Buddy Ralph (B.R.) Stockton

Buddy Ralph (B. R.) Stockton was greeted by his Heavenly Father with "well done good and faithful servant" on June 27, 2016. He was born on September 2, 1934 in Cove, Arkansas to Ivan and Icie Stockton. B.R. graduated from Camden High School and the University of Arkansas. He married his sweetheart Helen Sandlin in 1955 and they have four daughters and one son. Buddy worked as an insurance adjuster in Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas. He surrendered to a call to the ministry at age 38 and he became the pastor of Sonora Baptist Church. B.R. served as a pastor in northwest Arkansas for over 40 years including pastorates at Sonora Baptist Church, First Baptist Church of Greenland and Old Missouri Road Baptist Church. He also led the effort to plant several churches in northwest Arkansas including Sang Avenue Baptist Church and Northeast Baptist Church. He and his wife Helen also served as mission volunteers pastoring Redfield Baptist Church in South Dakota in 2002 and 2003. Buddy loved his Savior Jesus Christ, his family and his many friends. He loved life; he was a friend to many; never met a stranger and led many people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. B.R. is survived by his wife of 60 years, Helen of Fayetteville; his brother, Don (Butch) Stockton and wife, Denise of Russellville; his four daughters, Sue Mayes and husband, Ben, Diane Stockton, Karen Dickey and husband, Loren and Charlotte Carnes and husband, Tim; five grandchildren - Staci Bodenstein, Brad Mayes, Sam Mayes, Jennifer Andaur, Phillip Sugg; and 10 great-grandchildren. Buddy was preceded in death by his son, George Michael; his brother, Ivan Leroy (Scooter) Stockton; his sisters, Jimmye Crowsey and Barbara Grabher. His family and friends praise God for and celebrate the life of Buddy Ralph (B.R.) Stockton - Child of God, Husband, Dad and Granddad. Visitation will be Wednesday, June 29, 2016 at Beards Funeral Chapel from 5-7 p.m. Celebration Service will be Thursday, June 30, 2016 at the First Baptist Church of Greenland at 10 a.m. Graveside services will follow at the Baptist Ford Cemetery under the direction of Beard's Chapel. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the: International Mission Board, P.O. Box 6767, Richmond, Va. 23230-0767. Condolences at www.beardsfuneralchapel.com.