officiating. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, LR (501) 371-0111. Sign online guestbook at www.robinsonmortuary.com. “Service You Can Trust.”
Arkansas
BATESVILLE — John Alfred Bransford Jr., 75, of Batesville died Thursday, May 22, 2014, at Batesville. Funeral services, Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at 2 p.m. at the Qualls Batesville Funeral Service Chapel in Batesville. Visitation, 1 p.m. until service time. Burial, Campground Cemetery at Bethesda. Arrangements by Qualls Batesville Funeral Service.
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•–––––BATESVILLE — Lydia Darlene Dowell, 65, of Batesville died Friday. Survivors: sons, Brice Lane Stephens, David Walmsley, Sawyer Earl Dowell; stepson Kerry Dowell; daughter, Krisi Stephens; stepdaughter, Rhonda Dowell; brothers, Gary Taylor, Wesley Taylor; grandchildren, Dovie Stephens, Raegan Dowell, Liam Gray, August Gray, Prestyn Ribbing; There will be a private family burial at a later date. www. rollerfuneralhomes.com.
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•–––––CONWAY — Floyd Eric Henley, 87, of Conway formerly of Norphlet, died Wednesday, May 21, 2014. Visitation was held Friday evening at Young’s. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. today, at the First Baptist Church of Norphlet. Burial will follow at Rehobeth Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directions. www.youngsfuneralhome.com.
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•–––––CONWAY — Ben Wallace Hicks, 58, returned to Heaven to join his mother, Royce and father Ben on May 22, 2014. Buddy Ben is survived by his sister, Andrea Hicks Jaber of Missouri City, Texas; his brother-in-law, Thomas Jaber, his nephews and niece, Benjamin, Patricia and Joseph Jaber; and by many uncles, aunts and cousins.
A resident of the Conway Human Development Center since its opening, Buddy Ben received wonderful loving care from Felicia Bailey, Dr. Garry Stewart, Julie Davis, and the entire CHDC staff. His family is forever grateful for these people and this place.
Memorials to Buddy Ben can be sent to CHDC, 150 E. Siebenmorgan Road, Conway, Ark. 72032. Buddy Ben’s body is next to Mama and Daddy in Mulberry Cemetery in England, Ark., but now he is singing and dancing in Heaven.
Graveside services will be Saturday, May 24, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Mulberry Cemetery. Arrangements by Roller England Funeral Home, 202 Stuttgart Highway, England, Ark. 72046. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
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•–––––FORDYCE — Elizabeth “Libbi” Ann Richardson Culpepper, 69, of Fordyce died Thursday May 22, 2014 at Greenhouse Cottages of Southern Hills in Rison. Born June 13, 1944, at Indianola, Miss., she was a daughter of the late Rev. H.O. Richardson and Sarah Holland Richardson. Raised as a minister’s daughter, and later as a minister’s wife, her love of music was fostered and grew throughout her life and marriage. As a wonderful cook, her ministry included the making of communion bread in all the churches she and her husband, Jay, served.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Jay Glynn Culpepper Sr., and a brother, Bill Richardson. She is survived by a step-son, Jay Glynn Culpepper Jr. of Moataca, Va.; four daughters, Leslie Johnson Brown of Harrison, Ark., Melissa Johnson Chu of Harrison, Ark., Mynde Culpepper Emerson of Fordyce, Candi Culpepper Finley of Fordyce; brother, Buddy Richardson of Texarkana, Texas; sister, Kay Herrin of Pine Bluff; 12 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Sunday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Center Grove Methodist Church in Sheridan. A memorial service will follow at 3 p.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Fordyce First United Methodist Church Children’s Day Out Preschool. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.
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•–––––GREENBRIER — John Edward Brantner, 78, of Greenbrier, died Wednesday, May 21, 2014. John was born February 18, 1936 in St. Paul, Minn., to the late Roy and Bobbi Brantner. He is also preceded in death by daughter Barbara Ann Lakey. Mr. Brantner served in the US Army, and was a retired fireman. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Patsy Jane (Bellar) Brantner; daughter, Katherine Tullos and husband Arnold; son-in-law, Olen Lakey; grandchildren, Alicia Tullos, Brian Tullos, Bradley Lakey, and Jack Lackey. www.arkansasfuneralcare.com.
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•–––––GREENBRIER — Mary Frances Quarles, 58, Greenbrier, born March 24, 1956, passed away May 21, 2014. She is preceded in death by parents, Carl and Cordelia Moore; and sister, Linda Bidwell. Mary is survived by her husband of 22 years, Chuck; children, Daniel Gilley of Vilonia, Benjamin Gilley of Conway, Kaitlin Quarles of Greenbrier; stepson, Christian (Donna) Quarles of Homer, Pa.; grandson, Levi Marshall; brothers, Sam (Sharon) Moore of Birdtown and James Moore of Grandview. Memorial service will be 2 p.m., Saturday, May 24, Pleasant Springs Baptist Church, Birdtown. Lunch at noon at the church. www.arkansasfuneralcare.com.
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•–––––HELENA-WEST HELENA — A memorial service for Hugh Woods, 89, of Helena is 2 p.m., Saturday, First United Methodist Church, Helena. Survivors: two children, nine grandchildren, many friends. Online guest book www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/ westhelena. Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571.
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•–––––HIGDEN — Austin E. Rice made his transition to God’s resting place on May 22, 2014, at his home and learned the full meaning of I Corinthians 2:9. There he joins his parents; three sisters; and only granddaughter. For 56 years, he was his wife’s soulmate, best friend, awesome provider and father of their two children, a son and a daughter.
Austin was an active member of a Baptist Church. He held offices of Treasure, Bible and Sunday School teacher, and was leader in the worship service at one of the local campsites for nine years. Also, he used his God-given talents in maintaining the church building and grounds.
He was a WWII Veteran, serving his country in the Navy. He had many hobbies of wood-working, mechanically repairing any broken piece of equipment and keeping an immaculate lawn. He enjoyed morning coffee in warm weather on the front porch, of the house he built, with his favorite sister-in-law and watching his yard full of bluebirds. His last project was a new bluebird house.
The family gathered for a private graveside service at Pinecrest Cemetery, with the eulogy led by his brother and his pastor.
A special thank you goes to our church family, family members, the medical team, especially Dr. James Shuffield and his nurse, Paula, and the 9th (B) floor nursing staff: RNs, LPNs, and CNAs at Baptist, and David Bryant of Greers Ferry – you are truly a blessing and enriched his life.
To sign his guestbook, please visit www.arkansasfuneralcare. com. Arrangements made by Arkansas Funeral Care.
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•–––––HOT SPRINGS — Essie Mae McDaniel Jester Childress passed away May 21, 2014, in Hot Springs. She was born November 29, 1926, in Bismarck, Ark., to James Coy and Veda Howell McDaniel. She was a retired nurse.
She is survived by her husband, Bill Childress of Hot Springs; son, Jim Jester (Linda) of North Little Rock; granddaughter, Cynthia Jester of Sherwood; brothers Junior (Adrin) McDaniel and Garland (Virginia) McDaniel and sisters Nettie Thomas, Evan (Don) Sanders, and Gladys Stewart all of Hot Springs. She is preceded in death by her parents, first husband, Jimmie Jester, grandson, Derek Jester, and sisters, Esther McDaniel, Patricia McDaniel and Edith Whitten.
Services will be Saturday at 2 p.m. at Gross Funeral Home in Hot Springs with private burial at Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m. before the service. The online obituary, guestbook, and memorial tribute are available at www.grossfuneralhome.com.
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•–––––JONESBORO — Rev. Dwight Cunningham, 70, passed away Thursday, May 22, 2014 at Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House. He was born October 24, 1943 in Greenfield to the late Cleo “Keeter” and Clara Faye Cunningham. Rev. Dwight was an Assembly of God Minister for 48 years, serving churches in Jonesboro and Harrisburg and other areas during his ministry. He loved spending time with his wife and daughter and went on several mission trips to Mexico, Russia, the Holy Land and Africa.
Survived by his wife, Pat Cunningham; a daughter, Sherri Cunningham of Jonesboro; a brother and his wife, Fred and Pam Cunningham of Jonesboro.
A celebration of his life will be 2 p.m. Sunday, May 25, 2014 at Friendship Assembly of God, Hwy. 163 S with Revs. Dean Caldwell and Rodney Eldridge officiating. Burial will follow at Harrisburg Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Saturday, May 24, 2014 at Gregg-Langford Bookout Funeral Home at 300 W. Matthews. Online: www.mcnabbfuneralhomes.com.
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•–––––MORRILTON — Mary Inez Hopkins 92, formerly of Dennard, Arkansas passed away May 22, 2014. Survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren. Visitation: 2-4 p.m. May 25, 2014 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home Chapel Clinton, Arkansas. Funeral Service 10 a.m. May 26, 2014 at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home Chapel Clinton, Arkansas. www. rollerfuneralhomes.com.
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•–––––QUITMAN — Janice Marie Altom, age 73, passed away Thursday. Survivors: husband, Rev. Curtis Altom, mother, Monnie Gay, daughter, Patricia Whitcher, Jacksonville, Florida, son, Joseph Wood, Quitman, stepson, Curtis Altom (Judy), Batesville, stepson, William Altom (Myra). Heber Springs, stepdaughter, Alice Thorhill (Will), Baton Rouge, Lousiana, five grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren. Visitation: Saturday, 6 to 8 p.m., Family Funeral Service. Funeral Service, Sunday, 2 p.m., Pearson Palestine Baptist Church with interment Pearson Cemetery. www. dwightfamilyfuneral.com.
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•–––––RUSSELLVILLE — Patsy McVay, 79, died May 22, 2014. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. today at the Shinn Chapel. Burial will be in New Hope Cemetery at Dardanelle, by Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville. The family received friends on Friday evening at the funeral home. Online obituary/ guestbook available at www. shinnfuneral.com.
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•–––––STAR CITY — Jimmy Pickens, 71, of Star City, died May 22, 2014. Visitation held 5-7 p.m. Saturday, May 24, Griffin Funeral Home Chapel. Services held 3 p.m. Sunday, May 25, Bethel Baptist Church, burial in Dark Corner Cemetery. Memorials: Bethel Baptist Church or American Heart Association. Arrangements are by Griffin Funeral Home, Dumas, Arkansas.
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•–––––STUTTGART — Georgia “Ann” Stone, 64, of Stuttgart died May 22, 2014. Born Dec. 24, 1949, in DeWitt. Daughter of the late Olan and Irene Jones. Funeral Sunday, May 25, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Hunter Chapel Church in Bayou Meto. Burial, Hunter Cemetery, Casscoe by McKinzie Funeral Home.
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•–––––TYRONZA — Larry G. Higginbotham, 65, of Tyronza, Arkansas, passed away May 22, 2014, at his home. Mr. Higginbotham was the owner of Tyronza Truck & Trailer and was a member of the Corner Chapel Baptist Church in Payneway.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James Higginbotham and Dorothy Dowdy; two brothers: Billy and James Higginbotham; and by a grandson, Frank Lavoie. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; three daughters: Chris Hopper and Ronda Tyler of Marked Tree, Arkansas, and Diana Newcomb (Greg) of Hardy, Arkansas; two sons: Larry Higginbotham Jr. (Missy) and Doug Manning (Cathy), both of Tyronza, Arkansas; 15 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; one sister, Joann Ellison; his beloved friend and pet, Rascal; and by many other family members and friends.
Visitation will be held at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in West Memphis, Arkansas, on Saturday, May 24, 2014, from 5-7 p.m. Services will be held on Sunday, May 25, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Corner Chapel Baptist Church in Payneway, Arkansas. Interment will be at Tyronza Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to be made to the Prostate Cancer Society. Online guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
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•–––––WYNNE — Doyl Earl Brown, age 93, died May 21, after a brief illness. Doyl enjoyed a long and distinguished banking career and served the community as a civic leader in many capacities over the years.
Doyl began working at First National Bank in 1938 as a summer employee for $1 per day, and worked his way up to become the President and Chief Executive Officer of the bank in 1965. Even after retiring from official roles in the bank in the 1990s, he has continued to be involved in the life of 1st National, regularly joining friends for morning coffee. During his career, he also served many roles with the Arkansas Bankers’ Association, including a term as President in 1978-79.
Doyl was active in the civic life of Wynne, serving as Treasurer to the City, and as Chairman of the Cross County Board of Education, as well as various leadership roles with the Rotary Club, the Wynne Industrial Development Corporation, the East Arkansas Business and Industrial Development Corporation, and the Chamber of Commerce. Doyl was also a long-standing member of Wynne Presbyterian Church, where he served as an elder and adult Sunday School teacher.
Doyl is survived by two sons, Byron Brown (Betsy) of Tallahassee, Florida, and Kevin Brown of Washington, D.C.; two granddaughters, Megan Kelly (Brian) of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, and Emily Brown of Jacksonville, Florida; and three siblings, Laurel Ellis, Richard Brown, and Nina Spencer, all of Wynne. Doyl’s extended family included Marice Boardman and Charlie and Bunny Brown. Doyl was preceded in death in August 2012 by his beloved wife of 69 years, Aletha; his eldest son, Clyne; twin great-grandsons, Finn and Jack Kelly; and five siblings, Carson and Bill Brown, Beryl Thomas, Doris Ellis, and Mildred Bostick.
Graveside services will be Saturday, May 24, 2014, at 10 a.m. at Crosslawn Cemetery in Wynne. Memorial services will be Saturday, May 24, 2014, at 11 a.m. at the Wynne Presbyterian Church.
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•–––––WYNNE — Joseph “Leon” Vanlandingham, 85, died Thursday. Survivors: wife, Vivian; son, Blake; daughters, Vivian Scott, Gwendolyn Bretherick; sister, Jewell Howell; several grandchildren. Services are 11:30 a.m. Saturday, visitation prior to services, 10 to 11:30 a.m. at Thompson-Wilson Wynne Funeral Home, interment in Woodman Cemetery in McCrory. (870) 238-9400. www.thompsonwilsonfh. com.
Out-of-state
POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. — Mrs. Jessie Lee Holt, 73, Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away on May 22, 2014. Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Linwood Cemetery in Paragould with Tommy Newman officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home. Online guestbook: www. rollerfuneralhomes.com.