Wallace B. Hobson

Wallace B. Hobson, age 91, born March 2, 1923 in Rison (Cleveland County), entered peacefully into Heaven on April 5, 2014 in Jonesboro. He was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many. He is survived by his wonderful wife of 22 years, Reba Forrest Hobson; and children (Ret.) U.S. Army Colonel Wallace Benjamin Hobson Jr. (Ben) and his wife, Kathy, of Grapevine, Texas; Olivia (Libby) Olson and her husband, Curt, of Rogers; Frances Merrell and her husband, Spencer of Searcy; Billy Forrest of Jonesboro; Bobby Forrest and his wife, Lisa, of Jonesboro; Brenda Million and her husband, Mark, of Jonesboro; and Barry Forrest and his wife, Dana, of Jonesboro. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Kimberly Hobson; Benjamin Hobson; Clara Merrell and husband, Gordon; Richard Olson and wife, Lena; Jonathan Olson; Pamela Pittman and husband, Noah; Jack Ellington; James Hart; Drew Merrell; Hannah Merrell; Will Forrest and wife, Maria; Courtney Noell and husband, Charles; Jeremy Glenn; Lauren Johnson and husband, Blake; Jonathan Million; Brandon Buhrmester and wife, Holly; Cody Forrest; Ashley Forrest; and nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Wallace K. and Olive Hobson, brother James F. Hobson and his first wife, Ella Lou Cummings Hobson. Wallace was a 1941 graduate of Rison High School, where he played on the Rison Wildcats Football team and was known for his agility and speed as a quarterback, leading the team to conference play. In his senior year, he was captain of the football team and chosen by his class as "cutest boy." He volunteered to serve his country during World War II, serving in the Army Air Corp from March 1943 until March 1946. Following his dedicated military service, he attended college on the G.I. Bill and graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1951 and a Master of Science in 1954. He taught 10 years at Burdette High School and served as a senior class sponsor numerous times. The 1961 graduating class of Burdette High presented Mr. Hobson with a Recognition Award for commitment to their dedication and success. He remained close friends with many of his former students up until his death. In the summer of 1961, he and his family moved to Jonesboro. Wallace accepted a position with the Federal Land Bank, where he worked until he retired in 1986 as president serving Craighead, Greene and Poinsett counties. Wallace was presented with a recognition award for Outstanding Service to Agriculture with the Federal Lank Bank in Craighead, Greene and Poinsett counties. He served on the Sixth District Employee Benefits Committee of the Federal Land Bank serving Arkansas and Missouri. As a member of the state FFA Foundation Board, Wallace was presented in 1984 with a 10 year service award for his dedication to educating youth in agriculture. Wallace was a charter member of the Arkansas Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers and formerly served on the Jonesboro Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee. He was a member of the Exchange Club of Jonesboro, where he received numerous awards for his service which included the Jim Echols Award in 1998, Exchangite of the Year in 1999, and the Book of Golden Deeds in 2007. Shortly upon graduation from the University of Arkansas, Wallace joined the Arkansas Alumni Association and was a faithful alumnus for 63 years. He loved the Arkansas Razorbacks and was a loyal fan to his alma mater. He was a member of the Baloney Gravy Hunting Club, Little Petunia Poker Club, Catfish Club and the Rose Hill Hunting Club. He was also a member of the ASU Indian Club. Wallace was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Jonesboro for 53 years. He served on numerous boards at First Methodist, including serving as past chairman of the Administrative Board. He was a longtime member of the Friendship Sunday School class. Visitation will be held from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, 2014 at Emerson Funeral Home in Jonesboro, 1629 E. Nettleton Ave. Funeral Services will be held at 3 p.m. on the same day in the Chapel of Emerson Funeral Home. Graveside Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9, 2014 in Rison at the Greenwood Cemetery, under the direction of Buie Funeral Home. Active Pallbearers in Jonesboro will be: Don Brown; Sid McHaffey; Hon. Brent Davis, Circuit Judge; Barry Forrest; Mark Million; Billy Forrest; Bobby Forrest; Will Forrest; Jonathan Million and Cody Forrest. Active Pallbearers at the graveside will be: Charles Hobson, George Hobson, Curt Olson, Richard Olson, Jonathan Olson, Benjamin Hobson, Jack Ellington and James Hart. To express online condolences, visit www.emersonfuneralhome.com. Memorials may be sent to First United Methodist Church, 801 S. Main St., Jonesboro, Arkj. 72401.