Thomas Beal

Thomas E. "Gene" Beal, 85, of Conway, Ark., passed away peacefully on Monday, September 26, 2016. He was born October 3, 1930 in Rector, Ark., to Claud and Olive Beal. Gene is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Martha Butler Beal, of Conway, Ark. Survivors also include two daughters, Paula Newton (Bud) of Magnolia, Texas; Karen Millican (Gary) of El Dorado, Ark.; two sons, David Beal of Russellville, Ark.; and Stephen Beal (Tabitha) of Conway; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, Claud and Olive Beal and his brother, Reverend Jim Beal. Gene was an avid sports fanatic who especially loved watching the Arkansas Razorbacks and St. Louis Cardinals. When his son, David, committed to play football for Texas A&M, he became a devoted Texas A&M Aggie and #neveryielded. Gene also loved camping with his family and friends. He was known for his sense of humor and ability to tell a good story or joke, even Aggie jokes. He never met a stranger and made life-long friends with everyone he met. He loved good gospel music, especially the Gaithers. Gene was a firm believer in the power of prayer, and was a vigilant prayer warrior for his family and anyone he knew had a need. He wanted to be remembered as a man who loved the Lord and his family dearly. A celebration of life service for Gene will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, September 29 at Woodland Heights Baptist Church, 4215 Prince Street, Conway, Ark. Friends and family are invited to share memories with the family following the service in the fellowship hall. A private graveside service for family members and close friends will be take place on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at 1 p.m. at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 1501 West Maryland Avenue, Sherwood, Ark. Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer's Arkansas Association, RHS Helping Hands Foundation, or organization of your choice. Arrangements by Smith – North Little Rock Funeral Home. Online guests register at SmithFamilyCares.com.