Clifton R. Nesbitt, Jr.

Clifton R. Nesbitt Jr. went to be with his heavenly father on September 18, 2013 at the age of 89. He was born September 4, 1924 in Humphrey, Arkansas to Clifton Sr. and Opal Nesbitt. He was a devoted husband to Juanita Nesbitt for almost 66 years until her passing in 2012. During his life he served as an Elder at South Highland Church of Christ and was a member of Pleasant Valley Church of Christ at the time of his passing. Cliff left Central High School at the age of 17 to join the U.S. Navy the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. He served on the USS Maryland in World War II and was also active in the Korean War. During his time at Central High, as well as in the Navy, he enjoyed the sport of boxing. Upon discharge from the military he joined the Little Rock Police Force serving his community from 1949–1969. During this time he welcomed his biggest joy in life, his daughter, Patricia Ann (Nesbitt) Smith. He spent the summers of his youth exploring Mountain View, Ark. and that area always held a special place in his heart. He loved playing his guitar and later in life visited local assisted living facilities singing songs and spreading the gospel. Cliff never met a stranger. His easy going nature and gentle heart were evident to all that knew him. He enjoyed travel, motorcycles and old country music especially songs from the Carter Family. Most of all Cliff enjoyed being surrounded by his family and was especially proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Juanita Nesbitt and his cherished grandson, Adam Smith; his parents, siblings Charles Nesbitt, Dwayne Nesbitt, Donald Nesbitt and Ruby Nesbitt Graham. He is survived by a sister, Lora Nesbitt Hunter, daughter Patty Smith and son-in-law James Smith, grandchildren, Jenny Janisko and Melissa Wolverton and his great grandchildren Ben, Ruby, Oliver and Wesley. Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m., Sunday, September 22, 2013 at Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth funeral home. 501-661-9111. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m., Monday, September 23, 2013 in the chapel of the funeral home, with Nick Hamilton officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. You are welcome to send Mr. Nesbitt's family messages of love, encouragement and share memories at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com, as he will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.