Biographical And Historical Memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland And Hot Spring Counties, Arkansas
Johnny Appleby
Johnny G. Appleby, 69, of Clinton passed away Wednesday, Aug. 8, 2012. He was born Nov. 4, 1942, in Clinton to John William and Elizabetha (Hunter) Appleby. He was married
to Linda Appleby for 43 years. He was a member of the Clinton Church of Christ, a United States Army veteran, and a retired truck driver. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, and his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife Linda Appleby; son Johnny L. (Ella) Appleby; daughter Debbra Appleby; three grandchildren: Mackenzie, Nicholas and Samuel; sister Cindy Downey; eight brothers, Jimmie Appleby, Bob (Marie) Appleby, Junior (Joy Dean) Appleby, Jerry Appleby, Roger Hunter, Steve Appleby, Doug Appleby, and Tommy Appleby; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Richard Hunter.
A memorial service was 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, at the Clinton Church of Christ. Arrangements by Roller-McNutt Funeral Home.
Malcolm Sample
Joseph Malcolm Sample, 87, of Russellville, Ark., peacefully passed away at his home with a song in his heart on Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, after a long illness. He was the son of John B. and Dena (Renfro) Sample. He was born Feb. 16, 1925.
He graduated from Ashdown High School and attended Ouachita Baptist College. Malcolm felt the call to the ministry at an early age and found that music was the way to express his faith. He graduated with a degree in music and education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
During college and afterward he served in several churches in Arkansas including Texarkana, Bentonville, Helena, Camden and Little Rock. His family also followed him to churches in Irving, Texas; Alexandria, La.; Fort Payne, Ala.; and Memphis, Tenn. While in Memphis he felt the call to become a pastor and took a church in Caruthersville, Mo., and later Cape Girardeau, Mo. He retired from the Formosa Baptist Church in Arkansas.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and eight half siblings.
Malcolm is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Stella (Crownover) Sample, and his four daughters who he had really wished were as famous as the Lennon Sisters. We do pretty well not being professional singers. He left a song in our hearts, too. His daughters are Sharon Sample and Bonnie Sample of Russellville, Danna Schneider of Clarksville, Ark., and Susan Guetzlaff (John) of Booneville, Ark.; a sister, Francis Sample Withem of Ashdown, Ark.; and two brothers, James Alton Sample (Betty Jo) of Lecompte, La., and Harold Sample (Elizabeth) of Fort Worth, Texas. His grandchildren are Carolyn Goforth Nunnally (Matthew) of Searcy, Ark., Scott Goforth of Russellville, Leah Schneider Doerflinger (Ian) of Fayetteville, Ark., Liz Schneider of Conway, Ark., Andy Kirn of Hot Springs, Ark., and Holly Kirn Jarvis (Paul) of Galveston, Texas. Then of course there was the apple of his great-grandpa’s eye, the only great-grandchild (as yet), Xander Nunnally.
Pallbearers were his nephews and honorary pallbearers were the members of Formosa Baptist Church.
Special thanks go to his hospice aide, Jane Parker. She showed such love and compassion. We are all indebted to her. We also want to thank the other people from the Arkansas Health Department Hospice who made this transition smoother.
Dad had a long life of dedication to singing and preaching his faith. He leaves behind a host of family and friends who sing his praises and can just imagine him leading angel-song into eternity.
Visitation was prior to the funeral service at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, at Formosa Baptist Church with pastor Earl Goatcher officiating. Burial was at Union Hill cemetery.
Memorial donations can be made to the Arkansas Baptist Children’s Home’s Family Ministries at www.abchomes.org/
Funeral arrangements under the care and direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton.
Galen Watts
Galen Zane Watts passed away Aug. 1, 2012, at his home in Lebanon, Tenn., surrounded by his family. He was born to Grover and Grace Watts on Feb. 3, 1928, in Dennard, Ark. He grew up there with his brother, Zene, and sisters, Vida and Della. He served in the Army before moving to California where he met and married
Gale Carner. They were married
60 wonderful years.
He was proceded in death by his parents and brother, Zene Watts. He is survived by his grieving wife, Gale; daughters, Gwen (Lynn Crook) Shores, Penny (Tommy) Owens; grandchildren, Shaun (Hannah) Steele, Shannon Steele, Christina (Demond) Irby, great-grandchildren, Sebastian Steele, Jack Zane Williams, T.J. Richardson, DeNayah Irby and D.J. Irby; sisters Vida (Bill) Harper, and Della (Kenneth) Crase, plus a host of other loving relatives and friends.
Charles Lomerson
Charles “Lucky Russell” Lomerson, 84, of Formosa, Ark., passed away Thursday, Aug. 9, 2012, at his home in Formosa. He was born Feb. 13, 1928, in Phillipsburg, N.J., as the oldest of 13 children. He battled with renal fail carcinoma for several months, which eventually took his life. Charles “Lucky Russell” Lomerson was a true renaissance man who loved music and teaching music to anyone willing to learn. He literally could play any instrument put in front of him. He was a performer, music instructor, and songwriter. He established Music for the Handicapped, Inc. in his mid 70’s and devoted countless hours to playing and teaching at the VA Hospital, Conway Human Development Center, and any children’s organizations. He was also an accomplished author and poet. He wrote several books that were published, as well as poetry, along with several articles published in the Saturday Evening Post. Lucky was awarded the Governor’s Art Award through the Arkansas Arts Council in 2005 for his support and volunteerism of the Arts in Arkansas and numerous other awards for his efforts in music, writing, and volunteerism. In addition to his several talents he hand-made noise-making gadgets as therapy to help people with special needs that can be found at the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock. Charles “Lucky Russell” Lomerson was also a veteran of the Army Air Corps. Per his request there will be no services held. His wishes are to be cremated. He is survived by his loving wife, Jean Ellen Lomerson; and son Charles R. Lomerson Jr., and wife Deborah Ann Arendale Lomerson of Conway; two brothers, Roland “Tuney” Lomerson and wife Doris of Highland Springs, Va., and James “Jimmy” Lomerson and wife Rozella of Bangor, Pa.; several half-brothers and sisters, John Zario and wife Carol, Linda Booth and husband Dave, Millie Heinrich, Sally Zairo, Margaret Darmishev, and Pauline Fisher; six grandchildren, Charles Russel Lomerson III and wife Shannon Warren Lomerson of Searcy, Candice Rae Lomerson Gantz and husband Terry Wayne of Vilonia, Tommy Schaller of Chicago, Ill., Tamara Schaller Knutson of Freemansburg, Pa., Tonya Schaller Neville and husband Lawrence of Gillette, N.J., and Tanean Schaller-Stonehouse and husband Dean of Bethlehem, Pa.; 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by daughter Jean E. Lomerson Hockenbury of Weatherly, Pa.; sister Joyce Lomerson Burd; half-siblings Peggy Calaluce and Robert Zairo. Arrangements are by Roller McNutt Funeral Home, Clinton.
Junior Nicholson
Junior L. Nicholson, age 83, passed away Saturday, Aug. 11, 2012, at his home. He was born Feb. 24, 1929, in Swifton, Ark., to Lawerence and Ormae (Wilmth) Nicholson. He married
Hazel (Rogers) Nicholson on Sept. 14, 1948. He was a farmer and a member of the Mt. Zion General Baptist Church. He enjoyed farming, gardening, fishing and riding his John Deere tractor.
He is survived by his wife; three sons: Jerry (Alletta) Nicholson, Max Nicholson and William A. (Amanda) Nicholson; four daughters. Wilma (Gary) Waits, Winnie (Presley) Krisell, Betty (Wayne) Lee, and Patty (Donald) Atkisson; 21 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; three brothers: J.W. Nicholson, Jimmy (Margaret) Nicholson, Gene (Donna) Nicholson; two half-brothers: Roger (Donna) Nicholson and Terry (Rhonda) Nicholson; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter: Virginia Nicholson; sister: Ruthel Linn; brother: Darrell Nicholson; and stepmother: Cassie Nicholson.
Visitation was Monday, Aug. 13, 2012, at Roller McNutt Funeral Home, Clinton. Funeral services were 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2012, at Roller McNutt Chapel. Interment was at Colony cemetery.
Patrick Ruff
Patrick Dewey Ruff, age 60, departed this life Friday, Aug. 11, 2012, in Clinton, Ark. He was born Feb. 12, 1952, in Wharton, Texas, to Robert Earl and Dana Lou (Davenport) Ruff. He was married
to Pamela Ruff. He attended high school in Houston, Texas, and graduated with honors in the bachelors and masters program from Sam Houston State University in Hunterville, Texas. He was a member of Garden Oaks Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, and moved back to Arkansas to be near his family in 2004.
He is survived by his mother; two brothers, Mike (Sue) Ruff and Steve (Linda) Ruff; and five nephews, Eric, Nick, Jake, Corey and Morgan. He was preceded in death by his father and wife. Graveside services will be 10 a.m. Monday, Aug. 13, 2012, at Clinton cemetery. Arrangements are by Roller McNutt Funeral Home in Clinton.
Geneva Edwards
Geneva Delta (Shon) Edwards, 91, of Bee Branch went to be with the Lord Sunday, Aug. 12, 2012. She was born Jan. 21, 1921, at Bee Branch to the late Henry Magan and Virgie Inez (Younger) Shon.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Dallas Edwards; son, Lestal Dee Edwards; and a granddaughter, Katherine Turbyfill.
She is survived by her children, a daughter, Lavada Turbyfill (Ernest) “Herb” of Bee Branch, son, Jim Edwards (Frances) of Damascus, daughter, Glynda Duncan (Jerry) of Bee Branch, son, Ronnie Edwards (Carolyn) of Bee Branch; 12 grandchildren, Dennis Edwards, Lorretta Parish, Sheila Ball, Leslie Breeding, Greg Edwards, Sandy Turbyfill, Jeff Duncan, Melissia Edwards, Rebecca Smith, Lonnie Duncan, Lavra Shackelford and Adam Edwards; 33 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; and many close friends.
Pallbearers: Dennis Edwards, Greg Edwards, Adam Edwards, Daniel Edwards, Jeff Duncan and Lonnie Duncan.
Visitation was Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2012, and funeral service was 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church, Damascus, with pastor Daniel Williams officiating. Burial was at Blackwell cemetery, Bee Branch.
Funeral arrangements under the care and direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton.
Aron Rusk
Aron Lee Rusk, 35, of Bee Branch died Aug. 6, 2012. He was born April 28, 1977, in Lincoln, Neb., to Robert Rosco Rusk and Mary Elinor Hobbs Rusk.
Survivors include parents Robert Rusk and Mary Hobbs-Rusk of Carson City, Nev.; fiancee Brittany Swofford and an unborn child; sisters Jessica Murphy, Alisa Rusk and Jennifer Spencer of Conway; brothers Dustin Rusk and Robert Murphy of Conway; great-nieces Kylie and Gracie; and great-nephew Devon.
Memorials may be made to Simmons First National Bank in care of Victoria Henley. Arrangements are by Bishop-Griffin Funeral Home of Greenbrier (501) 679-4400.
Betty Smith
Betty Margaret Patterson Smith, 85, of Clinton, Ark., after an extended illness passed away Monday, Aug. 27, 2012, in Little Rock. She was born March 6, 1927, in Clinton to Augustus Garland “Gus” and Margaret Melinda (Whillock) Patterson. She was widowed to EuGene C. Smith Sr. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Clinton and a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a devoted mother who knew how to tailor to each of her children’s needs, loved to shop at the grocery store, loved to plant trees and shrubbery, a wonderful cook (who was known all over the county for her pies), and a very loving and sensitive, yet most stubborn woman. She is survived by four sons: EuGene Smith Jr. and Robert Smith of Clinton, Ark., Baron (Kathy) Smith of Pensacola, Fla., and Max (Debbie) Smith of Greenbrier, Ark.; seven daughters: Karla (Gary) Elliott of Bee Branch, Ark., Terri (Ernest) Todd of Mt. Home, Idaho, Bettye Smith of Shirley, Ark., Debra (Bill) Mavity of Sebring, Fla., Rebecca (James) Johnson of Tokyo, Japan, Jerri (Tony) Piacentini of Vilonia, Ark., and Jon Bella Johnson of Jacksonville, Fla.; 19 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sister Mai Kathryn Patterson Clemons of Little Rock, Ark.; sister-in-law Viola Marr Patterson; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Billy Charles Patterson; and niece Kaye Patterson Story.
Memorial service was 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012, at Roller McNutt Chapel in Clinton. Interment was at Clinton cemetery.
Arrangements are by Roller McNutt Funeral Home Clinton.
“Archie” Martin
Harry “Archie” Martin, 91, of Conway, Ark.,, formerly of Sidney, Ohio, passed away on Friday, Aug. 31, 2012. Archie is retired from Wagner Manufacturing with 37 years of service and then operated a cattle ranch in Arkansas.
Archie is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law: Margery (Paul) Snowden and Lola Cates; grandchildren, Pamela Snowden, Barbara (Dario) Rac, David (Jennifer) Cates and Darrell Cates; great-granddaughter Sarah Cates; sister and brother-in-law, Dorothy (Howl) Moody; and numerous other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Charlie Luther and Josie Emma (Walker) Martin; wife Jewell Martin; sisters Lucille Hyde and Roxie Poole; and brothers Claude, Charlie, Harvey and Joe Martin.
Funeral services will be held privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Point Remove Baptist Church Building Fund 10954 Hwy. 336 West, Clinton, AR 72031 or Hospice of Dayton in memory of Archie.
Edward Currier Jr.
Edward Albert Currier Jr., age 85, of Alread, Ark., passed from this life on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2012, at NARMC in Harrison, Ark. He was born in Winsted, Conn., on Feb. 24, 1927, to Edward A. Currier Sr. and Jessie Mae (Bradbury) Currier.
Edward was a WWII Navy veteran. He was a successful businessman in Fort Myers, Fla., as well as having his ranch in the Ozarks where he felt most at home. His pleasures in life were his animals, whether it was his dogs, cattle and horses, or the deer, turkey and other wildlife. He was passionate about protecting the beauty, integrity and peace of the ranch.
Survivors include his wife, Wanda Currier of the home; three children, Deborah Currier Liftig, Edward A. Currier III and Robin Currier, all of Fort Myers, Fla.; four grandchildren, also of Fort Myers, Fla.; as well as many close friends who will also mourn his passing.
A public visitation for Edward was 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012, at Roller-Coffman Funeral Home in Marshall, Ark. A private family graveside service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, 2012, at Archbury Farms cemetery near Clinton. Pallbearers will be John Kemp, Jeff Price, Cody Fitzwater, Phil Reade, Don Horton and Steve Zahner. Honorary pallbearers will be Tim Hanke, Steve Gilbert, Joe Lee and Dyke Johnson.
At the family’s request, in lieu of flowers please make donations to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 75817, Topeka, Kansas, 66675, got@woundedwarriorproject.org.
