Classmate Obituaries - Letter H
These obituaries correspond with the yearbooks that are listed on this website. Whenever possible, the source of the obituary will be shown as well as the date.
Hambric, Carroll H.
Carroll H. Hambric, 66, a lifelong resident passed away Saturday, July
23, 2016. Carroll was born on October 8, 1949, to Luke and Lucy Hambric
of Benton. He was a graduate of the Benton High School Class of 67. He was
drafted into the Army in the summer of 1969 and in December before leaving
for his tour of duty in Vietnam, he and Linda G. Phillips were married.
After discharge from the Military, Carroll joined his father in law, Charles
P. Phillips and Phillips Home Builders and together made it the largest
home building and land development company in the county. He remained there
until his health failed in July 1997. The will to live and determination
to see his grandchildren grow and become Christians sustained him.
Carroll
will be most remembered for the love of the game. His small stature at an
early age did not keep him from being a fierce competitor. He excelled in
baseball, pole vaulting, basketball, even a bit of football, but baseball
was his passion. It was the Army that made a man out of him, returning from
Vietnam he had grown inches inches and picked up about 40 pounds, soft ball
became his game.
During the next 30 years he would play for the most
well-known teams in Arkansas. He became one of the best long ball hitters
in the state and played in four ASA National and one USSSA National tournaments.
Not only did he play softball during those years, he coached baseball from
teeny league moving up with many of the same young men through American
Legion. He touched countless lives teaching them the skills of the game.
In 1992, playing with Thomas Oil in Birmingham, Alabama, at the USSSA Nationals,
Hambric hit home runs giving him a personal best of participating in five
national tournaments and hitting home runs in each during a span of three
decades. In 1993 he was named to the Wally Hall Dream Team. He was inducted
into the Arkansas Softball Hall of Fame in 2000 and into the Benton Softball
Hall of Fame in 2002.
He is survived by his two grandchildren, Ethan
and Preslee, who lovingly called him “Meaty," his son Jarrod
and wife Brandy, a sister, Alma Henderson of Fordyce, mother-in-law, Gloria
Phillips, sister-in-Law, Cheryl Brewer, a host of nieces, nephews and cousins
and his wife Linda.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Luke and
Lucy Hambric, a brother, Thomas A. Jordan and nephew, David Jordan, brother-in-law,
James H. (Sandy) Brewer and father-in-Law, Charles P. Phillips.
Funeral
service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 27 at Ashby Funeral Home.
Visitation will be Tuesday night, July 26 from 6 p.m. till 8 p.m. at Ashby’s.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the Carroll
H. Hambric Athletic Scholarship Fund, Bank of the Ozarks, Benton, Arkansas
or to the Ten Mile Missionary Baptist Church Family Life Building Fund.
Special thanks to his steadfast friend, Ray Paladino, for making one of
his last days, one of his best. [from Ashby Funeral Home
online obituary] [Benton
Class of 1967]
Hanley, Robert Lindsey "Bob"
Mr. Robert L. "Bob" Hanley, age 62, of Benton died Thursday
March 24, 2011. He was born April 18, 1948, in Benton. Robert retired after
35 years with Air Products and Chemicals as an account manager He was a
member of the Blue Rock Gun Club, the Ten Mile Hunting Club, and was a member
of First Baptist Church in Benton. He was preceded in death by his parents,
Robert and Helen Hanley, son, Bart Hanley.
Survivors, wife, Pam Holicer
Hanley, Benton; daughter, Elizabeth Hanley, Benton; sister, Debra Newcomb
and her husband David, Benton; grandchildren, Holden Hanley, Janna Hanley,
and Jake Hanley.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday at Ashby Funeral
Home Chapel with burial at New Rosemont Cemetery. Minister will be Dr. Rick
Grant.
Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Ashby's.
Memorials may be made to Saline Memorial Hospice, Bryant Arkansas.
[from Ashby Funeral Home online obituary[ [Benton
Class of 1967]
Harrington, Oscar Brewster
Dr. Oscar Brewster Harrington, 86, died peacefully at home surrounded
by loving family on July 17, 2013. Born August 6, 1926, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas,
to Ophelia Brewster and Leroy John Harrington.
Dr. Harrington leaves
behind his bride of 62 years, Barbara, three sons, Brewster (Connie), David
and Clayton (Bisha) and their families of eight grandchildren – Grace
(Matt), Josh (Amanda) and Eli (Meghan); Hunter and Savannah; and Jake (Ella),
Lauren, Austin (deceased) and Caleb; and six great-grandchildren. He also
leaves behind a brother, Leroy (El Paso), and sister, Nancy Currey (Dallas),
many loving nieces, a nephew and a legacy of relationships from different
generations and different walks of life - he will be greatly missed.
Dr. Harrington served in the US Navy after graduating from Benton (Arkansas)
High School. He went to the University of Arkansas and studied medicine
and graduated from the University of Arkansas Medical School where he met
and married his bride Barbara Brothers of Little Rock. He was in family
practice in Palestine, Texas, prior to moving to Houston to study General
and Thoracic Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine from 1959 - 1964. He
was certified with the American Board of Surgery and American Board of Thoracic
Surgery. In 2006 he was awarded the Tennessee Outstanding Physician for
his leadership and "tremendous contributions" in the field of
thoracic and cardiovascular surgery for over 50 years; his accomplishments
included being a clinical assistant professor and instructor in Thoracic
Surgery at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center and memberships
in American Medical Association, the International Society for Heart and
Lung Transplantation and the Michael DeBakey International Cardiovascular
Society. He was also a past president of the Southern Thoracic Surgery Association,
the Southern Surgical Society, and the Memphis Heart Association. He also
was the Methodist Hospital Foundations Living Award recipient in 1992. Among
other accomplishment Dr. Harrington performed the first heart transplant
at Methodist Hospital and practiced and grew the Heart Institute at Methodist
University Hospital for over 40 years. All of those career milestones led
to the honor of Methodist University Hospital naming the O. Brewster Harrington
Cardiac Clinical Care Unit after him in February 2012.
Dr. Harrington
was a sportsman enjoying hunting, fishing and canoeing and lived what he
preached by keeping active through swimming and golf. He was a past City
Champion in handball and over the years loved basketball, football and tennis.
A memorial service will be held on Monday July 22, 2013, at 2:00 at Christ
United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Maxie Dunham presiding. Visitation
will follow at Christ United Methodist.
Memorial contributions may be
given to the glory of God to the Methodist Hospital Foundation, the Church
Health Center, Christ United Methodist Church or to the ministry of your
choice. [from Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery
online obituary] [Benton
Class of 1944]
Harris, Donnie Lee
Donnie Lee Harris Sr. was born May 5, 1948, in Hot Springs. He and Marshalene
Hart married January 20, 1967. They are the parents of two children Donnie
Lee Harris Jr. and Melisa Dawn Harris Frick.
Donnie died July 21, 1974,
of Acute Myelocytic Leukemia at the University of Arkansas Medical Center
in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas. His death came almost four years
from the date of his diagnosis.
At the time that he was diagnosed, his
wife, Marsha, had been hospitalized for premature labor (at eight months)
and had just been released from the hospital. She was staying with her parents
at the time she was contacted by Donnie's doctor and found out the probable
diagnosis. Donnie was diagnosed by his long-time family physician, Dr. Cecil
Parkerson. He went to the doctor because of "regular headaches"
and “paleness.” After doing a couple of tests, Dr. Parkerson
referred him to UAMS in Little Rock for a more thorough "work up";
however, he had already tentatively diagnosed the leukemia.
Donnie went
through several remissions during the four years of his illness. He became
well known in Hot Springs. There were several articles about him in the
Hot Springs Sentinel-Record newspaper during the time. He was also featured
on a Little Rock television program. Though he was not able to be employed
because of his illness, he nevertheless stayed busy. During his illness,
he was instrumental in setting up the first National Junior Cancer Society
at Hot Springs High School. He was also active in the Hot Springs Jaycee
Civic Club. As sponsors of the annual Hot Springs Christmas Parade, the
Jaycees named an award given each year for him. "The Donnie Harris
Memorial Trophy" was awarded for a number of years to the float which
best represented what Christmas meant to a child. [Written by
Marshalene (Hart) Harris Edwards] [Hot
Springs Class of 1967]
Harris, Ira Flynn
Ira Flynn Harris, age 59, of Benton, went to be with his Lord on Thursday,
March 15, 2007. He was born in Benton, Arkansas, on November 17, 1947. Flynn
was a Vietnam veteran and was retired from both the Arkansas Air National
Guard and the Pine Bluff Arsenal. He was an active member of Sharon Missionary
Baptist Church and served his Lord through his musical talents and his daily
life.
He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Rita; one son, Jason
and his wife Toni; one daughter, Mandi and her husband Chris; sisters, Sherry
and Shelia; parents, Wilton and Odean; two grandsons, Justin and Logan,
all of Saline County, Arkansas as well aunts, an uncle, cousins, a niece,
two nephews, and a host of friends too numerous to count.
Flynn made
friends with everyone he met. He was a loving and devoted husband, father,
grandfather, brother, and son who will be missed.
Visitation will be
at Ashby Funeral Home on Sunday, March 18, 2007, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 19, 2007, at Sharon Missionary
Baptist Church in Benton at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Forest Hills
Cemetery. [from Ashby Funeral Home online obituary]
[Benton Class of 1965]
Hockersmith, Glen
Glen Hockersmith, age 56, of Dallas, formerly of Benton; passed away Tuesday April 13, 2004, in Dallas, Texas. He was born on October 6, 1947, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Mr. Hockersmith was a dentist and a former Arkansas Razorback football member. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, James H. "Boo" and Mildred Hockersmith. He is survived by his wife, Diane Hockersmith and two stepchildren of Dallas. Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Old Rosemont. [from Ashby Funeral Home website] [Benton Class of 1965]
Hockersmith, Joe David
Joe David Hockersmith Sr., 53, of Benton died Wednesday, April 21, 2004.
He was born August 23, 1950, in Saline County.
Survivors include his
parents, T. L. Jr. and Clara Hockersmith; a son, Joe Hockersmith Jr. and
wife Michelle; a brother, Tip Hockersmith; two sisters, Mary Williams and
GeorgeAnn Brown; two grandchildren, Angel Hockersmith and Joe Hockersmith
III.
Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Ashby Funeral Home,
with Dr. Rick Grant officiating. [from the Benton Courier, date unknown]
[Benton Class of 1969]
Hodges, Robert Edward
R. E. (Robert Edward) Hodges, 68, of Russellville, passed away Tuesday,
September 1, 2015, at his home in Russellville. The son of Ruben Hodges
and Margie Ophelia (McMickle) Hodges, he was born March 15, 1947, in Forrest
City, Arkansas. He was a graduate of Benton High School and Arkansas Tech
University with a bachelor’s degree in biology. He was an accomplished
athlete, setting many records playing for the “Wonder Boys.”
He still holds the record for the most pass interceptions in a single season:
11 for ATU in 1968.
From 1971-73 he worked as associate alumni director
for ATU.
Until his retirement in 2013 he served as Director of Grants
and Contracts for Area Agency on Aging of West Central Arkansas building
and improving 15 senior activity centers across 10 counties and launching
many innovative programs including Agency’s Senior Companion Program
and, along with Dr. Harvey Young, Arkansas’ Senior Olympics in 1983.
36 years later he participated in this event winning a Gold Medal for cycling.
He is a recipient of the Dr. Hilquit Lynch Memorial Award for meritorious
service and achievement to senior adults in West Central Arkansas.
He
served over 20 years in the US Army Reserves, retiring with the rank of
Lieutenant Colonel.
He was currently serving on Pope County’s Quorum
Court, as Russellville Lions Club President elect and on the Governor’s
Council on Aging. Past service included Russellville’s Planning Commission,
Historic District Commission and Board of Adjustment, and as a board member
of Big Brothers Big Sisters, River Valley United Way, ATU Foundation Board
and ATU Alumni Board and founding board member of Help Network.
R. E.
was a member of the All Saints Episcopal Church and past member of the Vestry.
Through the years he enjoyed quail hunting, motor cycling, golfing, road
biking and target shooting.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife of 13 years, Suzanne Alford Hodges of Russellville;
two daughters, Holly Mays and husband, Doug, and granddaughter Lana LaBatt,
all of Satellite Beach, Florida, and Amy Franz and husband, John of North
East, Maryland; two stepdaughters, Polly Beasley and husband, Scott and
their children, Rhett and Zach, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Rebecca Haas and
husband, Jacob and their children, Michael and Henry, of Greeneville, Tennessee;
a sister, Sue Baker and husband, Brett of Jonesboro; a brother, Jerry Hodges
of Streettman, Texas.
An outdoor memorial service will be held at 9:00
a.m., Saturday, September 5, 2015, at All Saints Episcopal Church in Russellville.
Visitation will follow the service in the Shoemaker Hall until 11:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church,
501 S Phoenix, Russellville, AR 72801, RE Hodges Scholarship Fund, ATU Foundation,
8820 Tech Lane, Rslv, AR 72801, Area Agency on Aging of West Central Arkansas,(Senior
Aid) 915 S Arkansas Ave, Rslv, AR 72801, Lions Recycle for Sight, Arkansas
Hospice, 2405 E Parkway, Suite 3, Rslv, AR. or to a favorite charity.
[from Humphrey Funeral Home online obituary] [Benton
Class of 1965]
Hopper, Donna Marie Hargrave
Donna Marie Hargrave Hopper, 64, of Benton, Arkansas passed away November
15, 2015. She was born November 27, 1950 in Chillicothe, Missouri to the
late Donald Ray and Kathryn Jo (Jones) Hargrave.
Donna enjoyed spending
time with her grandchildren, watching Arkansas Razorback sports, and travelling.
Donna leaves to cherish her memories her loving husband, Willis Franklin
(Buddy) Hopper; son, Major Matthew Don Hopper and his wife Danielle; two
grandchildren, Jackson and Susanna Hopper; brother, Phillip Hargrave; and
many other family members and friends who loved Donna and will miss her
always.
Memorial service, officiated by Rev. Noah Knapp, will be held
at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322
N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas 72015. Reception visitation will follow
the memorial service.
Care entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.
[from Smith-Benton Funeral Home online obituary] [Benton
Class of 1968]
Hopper, Howard J.
Howard J. Hopper, aged 34, of Benton died Friday.
He was a special
education instructor for the Civitan Center in Benton.
Survivors include
his wife, Jody Lynn Cogbill Hopper; a stepdaughter, Denise Hopper of Benton;
his mother, Mildred Hopper of Houston, Texas; and a sister, Phyllis Hastings
of Claremore, Oklahoma.
Funeral was to be at 11 a.m. today at Ballards
Funeral Home. Burial was to be at New Rosemont Cemetery.
The family asks
that any memorials be made to the Civitan Center. [from
the Benton Courier, Monday, March 12, 1984, page 11]
[Benton Class of 1967]
Howard, Kathryn Taylor
Kathryn Taylor Howard of Benton died Wednesday, July 9, 2003, in Little
Rock. She was 55.
Mrs. Howard was born December 26, 1947, in Benton.
She was a retired secretary and a Mary Kay consultant for 14 years. She
was a member of the Bryant Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death
by her parents, Wilburn and Verna Taylor, and her husband, Curtis Van Howard.
Survivors include her son, Kevin Howard and his wife Christie of Benton;
two stepsons, Randy Day of Little Rock and Robert Day and his wife Angie
of Magnolia; two sisters, Wilene Marcuccio of Houston, Texas, and Nedra
Nelson of Benton; and five grandchildren, Emily, Hannah, Carly, Carter,
and Cody.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at Bryant
Church of Christ with B. Kendall, Mike Jones and John White officiating.
Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6
to 8 p.m. today at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton.
Memorials may be made
to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. [from the Benton Courier,
July 11, 2003, page 2] [Benton
Class of 1965]
Hudson, James W.
James W. Hudson, age 75, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away on July 19,
2016, in Little Rock, Arkansas. James was born in Willow, Arkansas (Dallas
County), on October 29, 1940. He married Kaye Shelnutt Hudson in Benton
on June 3, 1960.
He graduated from Benton High School in 1959 and joined
the US Navy where he served two years active duty and four years reserve.
He became an employee of Alcoa retiring after 45 years.
He was an avid
fisherman, sharing his catch with family, friends and often complete strangers.
PawPaw James' Fish Fry was a delicious treat to all! He was a member of
First Baptist Church of Benton and loved studying the Bible.
James was
preceded in death by his parents, Wilbern ''Mike'' Hudson and Katherine
Hudson Catton and brother, Jerry A. Hudson; father in law Joe C. Shelnutt
and brother in law, Joe C. Shelnutt Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Kaye
Shelnutt Hudson of Benton, Arkansas; his daughter, Shannon White and husband,
Bill of Benton; his sons Steve Hudson and wife, Tara of Bentonville, Arkansas,
and Joe Hudson and wife, Linsey of Clinton, Arkansas; his grandchildren,
Jamie Vinson, Caleb Hudson, Katie Wadley, Lucy White, Claire White, Liam
Hudson, and Chloe Hudson; Mother in law, Rheba L. Shelnutt; sisters in law,
Scila Hudson of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Gloria Shelnutt of Benton;
six nieces and nephews and their families; and beloved Westie, Alfie.
Honorary pallbearers will be Caleb Hudson, Liam Hudson, Alek Witt, Tim McDaniel,
Tim Nelson, Dr. Joe Martindale, Dr. Mark Martindale, Brian Hudson, Mark
Hudson, John Schamel, Tom Pack, Bill White, Nathan Chamblee, and Chuck Shelnutt.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 22, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. in First
Baptist Church Selph Hall followed by memorial service beginning at 11:00
a.m. First Baptist Church with Bro. Edd Spurlock officiating.
Private
inurnment will follow at the State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arkansas ALS Association
Arkansas Chapter, 1200 W. Walnut, Suite 2309, Rogers, AR 72756 or First
Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 211 S. Market Street, Benton, AR 72015.
Arrangements by Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton (501-315-4047). [from Roller-Ballard Funeral Home online obituary]
[Benton Class of 1959]
Hutzel, Homer, III
Homer Hutzel, III, 66, passed away Thursday, February 13, 2014, at Crossgates
River Oaks Hospital in Brandon. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m.
Monday, February 17, 2014, at Natchez Trace Funeral Chapel in Madison with
interment in Natchez Trace Memorial Park. Visitation will be 2 p.m. to 4
p.m. today at Natchez Trace Funeral Home.
Mr. Hutzel was a native of
Hot Springs and was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the U.S. Air
Force. He was the owner of Homer's Bar-B-Q and was an avid fisherman.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Looney Hutzel; daughters, Michelle Hutzel
Berryhill and Whitney Hutzel; sons, Jon Hutzel (Melinda) and Jon Edward
Scott; mother, Virginia Irene Hutzel; brother, Mike Hutzel (Kim); nine grandchildren
and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to: American Heart
Association, Madison Church of Christ or Lake Harbor Drive Church of Christ.
[from the Sentinel-Record, February 16, 2014, page 9A]
[Hot Springs Class
of 1966]