Ellis J. Yingling

Ellis J. Yingling 78, of Beebe passed away October 3, 2015. He was born in Williamsport, Pa. on August 9, 1937, to Joseph and Irene Yingling. He was preceded in death by his parents and two of his sisters. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda Lee Yingling of Beebe; his three sons: Ellis Jr. (Donna) of Searcy, Chris (Cindy) of Walton, Ky., and Curtis (Wendi) of McRae; numerous grandkids and great-grandkids as well as a host of acquaintances. He is also survived by his sister, Suzanne Gooch (Vaughn) from S. Carolina. He was a retired Air Force SSgt, who served his country with distinction for twenty years and was a multi-decorated war veteran. He was the recipient of a Distinguished Flying Cross, two Silver Stars, and multiple other awards and accommodations. Never one to sit still; after his retirement, as well as farm work, he worked a variety of jobs, often two at a time, until June of this year when his health would no longer allow him to. Some of these jobs include: tractor mechanic, diesel truck mechanic, truck driver, warehouse worker, paper delivery, and office furniture delivery, to name a few. Ellis met a lot of people during his life and even if all of them did not agree with him, they all would know where he stood. To him, his family name and his word were important. He taught his family that you honor your word and your commitment. To those who knew him and those he allowed to be close to him, he'll greatly be missed. His direct manner of speech, clear cut definition of right and wrong, and his sense of honor and integrity are characteristics that we all will miss. A time of visitation for friends and family will be 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, October 7, 2015, at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home in Beebe. Entombment will be in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the American Diabetes Foundation. Cremation arrangements by Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, a certified Veterans Care provider. www.westbrookfuneralhome.com.