Meryl Clinton Johnson

 

Meryl Clinton Johnson, 97, of Paragould, passed away October 1, 2011 at the Flo and Phil Jones Hospice House in Jonesboro. Born March 14, 1914 in Paragould, he was a retired service station owner, a veteran of WWII, having served in the Army, and a member of New Liberty Missionary Baptist Church.

He is survived by one brother and sister-in-law, R L and Ruby Johnson of Granite City, Il; one sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Eugene Martin of Paragould; one grandson and his wife, Scott and Becky Chambers of Marmaduke, and by three great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Grover and Minnie Johnson; his wife, Thelma Johnson; one daughter, Linda Kay Chambers; two brothers, Burl and Roy Johnson, and by one sister, Bonnie Medlin.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, October 5th, 1:30 p.m. at the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with Bob Lee officiating. Burial will be in New Friendship Cemetery.
Visitation will be Tuesday evening, 6:00 until 9:00 at the funeral home.

Online guest registry: Mitchell Funeral Homes

Josie Mae Austin

 

Josie Mae Austin, five months old, passed away Saturday, October 1, 2011. She was born April 26, 2011 in Little Rock, AR. to A.J and Stacy Austin.

She is survived by her parents; one brother, Cash Austin; paternal grandparents, Joey Austin and Carol Austin and maternal grandparents, Scott Howe and Connie Jones; step grandmother Mechelle Howe; three aunts, Hannah Jones, Lauren Jones and Holly Jones; three uncles, Dustin Howe, Tyler Austin and Alek Samples.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening, October 6th, 6:00 until 9:00 at Phillips Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be Friday, October 7th, 10:00 a.m. in the Center Hill Chapel of Phillips Funeral Home.

Burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery.


Online guest registry: Phillips Funeral Home

Jeanetta Joyce Vallentine

 

Jeanetta Joyce Franks Vallentine, 73, of Paragould, passed away Sunday, October 2, 2011. Jeanetta was born August 22, 1938, she was a 1955 graduate of Marmaduke High School and a 1969 graduate of Arkansas State University. She was a member of Marmaduke Methodist Church, Greene County Retired Teachers' Association and Arkansas Retired Teachers' Association. She taught at Marmaduke High School for 28 years.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Marlon Pete and Vernett Franks; paternal grandparents, Carlie and Buelah Franks; maternal grandparents, Claude and Lydia Gossett and other relatives.

She is survived by her husband, Ronald Vallentine; son, Robert Vallentine; sister and brother-in-law, Mary Ann and Dewayne Hamelback; sister-in-law, Billie Jean French; and brother-in-law and sister -in-law Gary and Robin Szychulski.

Visitation will be held Tuesday evening, October 4th, 6:00 until 8 at the Heath Funeral Home in Paragould. Funeral services will be Wednesday, October 5th, 11:00 a.m. at Heath Colonial Chapel with Reverend Wayne Baldwin officiating.
Burial will follow at Harvey's Chapel Cemetery in Marmaduke, Arkansas.

Memorials may be sent to Harvey's Chapel Cemetery Fund, c/o Glen Freeman, 1100 Robinwood, Paragould, AR 72450; Marmaduke Methodist Church, c/o Sherry Hensley, 373 Greene 437 Road, Marmaduke, AR 72443; St. Jude's Hospital; or Arkansas Childrens' Hospital.

Online guest registry: Heath Funeral Home

 

Larry Edward Pitcher
 

Larry Edward Pitcher, 60, of Paragould passed away Tuesday, October 4, 2011.

He was born July 20, 1951 in Paragould to Vondia and Emma Pitcher.

Larry was a member of Oak Grove Church of Christ. He was an avid hunter in his younger days. He was loved by all his family.

He is survived by his parents; one son, Chris Pitcher of Paragould; one daughter, Kim (Kevin) Turner of Paragould; two brothers, Tommy (Andrea) Pitcher and Vondia Glen (Lavada) Pitcher both of Paragould; One sister, Patty (David) Hyde of Paragould; three grandchildren, Kourtnee and Brooke Pitcher and Jarred Turner; two great-grandchildren, Christopher and Talan Murray.

The family will receive friends Friday, October 7th, 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m. in the Center Hill Chapel of Phillips Funeral Home.

Graveside services will follow at 3:00 p.m.,at Jones Ridge Cemetery with Kenneth Camp and Dick Blackford officiating.

Pallbearers will be Kevin and Jarred Turner, Jody, Cody, Tommy Lee and Kaleb Pitcher, Will and Joe Sawer will serve as honorary pallbearers.

Online guest registry: Phillips Funeral Home

Jerry Wayne Johnston

Jerry Wayne Johnston, 62, of Paragould, passed away Tuesday, October 4, 2011, at Arkansas Methodist Hospital. Mr. Johnston was born April 18, 1949 in Paragould to the late General Jack and Lottie Velena Johnston.
He loved reading the Bible (especially John 15), fishing, horses, and he established the Black Horse Reservation.

Survivors include three daughters, Sheila Michelle Johnston, Lisa Lynn Nelson and Jeri Heather Johnston, all of Paragould; four brothers, Nathan Johnston, Jack Johnston and David Johnston, all of Paragould, and Robert Johnston of Lafe, AR.; two sisters, Alapha Flotard of N.J., and Hazel Young of Rockford, IL.; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild, and a host of other family and friends.

Mr. Johnston was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Leroy Johnston and Kenneth Johnston; and one sister, Aldean Rhein.

The family requests private services and disposition under the direction of Faith Funeral Service, Manila, AR.


Online condolences to: Faith Funeral Service

Wilma Burgess Curtright
 

Wilma Burgess Curtright, daughter of the late Louis and Lottie Whitlock Hodge was born July 14, 1922, in Leachville, AR., and passed away Tuesday, October 4, 2011, at Arkansas Methodist Hospital in Paragould, AR., at the age of 89.
She was married to Bill Curtright, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by three sons, James Leon Burgess, Jerry Don Burgess and Junior Burgess; one daughter, Mary Nell Burgess; two sisters; three brothers; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Survivors include one son, Joe Burgess and wife, Mickie, of Rector, AR.; seven daughters, Vera Mae Bishop and husband, Jerry, of Cardwell, MO., Polly Lewis, of Aurora, IL., Kathy Blankenship and husband, Jep, of Paragould, Brenda Preast, of Arbyrd, MO., Jo Ann Burgess, and Donna Burns and husband, Carl, all of Hornersville, MO., and Vickie Burgess, of Hardy, AR.; 36 grandchildren; 71 great-grandchildren; 42 great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews, and other relatives and many friends.

Visitation will be Thursday evening, October 6th, 6:00 until 9:00 p.m. at the McDaniel Funeral Home in Senath, MO.

Funeral services will be Friday, October 7th, 11:00 a.m., at the First Baptist Church in Senath with Rev. Kevin Sullivan and Pastor Clara Lett officiating.

Burial will follow in the Lulu Cemetery at Senath.

Online guest registry: McDaniel Funeral Home

Lavern Snider

Lavern Snider, 74, Rector, passed away Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at her daughter's residence in Kennett, MO. She was born August 15, 1937 in Pocahontas, AR., the daughter of the late Joseph and Ruth Harmon Box. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, L. J. Box and Geneva McCartney. She was a Homemaker and of Pentecostal faith.

She is survived by her husband: Thurman Theo Snider of the home; sons: David Snider of South Haven, MI; William Snider of Huntsville, TX; Bobby Snider of Greenville, SC; Michael Snider of Paragould; Theo Snider of Labelle, FL; Jimmy Snider of Branson, MO; daughters: Sandra Burke of Kennett, MO; Kathy Durbin of Dexter, MO; Gretta Mitchell of Kennett, MO; sister: Janelle Marvin of Hooker; twenty nine grandchildren; twenty nine great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Friday evening, 6:00 until 8:00 at Heath Funeral Home. The celebration of her life will be Saturday, October 8th, 10:30 a.m. at the Heath Colonial Chapel with Reverend Bill Snow officiating. Interment will follow at Woods Chapel Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Legacy Hospice, Inc., 607 Billington Street, Kennett, Missouri 63857.

Online guest registry: Heath Funeral Home


 

Christine Wilkins McGrew Sipes

Christine McGrew, daughter of the late Everett and Bessie Kelley Wilkins, was born December 24, 1919, in Senath, MO., and passed away Wednesday, October 5, 2011, at Arkansas Methodist Hospital in Paragould, AR., at the age of 91.
Her husband, Tom McGrew preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by two sons, Randy McGrew and Gene McCormick; four brothers and one sister.

Survivors include two sons, Jack McGrew, of Arbyrd, MO., and Greg McGrew, of Cardwell, MO.; two daughters, Rita Williams, of Woodstock, GA., and Peggy Babcock, of St. Louis, MO.; one sister, Doris Laverne McCoy, of Searcy, AR.; eight grandchildren, Sheila, Paula, Julie, Kurt, Suzanne, Michael, Carrie and Jessica; 12 great-grandchildren and other relatives and many friends.

Visitation will be Saturday, October 8th, 12:00 p.m. until time of services at 2:00 p.m. at the McDaniel Funeral Home Chapel in Senath, MO., with David Flanrey officiating.

Burial will follow in the McGrew Cemetery at Senath.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Wilkins, Larry Golden, Mark Davidson, David Neal, Lester Forbs and Mike Morris.


Online guest registry: McDaniel Funeral Home

Bobbie Joe Fry


 

Bobbie Joe Fry, 79, of Paragould passed away, Thursday October 6, 2011, at Skilcare Nursing Home in Jonesboro. He was born April 21, 1932 in Cardwell, MO., the son of the late William Coy and Florence Cora Adams Fry. His wife, Mary Louise Thomas Fry, sisters, Beverly Ann Brewington, Doris Copeland and brother, Jerry Melvin Fry also precede him in death.
Bobbie Joe served in the United States Air Force as an Engineer serving in the Korean Conflict and was stationed in Japan. He then worked for Gates Lumber in Memphis. After moving to Paragould, he had is own lawn care and handyman business. He enjoyed fishing in the Mississippi River and woodworking.

He is survived by his brother, Danny Lee Fry of Paragould and sister, Peggy Jean Keefe of Nashville, TN.
The family will receive friends Monday evening, October 10th, 6:00 until 8:00 at Heath Funeral Home. His life will be celebrated Tuesday, October 11th, 10:00 a.m. at the Heath Colonial Chapel. Burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to St. Jude's Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude's Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105.

Online guest registry: Heath Funeral Home

George R. Weaver

 

George R. Weaver, 85, of Delaplaine, AR., passed away Thursday, October 6, 2011 at home. Mr. Weaver was born in Denton, MO., on July 6, 1926. He was a former school board member, retired farmer, and proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army during World War II. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. He was a member and a Deacon of Delaplaine Baptist Church.

He married his wife Mary Edna (Palmer) Weaver on October 27, 1951. She survives. Other survivors include four children Judy and husband Bob Richardson of Delaplaine, AR., Sandra and husband David Zirkle of Harrison, AR., Phil Weaver and wife Sharon of Millersville, MO., Gary Weaver and wife Mala of Paragould, AR.; one brother William Weaver of Jefferson GA.; seven grandchildren Chris Richardson and wife Nichole of Killeen, TX., Mark Weaver and wife Jennifer of Millersville, MO., Kevin Weaver and wife Rebeccaof Pilot Knob, MO., Andrew Weaver and Grant Weaver both of Paragould, AR., Allen Zirkle of Harrison, AR., Alesha and husband Eric Deweese of Harrison, AR.; three great-grandchildren Dylan Weaver of Pilot Knob, MO., Garrett and Piper Richardson of Killeen, TX.; a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Henry Harvey and Virginia "Jenny" Janette Weaver; and four sisters.

Funeral services will be Saturday, October 8th, 1:00 p.m. in the Ermert Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Adam Bruton officiating. Burial will follow the services in Greene County Memorial Gardens in Paragould, AR. Public visitation will be held Saturday, October 8th, 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Serving as pallbearers will be Chris Richardson, Mark Weaver, Kevin Weaver, Andrew Weaver, Allen Zirkle and Grant Weaver.

Online guest registry: Ermert Funeral Home

Albert Wineland
 

Albert Wineland departed this life October 7, 2011, at Greene Acres Nursing Home. He was born July 28, 1921, in Greene County to the late, Arthur and Cavie Wineland. He graduated from Dixie High School in 1940.
Albert was a second generation farmer, farming his entire life in the Schugtown community. He was a member of the Schugtown Methodist Church for 60 years.

Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Clara Vanhook Wineland; daughter and son-in-law, Joy Faith and Paul M. Smith of Paragould; sons and daughters-in-law, Don and Carol Wineland of Fayetteville, AR and Van and Scarlett Wineland of Paragould. Grandchildren, Jennifer Wineland Rich, Julie Wineland Thompson, Justin Smith, Audra Smith and Madeleine Wineland and 5 great grandchildren. Albert also leaves behind a special pet and friend, “Pepper” his trick pony.
Visitation will be Sunday, October 9th, 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Heath Funeral Home, Paragould. Graveside services will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Wood’s Chapel Cemetery with Rev. Hershel Richardson Officiating.



Online guest registry: Heath Funeral Home

 

Iva Bernelle Greenway
 

Iva Bernelle Anderson Greenway passed away at her home in Paragould, AR., on October 7, 2011. She was born November 17, 1916 in Elm Springs, AR., and married Vance E. Greenway on August 7, 1938. She is survived by her 5 children, Vance E. and Carole Greenway of Weaverville, CA., Nyla and Jim Stewart of Alamo, TN., Lynn and Mike Lucas of Maumelle, AR, Terry and Nita Greenway of Princeton, IN, and Barry Greenway of Paragould, 7 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Vance Greenway.

Bernelle was a member of the Seventh & Mueller church of Christ in Paragould, AR. Bernelle was a graduate of Harding University in Searcy, AR and taught high school business courses for over 30 years combined at Crowley’s Ridge Academy and Oak Grove High School in Paragould, AR. She was a member of the Retired Teachers Association. From its beginning, Bernelle and Vance were instrumental servants of the Children’s Home Inc. of Paragould and from their travel on its behalf, they established many cherished friendships.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, October 11th, 10:00 a.m. at the 7th & Mueller Church of Christ with Larry McFadden, Michael Cox, and James Balcom officiating. Burial will be in Pine Knot Cemetery.
Visitation will be Monday evening, 6:00 until 8:00 at the Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.

The family requests that memorials be made to the Children’s Home Inc, or Crowley’s Ridge Academy in Paragould, Arkansas.

Online guest registry: Mitchell Funeral Homes

Walter Darrell Gatlin, Sr.

 

Walter Darrell Gatlin, Sr., 76, Paragould, passed away Saturday, October 8, 2011, at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro. Darrell was born March 11, 1935 in Brookland. He was retired from Dr. Pepper Bottling Company after twenty years and then owned and operated his upholstery business.

He was preceded in death by his father, Charlie Clayburne Gatlin, mother, Alice Barnett Norton, brothers, Kenneth Gatlin, Charles Gatlin, and sister, Sandra Magel.

Survivors include his daughters and sons-in-law: Pamela Ann and Tim Peterson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Sheila Diane and Tim Hutcheson of Paragould, Kimberly Darlene and Fred Walsh of Arlington, Tennessee; son: Walter Gatlin, Jr. of Caraway, AR; sisters: Catherine and Chub Sharp of Paragould, Selma and Freddy Reno of St. Charles, Missouri, Ollie "Hoss" Wallace of Paragould; brother: Billie Gatlin; partner and friend: Martha Seats; eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Monday, October 10th, 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Heath Funeral Home. Following visitation Monday, his life will be celebrated at the Heath Colonial Chapel, 1:00 p.m. Interment will be on Pine Log Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Randy Wallace, Jasper Sharp, Tim Hutcheson, Fred Walsh, Gary Jeffers, and Walter Gatlin. Memorials may be sent to East Side Baptist Church Youth, 529 East Court Street, Paragould, AR 72450

Online guest registry: Heath Funeral Home


 

John Daniel Taylor Jr.

John Daniel Taylor Jr., 82, of Paragould passed away Saturday, October 8, 2011.

He was born June 26, 1929, in Jonesboro to John D. and Edith Minton Taylor.

John retired as a master sergeant from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years of service. He then taught school for 18 years and later went to Nigeria to teach in a Christian school. He was a loving husband and father who was willing to help anyone in need.

Preceding him in death were his parents and one sister, Ada Upton.

He is survived by his wife, Dorris Vaughn Taylor; three sons, David (Laufrain) Taylor of Greenwood, Leslie (Cheri) Taylor and Mark (Ronda) Taylor, all of Paragould; three daughters, LaVonne Taylor of West Memphis, Kina (Roger) Knight of Paragould and Edie (Stan) Hall of Jonesboro; three brothers, Bill Taylor and Dale Taylor, both of Jonesboro, and Freddy Taylor of Sierra Vista, Az..; 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and four foster children, April Gadson, Johnny, Danny and Elisa Compton.

The family will receive friends Tuesday, October 11th, 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Gainesville Church of Christ. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Topper Killough and Chad Wagner officiating. Burial will be in the Old Enterprise Cemetery, 3:00 p.m. near Jonesboro.

The family will serve as pallbearers.

Lasting memorials can be made to Children’s Homes Inc. of Paragould or Gainesville Church of Christ Missions.

Online guest registry: Phillips Funeral Home

Sadie Louise Allmon

Mrs. Sadie Louise Allmon, 67, of Blytheville, AR., passed away Saturday, October 8, 2011, at her home after a brave battle with cancer. Mrs. Allmon was born November 19, 1943, in Lafe, AR., to the late Rupert Barney and Hazel Lorene Lake Williams. Mrs. Allmon was of the Southern Baptist faith, 1962 graduating class of Lafe High School, an area resident for 47 years, enjoyed sewing, reading, and gardening.

Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Earl Allmon; three daughters, Tina Walton of Manila, AR., Sherry Tuberville and husband Tim of Cooter, MO., and Bonnie Best and husband Phillip of Lafe, AR.; one brother, Buford Williams; one sister, Ruth Love; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren and a host of other family and friends.

Mrs. Allmon was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, James Williams.

Funeral services will be Monday, October 10th, 4:00 p.m. at the Pentecostal Church of God, Steele, MO., with the Rev. Gary Andrews officiating. Interment will follow at Dogwood Cemetery, Blytheville, AR., under the direction of Faith Funeral Service of Manila, Ark.

The family will receive visitors Monday, 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 at the church.

Pallbearers will be Terry Bressler, Jr., Jason Bressler, Timmy Tuberville, Phillip Best, Jacob Best and Tim Tuberville. Honorary pallbearer will be Tommy Tuberville.

Online condolences to: Faith Funeral Service

Betty "Elizabeth" Hager Rawls
 

Betty "Elizabeth" Hager Rawls, 59, of Paragould, passed away Saturday, October 8, 2011 in Jonesboro. She was born January 29, 1952 in Lawrence County, AR., the daughter of the late Frank and Fanny Hager. She was also preceded in death by her nephew, Frankie Meeks.
Elizabeth was employed by International Bread Company and attended Cowboy Church. She loved motorcycles, taking pictures, scrapbooking, anything Coca Cola, and especially her family, kids and grandkids.

Elizabeth is survived by her daughter and son-in-law: Ginger Gale and Tracy Isom of Paragould; sons and daughters-in-law: Ronnie Edward and Christy Rawls of Paragould and Lee Westley and Dianne Rawls of Stanford; siblings: Ann Meeks of Hoxie, Earl Hager of Walnut Ridge, and Robert Hager, Sr. of Plano, IL; grandchildren: Mykala, Hunter, Jenna, Ethan, Haven, Lane, Levi, Kiersten, Tysan and Jacob; nieces and nephews: Sheri Hager, Robert Hager, Jr., and Tiffany Hager.

The family will receive friends Monday evening, October 10th, 6:00 until 8:00 at Heath Funeral Home. Her life will be celebrated Tuesday, October 11th, 1:30 p.m. at the Heath Colonial Chapel, with Rev. Robert Hager, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow at Whittaker Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Online guest registry: Heath Funeral Home



 

James Fletcher Jackson
 

James Fletcher Jackson, 82, of Marmaduke, passed away Monday, October 10, 2011 at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center in Paragould. He was born April 12, 1929 in Lafe the son of the late Fletcher and Pearl Eads Jackson. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Elfreda Box Jackson, second wife, Jessie "Billie" Jackson, daughter, Carol Jean Jackson, granddaughter, Amber Jackson and brother, Lawrence Jackson.
James was retired from Emerson Electric Company and was a member of West View Baptist Church. He loved playing his guitar and fishing.

Survivors include his children: Freddie and Shelia Jackson of Oak Grove Heights, Everett and Deborah Jackson of Marmaduke, Charlotte Jackson and husband Joe of Maynard, Steve and Vickie Jackson of Paragould, and Stanley Jackson of Lafe; siblings: Helen Tevebaugh of IL.; Howard Jackson of Searcy, Ralph Jackson of Paragould, Betty Brewer of Oak Grove Heights, Joan Ray of Texarkana, TX, Bobby Jackson of Trumann, Tommy Jackson of Lafe, and Joyce Messer of Paragould, 9 grandchildren, twenty one great grandchildren and one expected, and a host of friends.

His life will be celebrated Wednesday, October 12th, 10:00 a.m. at the Heath Colonial Chapel with Rev. Marc Reeves officiating. Interment will follow at Providence Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, 6:00 until 8:00 at the funeral home.

Online guest registry: Heath Funeral Home

Harold E. Waters

 

Harold E. Waters, 75, of Paragould, passed away Monday, October 10, 2011 at his residence.

An Army veteran, he was born August 31, 1936, and was a retired factory worker.

He is survived by his wife, June Waters of the home; one son, Thomas Waters of Arizona; three daughters, Rhonda Broadwater of Arizona, Tonya Haley of Newport, and Sonya Williams of Jefferson City, Tennessee. He is also survived by a stepson, David Hodge of Cardwell; three stepdaughters, Melanie Harris of Paragould, Angie Huckabee and Michelle Romero, both of Arbyrd; ten grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Ruth Waters; one brother, Jimmy Waters; and a sister, Bobbie.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, October 12th, 2:00 p.m. in the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel with Dennis Scudder officiating. Burial will follow in Cardwell Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1:30 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.

Online guest registry: Mitchell Funeral Homes

Tommie Elizabeth Bassett
 

Tommie Elizabeth Bassett, 82, of Paragould, passed away Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at Greene Acres Nursing Home.

Survivors include three children, Joyce Hoskins of Paragould and her husband, Lonnie Joe, Phyllis Kieffner of Jonesboro and her husband, Eric, and Dale Bassett of Paragould. She is also survived by seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and a sister, Verna Ward of Paragould.

Born January 19, 1929, Tommie was the daughter of the late William and Elizabeth Tucker; and the wife of the late Louis Daniel Bassett. She was a housewife and a hairdresser for thirty-two years. Tommie was a member of East Side Baptist Church.

Graveside services will be held Friday, October 14th, 10:30 a.m., at Shiloh Cemetery with Dennis Scudder officiating. Visitation will be Thursday evening, 6:00 until 8:00 at Mitchell Funeral Home, Paragould.

Online guest registry: Mitchell Funeral Homes

Lizzie Alberta Taylor

Lizzie Alberta Taylor, 95 of Erin, TN, formerly of Paragould, passed away Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at Signature Healthcare in Erin, TN. She was born December 8, 1915, in Greene County, AR the daughter of the late William and Mattie Breckenridge Mandrell. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Taylor, brothers, Kermit and Allen Mandrell and sister, Winnifred White.

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Phillip Gary and Peggy Taylor of Erin, TN; daughter and son-in-law, Margaret Ann and Eddie Duett of Starkville, MS. 5 grandchildren and several great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be Saturday, October 15th, 2:00 p.m. at Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Rev. Michael Sutton officiating.

Online guest registry: Heath Funeral Home

Robert Wayne Boling

 

Robert Wayne Boling, 69 of Paragould, was born December 25, 1942 to the family of Ganes and Mildred Boling. He passed away Thursday, October 13, 2011 at his residence. He was a truck driver and had worked at the Department of Corrections in Texas and Kentucky. He was of the Baptist belief.

He was preceded in death by a son, Shawn Boling; mother, Mildred Boling; brother, Donald Boling.
Survivors include, wife, June Boling of the home; sons, Rob and Mark Boling of Paragould; daughters, Lisa Boling of Paragould, Tammy Dicus and Christina Burns of Camden, TN; father, Ganes Boling of Paragould; brothers, Kenny Boling of Dicusburg, KY, Roger and Raymond Boling of Paragould, 15 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Monday, October 17th, 10:00 a.m. at Heath Colonial Chapel with Revs. Rickey Boling and George Haygood officiating. Burial will follow in Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Visitation will be Sunday evening, 6:00 until 8:00 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be sent to the American Cancer Society or Paragould Masonic Lodge.

Online guest registry: Heath Funeral Home

Marcella Bernice Robbins

Marcella Bernice Lester Robbins, 79, of Paragould, passed away Thursday, October 13, 2011 at Greene Acres Nursing Home. She was born January 1, 1932 in Pontiac, MI. to Roy and Fanny South Lester. She was preceded in death by her husband, Theophis (Toby) Robbins, parents, three siblings, step-daughter, Susan Pratt, daughter-in-law, Lori Ann Smith Robbins.

She is survived by five sons: Fredrick Allen Robbins of Paragould; Michael Dean Robbins of Brickeys, AR; Jeffrey Lynn Robbins of Poplar Bluff, MO; Ricky Ray Robbins of Yulee, FL; Randal Lee Robbins of Pine Bluff, AR; nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Heath Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. There will be no services.

Online guest registry: Heath Funeral Home

Ruby Doris Atkinson

 

Ruby Doris Atkinson, 92, of Paragould, passed away Thursday, October 13, 2011.

She was born September 14, 1919 to Will and Fannie Freeman in Marmaduke, AR.

Ruby was of Baptist Faith, she liked to sew, make dresses, and loved to bake and cook for her family. She loved talking about the bible.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Julious; parents; one daughter, Shirley Russell and one infant daughter, Ruby Faye; four brothers, Calvin, Lonnie, Walter and Joe Bill Freeman; three sisters, Jewel, Clara and Annie.

Survivors include six sons, Tommy Atkinson of Lake City, Julious Gene Atkinson of Long Beach, MS., Alexander (Chuck) Atkinson of Leachville, AR., Eddie Don Atkinson of Vancleave, MS., James Atkinson of Paris, TX and Jerry Atkinson of Biloxi, MS; two daughters, Doris June Atkinson and Judy Ann Howard both of Paragould; one sister, Bedie McWilliams of Manila, AR.; twenty-five grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be Sunday evening, 6:00 until 8:00 at the Center Hill Chapel of Phillips Funeral Home.

Funeral services Monday, October 17th, 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home with Terry Watson officiating.

Burial will follow at Manila Cemetery.

Online guest registry: Phillips Funeral Home

Dr. Robert H. Paynter

 

Beloved father and grandfather; longtime coach, teacher, mentor, and friend Dr. Robert H. (Doc) Paynter went home to the Lord on Sunday October 16, 2011. He was 85. Bob was born November 25, 1925, in Richmond, KY to Howard and Bessie Mae Todd Paynter. Doc grew up during the great depression attending Madison KY High School where he lettered in basketball and football, as well as, was the King of the Prom. He graduated in 1942 at the age of 16. Too young to join the military, he went a year to Eastern Kentucky University. In 1943, Doc enlisted in the Navy and qualified for the V-12 program which is similar to the ROTC programs of today.

The Navy started Bob’s officer training at Iowa State. He was only there for a couple of months before the Navy transferred him to St. Mary’s in Winona, Minnesota. His first year at St. Mary’s, 1944, he played basketball and football, lettering in both. In 1945, the Navy transferred him to Marquette University where he lettered in basketball during the 1946 season. While at Marquette, he played against the first real basketball big man, George Mikan of DePaul University and later the Minneapolis Lakers. At the end of the war in 1946, Doc decided to transfer back to St. Mary’s.

His last two years at St. Mary’s he lettered in basketball and football and was a captain of both teams. He also earned All-Minnesota honors in football and basketball, as well as, All-American honors in 1947. Upon graduation from St. Mary’s he earned a Bachelors of Social Studies, Phys Ed, and Sociology. In 1948, he went back to Eastern and earned Master’s degrees in Education Administration and Sociology. During this time he continued to play basketball in an AAU and American Legion Leagues. After graduation from Eastern in 1949, Doc took his first head coaching position at the East Tennessee University High School in Johnson City, Tennessee.

Doc took a team at University High that was winless the season before and went 8-15. It was his only losing season in 14 years of coaching. During that first year, Doc had two very special assistant coaches. They were Buck Van Huss and Charlie Bayless. Again while he was coaching, he continued to play competitive basketball. He played for teams in an AAU league, the American Legion League, and a semi-pro team that played in the Southern Textile League.

It was while playing for Paty Lumber Company that Doc met his wife Wilma Bogan. She was a fine athlete herself earning All-State honors at Paragould High School. She went on to play at Sunflower, JR College in Mississippi for two years, before she signed a pro contract to play for former Redhead’s star Hazel Walker’s Arkansas Travelers. Bob and Wilma met while playing an exhibition game in Kingsport Tennessee. They guarded each other, though she bested him as the Travelers won the game. It was love at first sight and during the next year anytime Wilma was within 150 miles, Bob was in the bleachers. In 1950, Doc’s team won the Kentucky Championship and went to the National Tournament in Kansas City, Missouri. It just so happened that Wilma and the Travelers were playing in Kansas City and he asked her to marry him. They were married in 1950 in Paragould and she returned to University High as not only as Bob’s wife but also the Senior High Girls coach. Her coaching career only lasted two years. After that she became Bob’s cheerleader, confidant, and critic. She helped keep the books for the high school team, as well as, the teams Doc played for. Though she never coached actively again, she was always deeply involved in Doc’s career.

The reason her coaching career ended is because in 1953 Doc was selected as an exchange teacher. Bob and Wilma packed up and crossed the Atlantic so he could teach a year in Leeds, England. He taught education in the 1953-54 school year. True to form, he continued to play competitive basketball for both Leeds University and a semi-pro team in England. They returned to University High in 1954.

Doc coached University High for 14 years from 1949 to 1963 turning in an overall record of 312-141 with only one losing season and 4 regional tournaments and one state tournament. They finished fourth in that state tournament and that was before they had classifications. University High was a very small school playing the likes of Memphis and Knoxville high schools.

From 1963-1968, Doc put down the whistle to become Director of the University School. Additionally, during this time he was attending the University of Tennessee ay Knoxville working on his Doctorate. He finished up his education with a Doctorate of both Education and Sociology. Additionally during this time, Bob and Wilma became parents of a son, Todd. With his education completed but also with a heavy heart Bob and Wilma left the University School in 1968 for a position at the University of Tennessee at Martin in Martin Tennessee.

In 1968 Bob took the position of Assistant to the Chancellor at UTM. He held that position until 1971. In 1971 Bob was named the Athletics Director and the head basketball coach of the Pacers. His two most successful seasons were the ’75-’76 and ’76-’77 seasons when the Pacers competed for a Gulf South Conference Championship and a berth in the NCAA Division II tournament, falling short both years. During the late 1970s Doc was growing tired of the demands of being a college basketball coach and Athletic Director. He stayed in Martin until 1980, but in his heart he was looking for a position back in high school basketball because he knew that was where he could have a real impact on young men’s lives. In 1980 Doc left both positions at UTM with a 108-120 record.

Doc found that high school position, unlikely as it may seem, back in Wilma’s old stomping grounds. In 1980 Doc became the head basketball coach for Paragould High School. During his time at the helm of Paragould basketball, Doc guided them through many transitions. Paragould High was a AA school in 1980 and were known as the Bulldogs. In his twenty-five years at Paragould, he would take them through two name changes and jumps in classifications from AAA to AAAA and finally AAAAA. The names changed from the Bulldogs to the Ridgecrest Rams and finally as they are known now, the Paragould Rams. However, no matter what name was on the front of the jersey or what classification the school was in, Doc always put competitive teams on the floor. With his easy manner, always sitting on the bench with legs crossed, Doc led the teams he coached to 12 state tournament berths, and 7 regional tournament berths. He took five of those teams to the state quarterfinals. He only had four losing seasons in his 25 years at Paragould. His final record when he stepped down in 2004 was 483-254. Doc passed the whistle in 2004 but he did not retire. Doc continued as a teacher evaluator assisting the principals from 2004-2007. The only reason he retired then was because his beloved Wilma was stricken with Alzheimer’s. Showing total devotion to his wife, Doc retired in 2007 so he could spend as many moments with Wilma as the Lord would allow.

Doc’s final record as a coach was 903-515. At the time he achieved that in 2004, he was only the 15th. boys only coach in the country to win over 900 games. Two of those other 15 coaches started with Doc at the Training School. Buck Van Huss won over 1000 games and Charlie Bayless, who is still coaching and is in his eighties, has won over 900. Those three young men who started their coaching careers in 1949 at a very small school in East Tennessee have accumulated almost 3000 wins. According to the AAA State Farm record book, Doc is the 7th winningest coach in the state and the first in boys only. In 2004 he was the Lowell Manning award winner as the Coach of the Year in the state of Arkansas. Additionally that year, he was also named Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Coaches Association.

Doc was always selfless and humble. His quiet manner and his cool calmness in which he coached led many to believe that Doc wasn’t giving it his all to win a game. On the contrary, the reason he could be that way is his teams were always prepared to play. No matter the opponent nor the setting, Doc’s teams were ready before the ball was ever tossed in the air to start the game. Doc was a quiet leader, a leader by example. He taught kids the game of basketball and through basketball taught those same kids about life. Many of his players may not have realized it at the time but Doc wasn’t preparing them only to win championships but also to be good men, good fathers, good employers and good employees. He took a relatively simple game and turned it into a teaching tool to prepare boys to become men. Once asked after his retirement by a reporter from the Arkansas Democrat Gazette if he was ever sorry that he never won a state championship. Doc pondered the question a little while and said, “It would have been nice {to win a state championship} but I never lost any sleep over it. I was more concerned about the positive effect I was having on those boy’s lives.” We will miss you Coach. You made the world a better place and left your impressions on many. No higher honor can be bestowed on a man then to have his legacy to live on in others.

Bob was preceded in death by his dad Howard and his mother Bessie Mae, as well as, his wife of 57 years, Wilma. Dr. Paynter is survived by his only son Todd, Todd’s wife Holly and their two children, Matthew and Sarah all of the home.
Visitation will be Wednesday evening, October 19th, 6:00 until 9:00 at the Heath Funeral Home with the funeral to follow the next day, Thursday, at 1:30 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. Presiding over the service will be Rev. Bill Lesley and Rev. Sky McCracken District Superintendent of the Methodist Church in Paducah, KY. Sky is an old family friend and a former basketball official.
Pallbearers will be Michael Maguire, Jay Robertson, Nathan Stewart, Nathan Newby, Bill Woodworth, Lawrence Dodd, and Dylan Hoggard. Honorary Pallbearers are any former players or assistant coaches from Doc’s 49 year career. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation in Doc’s name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or the First United Methodist Church of Paragould.

Online guest registry: Heath Funeral Home

Mrs. Nye Lottis Cureton

Nye Lottis Garner Cureton of 87, of Cash, AR., was born August 31, 1924 in Beech Grove, AR., she passed away Sunday, October 16, 2011..

The daughter of Robert S. and Delphia Howard Garner, both deceased, she was also preceded in death by her husband, William A Cureton, of Cash, and a sister, Elfreda Garner Fears.

Survivors include two sisters, Faye Green (Charles, deceased) of St. Louis, MO. And Lois Martin (Gene) of Jonesboro; two brothers, Ambrose Garner (Margret) of Tampa, FL. and Neal Garner (Melba) of Searcy; nieces and nephews, Carol Greene Anderson, Cathy Fears Reeves, Donna Sue Fears Archer, Jamie Lynn Garner Wilson, Jeffrey Greene, Ronnie Fears and Jerry Dale Fears.

Nye was a teacher, homemaker, and farmer. She earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in education from Arkansas State College. Her teaching specialties were English and American Literature, English Grammar, and Composition. Schools where she taught include those in Cash, Strawberry, Beech Grove, Oak Grove, Greene County Tech, Lepanto and Westside High School. Many students from her 40 years of teaching have maintained contact with her to this day.

For more than 40 years, Nye owned a farm in White County. She was a long-time member of the Southwest Church of Christ of Jonesboro.

The family will receive friends Tuesday evening, 5:00 until 7:00 at the Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home in Jonesboro. A celebration of life service will be held Wednesday, October 19th, 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at Johnson Cemetery.

Pallbearers will include Ronnie Fears, Michael Cureton, Josh Cureton, Jessie Dunivan, Boyce Dunivan and Lee Roy Lambie.

Nye’s family is enormously proud of her accomplishments, as well as for the way she lived her life. Their faith is confirmed by the confidence that Nye, a good and faithful servant, will greet her Lord, face to face. Amen.


Online guest registry: Roller-Farmers Union Funeral Home

Pearl Howell

Pearl Howell, 91, of Paragould departed this life Tuesday, October 18, 2011.

She was born February 20, 1920 to the late Tommy and Hattie Stephens. She was a long time resident of Paragould. She retired from the Greene County Library after 20 years.

She was also preceded in death by her husband, Gernie Howell; four sisters, Evelyn Lackey, Joy Davis, Villie Shook, and Kaye Masters; and two brothers Elmo Stephens and Clifford Stephens.

She is survived by two sisters, Maxine Hinson and Joan Rouse; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, October 22nd, 11:00 a.m. at the New Haven Baptist Church, 2610 Barnhill Road, Paragould Arkansas, with Rev. Ron Pickney officiating. There will be no visitation. Arrangements have been entrusted to Gregg Funeral Home of Monette.

The Family wished to extend a special thanks to Greene Acres Nursing Home.

Online guest registry: Gregg Funeral Home

Mary Alma Flowers Turner

Mary Alma Flowers Turner of Paragould, AR, was born May 4, 1927 in Lamison, AL., she passed away Tuesday, October 18, 2011 at the age of 84.

She was the daughter of Jennings Bryant and Mary Gray Kiker Flowers.

Survivors include two daughters, Mary L Emerline and Alma J. Perry, five grandchildren, and three sisters; Willie Pruett, Edna Livingston and Effie Morgan.

Mrs. Turner was a retired security guard at American Greetings.

Graveside services will be held at Goose Creek Cemetery in Wilcox County Alabama.

Online guest registry: Roller Funeral Home

William McDonald Jr.

Born to William Jefferson Grayson and Imogene Sprinkle McDonald on July 21, 1938, in Paragould. William ‘Bill’ Grayson McDonald Jr. passed away peacefully after a very short battle with esophageal cancer on October 18, 2011 in Plainfield, IL., at the age of 73.

He was the great-great-grandson of Paragould pioneer resident William Jefferson McDonald Sr., arriving by Covered Wagon in 1871 built many of the early brick buildings in Paragould and owned all the land north of Hunt Street. His great-uncle Tony F. McDonald owned Tony’s Motel and Restaurant and McDonald Liquors in Paragould.

He grew up in Paragould, later attending the Missouri Military Academy where he graduated and went into the Kansas and Missouri National Guards. He was a phenomenal athlete. A baseball pitcher in the Minor Leagues of Missouri in the late 1950’s known as “Whizzie Willie” playing for Columbia Whiz Kids and the Athletics. His career was cut short after injuring his pitching arm. He moved to Madison County Illinois and began an Insurance Auditing business until his retirement 43 years later. During the 1970’s and 1980’s, he played on many Collinsville/ Belleville area men’s softball leagues. Later, he became an avid golfer playing in many PGA Tournaments teaching golf for many years around the Collinsville/ Edwardsville area.

He is survived by four daughters, Lynn Dee McDonald, Deborah C. Cecil Nee McDonald, Tara R. McDonald, Katie A. McDonald; and son, Jeremy L. Turner U.S. Army; eight grandchildren David C. Allen, Trevor E. Allen a U.S. Army Recruit, Brandon Schneider, Jeremy Turner, Reagen N. Wilson, Aubrey A. Evens, Jamal D. Scott and Laceyanne Turner.

Memorial services will be held privately by family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in memory of William Grayson McDonald Jr.

Published in the Belleville News-Democrat