Biographical And Historical Memoirs of Pulaski, Jefferson, Lonoke, Faulkner, Grant, Saline, Perry, Garland And Hot Spring Counties, Arkansas
Jackie Finton
Jackie “Jack” Finton, of Cabot, was called home on Jan. 2, 2015, at the age of 78. Jack was born on July 2, 1936, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. He grew up in Clinton, Arkansas, and graduated from Clinton High School where he played football and basketball. He lived in North Little Rock most of his adult life, employed in sales for the linen business, member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, and an avid hunter and fisherman. Jack loved life and never met a stranger.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Vinita Finton; two brothers, Bill Finton and Joe Finton; three sisters, Betty Bradley, Ollie Harper, and Janey Page Roth. He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Sammie Finton; three daughters, Debbie Finton, Kimberly Lotz, and Lisa Finton Creasey; three grandsons, Jeremy Lotz, Rush Cornwell, and Chris Cornwell; two granddaughters, Kirstin D. Mills and Alexandra Finton Mills of Conway; two great-grandchildren, Analisia Lotz and Jayden Lotz; and a host of nieces, nephews and other family members.
The family wishes to express special thanks to Mary, Trish, Donna, Ellen and Evelyn of Baptist Hospice.
Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2015, at Roller-Owens Funeral Home Chapel, 5509 John F. Kennedy Blvd., North Little Rock, AR (501-791-7400). The burial will be in Clinton, Arkansas, at the Clinton cemetery at 1 p.m. The family received friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.
John Kent Griggs
John Luther Kent Griggs, age 70 of Leslie, Arkansas, passed from this life on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014, at his home. He was born in Clinton, Arkansas, on Feb. 17, 1944, to Luther Griggs and Alva (Watts) Griggs.
He is preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bobby Dean Griggs and Tommy Dan Griggs; and one sister, Almeta Keeling. He is survived by two sons, Eric Griggs of Clinton and John Griffith of Berryville; two daughters, Elisha Jackson and husband Mike of White House, Tennessee, and Rhonda Young of North Little Rock; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Peggy Massey of Leslie and Sarah Crow of Clinton; and special friend, Judy Griggs.
Kent worked as a lineman for Petit Jean Electric as a young man, and was elected Searcy County sheriff in 1983, where he served for 14 years. He served the community with honor and dignity, and upheld the voters’ confidence by operating the office with integrity and fairness. Kent thought highly of all his fellow law enforcement personnel, and remained friends with them long after leaving office.
Kent was a member of the Leslie First Baptist Church where he enjoyed attending with his friends and family. Even in times when his health was failing, he always wanted to make it to Sunday morning services. He was also a member of Wiley’s Cove Masonic Lodge.
Kent loved his family and his family loved him.
Over the years, Kent made many close friends through his love for the rodeo. Those friends provided love and care for Kent in so many ways as his health declined, and the help they have provided both physically and emotionally to Kent and his family has been a tremendous testimony to the honor of the cowboy way.
So many people in the communities of Leslie, Marshall and Clinton have provided assistance to Kent and his family during his illness, and the family extends sincere appreciation to all of them for their support and care.
Kent was a big man, and had a heart to match. He was always quick with a smile or a helping hand to anyone he thought might be in need of either. And he was never afraid to offer a friendly verbal jab, just as so many who knew him enjoyed teasing him as well.
Kent was well loved in this area, because he loved so many himself.
Funeral services for Kent were at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, at Roller-Coffman Funeral Home in Marshall, Arkansas, with Billy Don Crow, Chris Reade and Tommy Jolly officiating. Special music performed by Peggy Adams and Joe Lewis. Burial was in Leslie cemetery.
Pallbearers were Garrett Griffith, Bobby Griggs, Danny Griggs, Michael Kent Jackson, Isaac Keeling, Zack King, Jeff Massey and David Smith.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that you make donations to the Leslie cemetery in Kent’s name.
James Harrison Tester
James Harrison Tester, age 87, of Kermit, Texas, passed away Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015, in Monahans, Texas. He was born March 28, 1927, in Granite City, Illinois, to Homer and Lora (Hill) Tester. James married
Ernestine Berckefeldt on July 10, 1946, in Scott City, Kansas, and they celebrated 66 years together before her passing in October 2012. James was a member of Belvue Baptist Church, Kermit, Texas.
Mr. Tester was a resident of Kermit since 1965 and retired from Transwestern-Texas Eastern in 1992. He was very active in the community. He was a member of Kermit Lodge #1258 AF& AM and Monahans Lodge #952 AF&AM. While a member of the Masonic Lodges he was Past Master; Past Distract and Deputy Grand Master. He was District Masonic Instructor for numerous years. James was also a member of the Scottish Rite in El Paso; York Rite in Alpine and the Eastern Star in Monahans. Jim, as he was known to his many friends, was a World War II Veteran.
He is survived by two sons, James (Jimmy) L. Tester of San Angelo, Texas, and Kevin C. Tester and wife Teresa of Monahans, Texas; three daughters, Linda Alley and husband Gary of Midland, Texas, Darla Porter of Kerrville, Texas, and Georgann Smith of Colorado City, Texas; four brothers, Kenneth Tester and wife Diane of Hawaii, Troy Lee Tester of Clinton, Arkansas, Darvil Tester and wife Patsy of Clinton, Arkansas, and Thomas Tester and wife Donna of Plumerville, Arkansas. “PaPaw” has eight grandchildren: Todd Richardson, Taffy Singletary, Sterling Goldston, Magin Lopez, Rusty Jones, Jamie Smith, Justin Tester and Krista Tester; 14 great-grandchildren and one on the way.
He is preceded in death by his wife Ernestine Tester; one grandchild, Miranda Sevier; and two brothers Monroe and Marvin Tester.
A family gathering at Family Services Funeral Parlor and a Graveside at Kermit cemetery are pending. Arrangements are entrusted to Family Services Funeral Parlor.
James McKnight
James “Jimbo” McKnight Jr., 58, of Bee Branch, Arkansas, passed away Friday, Feb. 6, 2015, at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was born June 9, 1956, in Gainesville, Florida, to Joy (Smith) McKnight and the late Jamie McKnight Sr.
He graduated from South Side High School and attended Central Baptist College and University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Arkansas. Jim was an accomplished athlete and played college basketball and professional baseball throughout his career. He was mentor to many young athletes and helped coach and train all around the state of Arkansas. Throughout his life and travels he made numerous close personal friends and knew or was known by people from all areas and walks of life. Jim was a unique character with a wonderful heart and lived life to the fullest on his own terms. He will be missed.
He is survived by his mother, Joy McKnight of Bee Branch, Arkansas; three sisters, JoAnne Beaulieu of Fort Worth, Texas, Jill Boeckmann of Bee Branch, and Jacqueline Treat of Clinton, Arkansas; two brothers, Jack McKnight of Greenbrier, Arkansas, and Jeff McKnight of Bee Branch; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, close friends and relatives that loved him dearly and will miss him.
There will be a Memorial Service honoring his life at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2015, at Pleasant Valley General Baptist Church, Bee Branch, with Pastor Michael Roberson officiating. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton.
Vivian Elliott
Vivian Elliott, 78, of Clinton passed away Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015 in Clinton. Born in Johnson City, Tennessee, to the late Lawrence and Alice Franklin Garland.
Left to cherish her memory are her son, John David Elliott Jr. of Clinton; brother Jerry Garland of Bakersfield, California; grandchildren, Amber Pate of Fayetteville, Arkansas, Alicia Housley of Clinton, T.J. Pate of Clinton, Amanda Newman of Clinton, Cliff Elliott of Chicago, Illinois, Sonny Elliott of Morrilton, Arkansas; six great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.
Vivian is proceeded in death by her husband, John David Elliott Sr., children Deborah Elliott, Susan Brown, Randy Elliott, and one brother, Norman Garland.
Funeral services were 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 6, 2015, at the chapel of Clinton Funeral Service with Brother Billy Reece officiating. Burial was in Pee Dee cemetery. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Clinton Funeral Service of Clinton.
Glenice Huffman
Funeral services for Mrs. Glenice Daniel Brooks Huffman, 79, was 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, 2015, at First Baptist Church in Donie, Texas, with Brother Robert McDougal officiating. Interment was at Wilson Chapel cemetery. Visitation was held on Saturday at the funeral home.
Mrs. Huffman passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015, at her residence in Waco, Texas. She was born to William Virgle and Laura Aline Robertson Daniel near Donie on March 6, 1935. Mrs. Huffman worked as a secretary for multiple companies throughout her life.
She married
Marion “Buster” Brooks and had four boys and then married
Gene Martindale who had three boys. She later married
Bill Huffman who had a boy and a girl. She loved life, laughed a lot, and loved to play competitive games. Mrs. Huffman was an avid hunter and later in life she learned that she had artistic talent in painting. She made many lifelong friends everywhere she went and will be missed dearly.
She is survived by six sons, Daniel Brooks of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Jerry Michael Brooks of Littleton, Colorado, Thomas Brooks of Portland, Oregon, Richard Brooks of Albuquerque, New Mexico, David Huffman of Edinburg, and Donnie Martindale of Azle; one daughter, Mary Sylvester of New Milford, Connecticut; and one brother, Roy Wayne Daniel of Seattle, Washington; other relatives and friends.
The family requests that memorials be made to a local cancer society of your choice.
C.G. Bolden
Cpl. C.G Bolden of Clinton, Arkansas, died on April 30, 1951, in the Suan Bean Camp near Pyongyang’s North Korea. He was captured on Jan. 5, 1951, and taken prisoner near Seoul, Korea.
He was born to Chris and Dora Bolden on Jan. 8, 1927, in the Eglantine Community where he later went to school. He was baptized into the Church of Christ in 1940 in the Red River. He married
Geraldean Bradford on March 29, 1947, and they had one son, Larry Bolden (Rosa).
In addition to his son he leaves three granddaughters, Traci Bolden of Conway, Tanya (Kerry) Huie and Tara (Doug) Snider of Clinton; four great-grandchildren, Wesley Black, Tori Bolden, Ty Snider, Tia Snider; four brothers, Jack Bolden, Fred Bolden, Arlie Bolden, and Johnie Bolden; six sisters, Lena Payne, Pauline Houton, Exie Goldman, Audie Bolden, Irene Watters, all deceased except for Helen Ruth Isom of Conway; and many nephews and nieces.
He was awarded the Prisoner of War Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Presidential Unit Citation, the Republic of Korea War Service Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Purple Heart.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Arkansas Freedom Fund, P.O. Box 697, Bryant, AR 72089 or Arkansas Run For the Fallen, 109 Martha Jean Lane, Beebe, AR 72012. Visitation will be 11 a.m. and Funeral Service will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015, at Clinton High School Auditorium with Pastor Carl Thomason officiating. Burial will follow with full U.S. Army Military Honors at Clinton cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Roller-McNutt Funeral Home of Clinton, Arkansas.
Tony Carroll
Melvin “Tony” Carroll, 56, of Clinton, passed away Friday, Jan. 23, 2015.
Tony is survived by son and wife, Beau and Colin Carroll, daughter Becky Carroll, all of Shreveport, Louisiana; brother Shane Carroll; grandchildren Sebastian, Jaxson and Jayden Carroll. He was preceded in death by parents Herman and Carol Carroll; brother Timothy Carroll.
Visitation was Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, at Clinton Funeral Service from 6-8 p.m. Funeral services were 10 a.m.Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015, at Clinton Funeral Service Chapel.
Linda Epperson
Linda Epperson Woodruff, 49, of Bee Branch passed away Jan. 27, 2015. Survived by husband Jerry Pearson; mother Karen Becker and stepfather Richard; grandmother Louise Lankford, all of Bee Branch; father Ray Epperson and brother Lee (Pam) Epperson of Solgohachia; nephew Jesse Epperson of Morrilton; and host of other family and friends. preceded in death by grandparents Vernon Lankford, Odes and Lavern Epperson.
Graveside services were 1 p.m. Jan. 30 at Combs cemetery in Melbourne with Brother Andy Becker officiating. Arrangements entrusted to Clinton Funeral Service. Sign Linda’s Book of Memories.
Landon Smith
Landon Smith, age 22, of Greenbrier, Arkansas, passed away due to injuries sustained in an accident on Jan. 29, 2015, in Louisiana. Landon was born Dec. 12, 1992, in Little Rock, Arkansas. He graduated Greenbrier High School in 2011.
He was the son of Max D. and Debi K. Smith, also of Greenbrier, Arkansas. Landon is survived by an older sister, Leah Alison Smith of Greenbrier; his grandparents, William H. “Sonny” and Audrey J. Mitchell of Guy, Arkansas. Landon had a large extended family comprised of many aunts, uncles and numerous cousins throughout central Arkansas as well as in other states. Landon had many close friends that he considered brothers. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Eugene C. Smith Sr. of Little Rock, Arkansas, and Betty Margaret Patterson Smith of Clinton, Arkansas.
Landon will be missed thoroughly and fondly remembered because of his beautiful smile and his willingness to make others laugh. He loved children and they were drawn to him as everyone else because of his warm, thoughtful, humorous and generous spirit. He especially loved his sister, Leah, his younger cousins and enjoyed time with his family and attending all family gatherings. He always brought humor and joy to every occasion. Landon enjoyed music and was an avid outdoorsman as he loved everything involving nature. He was a fearless adventurer thinking that all facets of nature were his to explore …. climbing, hiking, floating, camping and swimming. Landon lived life to the fullest and refused nothing that the next adventure could offer. He loved animals, wild and tame, and always saw the good in others. He had accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He will forever be in the hearts of all that knew him.
Memorial service will be 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home in Greenbrier. Online guest book www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.
