Elvis Lodell Christian Sr.

Elvis Lodell Christian Sr., 79, of Bryant, Arkansas passed away on Monday, February 9, 2015. He was born to the late James Parker and Ina Elizabeth (Williams) Christian on July 15, 1935 in Paducah, Kentucky. Elvis retired from the Air Force with 21 years of service having served in many countries. He was active in the Viet Nam War as well as the Korean Conflict. Upon retirement, he worked for St. Vincent Infirmary (22 years) where he retired as Director of Safety and Security. Elvis was a member of the Calvary Church of the Nazarene. He was an avid golfer and played for the Air Force during his service time. Besides golf, Elvis enjoyed Razorback athletics, Nascar racing, but most of all he truly enjoyed the times of being together with his family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law and friend to all he knew. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Leon Christian of Paducah and great-great-granddaughter, Sophia Danielle-Grace Brown of Benton, Arkansas. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Betty Christian of Bryant; children, Valesha Kirksey (Charles) of Little Rock, Denise McGohan of Benton, Elvis Christian, Jr. and James Christian both of Bryant; grandchildren, Brandi Kirksey (Phillip Bullard) of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Mike Wyatt (Tiffany) of Greenbrier, Arkansas, Shana Mile (John) of Wausau, Wisconsin, Justin Christian (Jackie) of Malvern, Iowa, Taylor Mathis of Glen Rose, Arkansas, Destiny Luttrell (Jason) of Benton, Arkansas, Heather Brown (Eric) of Benton, Arkansas, Ryan Hodges (Lance) of Shannon Hills, Arkansas; 23 great-grandchildren; sisters, Delois Smith and Brenda Robinson both of Paducah, Kentucky; many other family members and friends. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Wednesday, February 11, 2015 at Griffin Leggett Healy & Roth Funeral Home, 5800 W. 12th Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204. Funeral services will be 1 p.m., Thursday at the funeral home with burial to follow at Round Mountain Cemetery in Conway. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.