Gary L. Ennis

Gary L. Ennis, 70, of Batesville died Wednesday, January 8, 2014 at home. He was born in Batesville on December 9, 1943 to Odell L. and Helen (Love) Ennis. He was a member of West Baptist Church since the age of 4. Gary was a 1961 graduate of Batesville High School and a 1965 graduate of Arkansas State University with a degree in business. In 1969, he started Ennis Realty and a business career in Independence County that lasted 45 years. He was actively involved in economic development for Batesville and Independence County and was a driving force for the development of the Independence County Industrial Park. Gary was a civic leader having been the past president of the Batesville Rotary Club, Batesville Chamber of Commerce, and Batesville Realtor Association. He was also very active in the Independence County 4-H foundation. He was an outdoorsman who enjoyed camping, deer hunting, and especially floats trips on the Buffalo River. He was an avid reader enjoying newspapers, histories, business publications, and biographies. Gary was a people person who had a passion for the growth and development of Batesville and Independence County. He was widely respected across the state of Arkansas for his high business ethics and character. Survivors include his wife Susie (Gray) Ennis of Batesville; three sons: Tony Caston and his wife, Dawn of Kingsport, Tenn., John Caston and his wife, Wendy of Jacksonville, Fla., and Michael Ennis and his wife, Oana of Batesville; six grandchildren: Paul Caston and his wife, Lauren of Savannah, Ga., Brian Caston and his wife, Brittany of Clarksville, Tenn., Samantha Caston, Seth Caston both of Jacksonville, and Mila Ennis and Eamon Ennis both of Batesville; one sister, Sharon Ennis Black and her husband, Richard of Batesville. Other survivors include his nieces and nephews: Sherri Gray Hinds and her husband, Wayne of Conway, Tandy Gray of Hot Springs, Jennifer Black of Muldrow, OK, David Black of Jacksonville, Fla., Laura Black of Batesville, , Kaitlin Tatman and Elijah Tatman both of Muldrow, Ethan Black also of Houston, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents. Pallbearers will be Mike Low, Pete Musgrave, Donald Boles, Bob Stroud, Carter Baxter, Troy Garlin, Gordon Harmon, Mike Gennings Paul Caston, and Brian Caston. Honorary pallbearers are Y.M. Mack, N. E. Johnston, Ron Spicer, Charles Sherley, James L. Rutherford, W. E. "Bill" Campbell, H. B. "Buddy" Hughes III, Richard Parenti, Bob Morris, Paul Henry, Jim Barnett, Robert A. Craig, Dr. Julia Allen, Gaylon O'Bryant, "Don" Ellsworth Brown, Charles "Bob" Holden, Barnett Grace, Tommy Joe Milligan, John Edward Blount, Wesley J, "Butch" Ketz, Mark Calaway, David Hidy, Max Baker, Larry Shaw, Larry Tharnish, Mickey Powell, Barry Ferrell, Chris Gillihan, Frank Tripp, James Reves, Larry Sandage, Gene Tulberg, Randy Kazzee, Jamie Davidson, Jim Buchanan, Harold McKinney, Dr. Raman Desikan, Alan Moore, Larry Bolin, Greg Shaver, Frank Snapp, Jim Darling, Greg Nelson, Charles Neil Matlock, and Robert S. Stroud. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2014 at the West Baptist Church with Bro. Randy Maxwell officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens under the direction of Roller-Crouch Funeral Home of Batesville. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, January 10, 2014 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to West Baptist Church, 1100 N. Central Avenue, Batesville, Ark. 72501 or UAMS Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy, 4301 Markham #816, Little Rock, Ark. 72205-9985. Guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.