L. E. Vanderford

L.E. Vanderford of Hughes, Ark. died surrounded by his family at home on Friday, July 27. The son of Louis Edward and Ruby Jamerson Vanderford, he grew up in Clarendon, Ark. with sister, Harriette. In sixth grade he met the love of his life, Evelynn Tucker. They were married in December of 1954. Family members include son and daughter-in-law, Lee and Glanita Vanderford of Marianna; daughter and son-in law, Lynn and Joey Schmissrauter of Signal Mountain, Tenn.; granddaughter and fiance, Renee Vanderford and Jaafer Golzar of Chicago; grandson and partner, Philip Vanderford and Jason Jones of Dallas; granddaughter, Shelley Schmissrauter of Baltimore; grandson, Airman 1st Class Joseph Schmissrauter of Biloxi; grandson, Steven Schmissrauter of Nashville; and two great-grandchildren, Yusef and Ariana Golzar of Chicago. L.E. is survived by his sister and brother in law, Harriette and Jim Gillis of Memphis and niece Jan Bruckmeier of New Orleans. Farming in Clarkesdale, Miss., led L.E. to become the manager of Hughes Grain Corp. where he worked for 30 years. He managed warehouses for Trans International in Memphis prior to retirement. A master craftsman, L.E. found great joy in woodworking and welding. He became known for his handcrafted chopping boards and walking canes, and his famous cooking grills were custom designed for their owners. Area farmers sought his skills in metal-working as he designed and built everything from implement parts to duck blinds. L.E. was an avid sportsman and enjoyed golf and hunting. In his thirties and forties, he was renowned for his success in competitive trapshooting. His passion for bar-b-q led him to compete regularly in cooking contests and his "Sooie and the Piglets" team won the Memphis in May International BBQ Cooking Contest where his 90 year old mother helped him on stage as he performed in the hog calling contest. Showmanship was one of LE's great gifts. L.E. was a member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Marianna and served on the Memphis Board of Trade/Mid-South Grain Inspection Board for 50 years. He was a long-time member of Meadowbrook Country Club and enjoyed regular golf trips with friends and family. The time spent at his cabin on Hughes Hunting Club led to fond memories for many as he developed world class turkey calling skills and entertained in front of his famous fires. Accompanied by his faithful pup Wooster, he loved to ride his four-wheeler around Hughes. L.E. lived a large life and is remembered as a truth-teller, mentor, scout leader, teacher, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His snappy one-liner expressions will live in the memories of many as will his twinkling eyes and quick wit. His devoted and patient wife Evelynn, who cared for him for 57 years, was his precious bride and best friend. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, July 30 at Holy Cross Episcopal Church, 209 Park Drive in West Memphis with prayers at 11:30 for those gathered. Memorial service will be held in Marianna, Ark. at 3 p.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 49 South Carolina at Church Street. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be sent to Crittenden Regional Hospice, 308 South Rhodes, West Memphis, Ark. 72301. Arrangements are being handled by Stevens Funeral Home, Forrest City, and information can be accessed online at www.stevensfuneralhome.net.