Al J Plyler

Mr. Al J. Plyler, aged 90, of Prescott, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, December 16, 2014, in his home outside of Prescott. He was born on June 29, 1924, on Plyler Hill outside of Bluff City, Arkansas, the eighth child of Jonas Marion Plyler and Ludie Sarrett Plyler. Mr. Plyler was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 68 years, LaWanna George Plyler; five brothers; and three sisters. Mr. Plyler is survived by his two devoted daughters, Sharon Plyler Bard and husband Kent of Hot Springs; Sheila Plyler Virden and husband Bill of Prescott; two grandchildren, Colbi Lasiter Johnson and husband Avery of Fayetteville and Dr. Scott Virden and wife Rachel of Gainesville, Georgia; two great-grandchildren, Stella Gossage of Fayetteville and Will Virden of Gainesville. Also surviving are his brother Frank Plyler and wife Sona of Little Rock; sister Betty Dean of Lancaster, Texas; sisters-in-law Barbara Plyler Getsee and husband Ken of Tyler, Texas, and Fern George of San Antonio, Texas; a great number of nephews, nieces, cousins, and life-long friends; special caregiver KT Maxwell of Emmett; and his three beloved dogs, Chief, Sam, and Jake. Mr. Plyler became a Christian early in life but felt led to rededicate his life to the Lord at a later time, after which he was ordained a deacon in 1983. A member of First Baptist Church for almost 50 years, he loved God's Word and read through the entire Bible at least once. As a young man, Mr. Plyler served his country during WWII in the US Army, worked as a ticket agent for the railroad, and drove a truck for Grapette Bottling Company before he began his career with the US Post Office in Lufkin, Texas, as a city mail carrier. He and LaWanna George of Gurdon were married on July 15, 1945, in Prescott by Justice of the Peace Brad Bright. It was while living in Texas that Mr. Plyler developed a love of horses and cattle when working as a wrangler on a ranch and by competing in rodeos in his spare time. In 1953, he graduated from Pineywood Business College in Lufkin. Three years later, he transferred to Prescott to work as a postal clerk. He also served as a rural mail carrier and assistant postmaster before retiring from the post office to be a full-time cattle farmer for most of the rest of his life. He was an accomplished horseman who was Grand Marshall of the Nevada County Fair Parade for a number of years, accompanied by his granddaughter; and he broke his last horse when he was 75 years old. Mr. Plyler served his community as a one-time appointee to the Quorum Court in 1984 and as constable of Missouri Township for a number of years. Deer hunting was his passion all of his adult life, and he passed this love on to his grandson at an early age. He also had a love for "horse-trading," and he traveled all over Arkansas, buying and selling cars, dogs, horses, and farm equipment, making many lasting friendships along the way. He was known as a hard bargainer when he was trading, but he was known by his closest family and friends to be a compassionate and generous person to anyone in need. His generosity extended to the summer vacations he and Mrs. Plyler took in the Rocky Mountains, by including other family members in many of the trips they took. Of all his passions, however, his greatest was his love of family and friends. He stayed connected with his siblings, cousins, nephews, and childhood friends through family reunions, visits, and phone conversations through the last days of his life. Our wonderful "Papa" and "Mimi" were devoted grandparents whose memories will forever remain with their families. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Arkansas Food Share % First Baptist Church 201 East Main St. Prescott, Ark. 71857. Visitation will be from 12:30-1:30 p.m. on Sunday, December 21, at Brazzel/Cornish Funeral Home. Graveside service will follow at 2 p.m. at De Ann Cemetery in Prescott. Bro. Frank Henson and Bro. Larry Plyler will officiate the service. Pallbearers are nephews Kenneth Robertson, Bobby Plyler, Charles Plyler, and Mike Dean, all of Texas; Gary Plyler, Phil Plyler, and Greg Plyler of Arkansas; and close family friend Jimmy Graham of Prescott. Honorary pallbearers are all of the surviving classmates of Bluff City School. Arrangements are by Brazzel/Cornish The Funeral Home of Prescott, Eddie Brazzel, Director. Online guestbook: www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com.