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Obituary: Danny Reel (1950 – 2024)

Tammy Teague
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Obituary: Danny Reel (1950 – 2024)


Danny George Reel of Bates, Arkansas, formerly of Heavener, Oklahoma, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Thursday, August 15, 2024 in Fort Smith, Arkansas with his loving wife at his side. Danny was born July 9, 1950 in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Benny Reel and Verlan (Davis) Reel. He was 74 years old. Danny was a member of Bates Assembly of God. His faith and devotion to sharing God’s word were undeniable.

Before Danny retired he worked many years for the Soil Conservation Dept in Oklahoma. Danny was born and raised in the Tulsa area but he later moved to the community of Bates where he was able to live his dream of being a country man. He had many hobbies he loved including trail riding on horse back, gardening and working in his yard, however, Danny was happiest being at church. He was a gifted guitar musician and singer. Spending time with family and church family making forever memories gave Danny great joy.

Danny leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife Brenda of the home, four children: Samantha Dickinson and husband Mark of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Shelly Reel of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, Melissa Evans and husband Jeff of Monroe, Oklahoma and Rachael Horton and husband John of Poteau, Oklahoma. Grandpa will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Brittney, Sarah, Jeremy, Sawyer, Dalton, Travis, Jamiee, Kursty, Katie and Issac. Danny also leaves a legacy of memories with his siblings: Belva (Lee) Carter, Connie (Bill) Smith, Kasey Jo Reel, Herb (JoAnn) Reel and his beloved in laws: Stella Benjamin, Sue Carter, Darryl (Tina) Hill and Jeff Hill. Danny will be missed by all that knew him including a host of extended family, friends, loved ones and church family.

Danny is preceded in death by his parents, Benny and Verlan, and one brother, Tim Reel and his first wife Alice Reel, the mother of his daughters, Samantha and Shelly.

Danny’s family will host a memorial celebration of life Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 12:00 noon at the Bates of Assembly of God Church in Bates, Arkansas. Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation.

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls several infant products for choking, fall hazards

Tammy Teague
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U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recalls several infant products for choking, fall hazards

By Rebekah Hall
U of A System Division of Agriculture

Parents of infants and young children should immediately stop using four products recalled Aug. 1 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for fall, suffocation and ingestion hazards.

Nina Roofe, extension assistant vice president of family and consumer sciences for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, said that after parents stop using these products, they should contact the manufacturer to find out what options are available.

“They may be entitled to a refund, repair or replacement for the recalled item,” Roofe said. “Usually, guidelines are issued with the recall for returning or disposing of the recalled item, like taking it back to the place of purchase, mailing it to the manufacturer or disposing of it safely.

“Parents should also document to the CPSC if their child was injured by the product,” Roofe said. “If the item is required, such as a crib or a car seat, then a replacement that is safe must be found.”

The recalled products include:

Beberoad Love New Moon Travel Bassinets: These bassinets violate federal safety regulations for Infant Sleep Products because they do not have a stand, posing a fall hazard if used on elevated surfaces. Only bassinets manufactured on or after June 23, 2022, are included in this recall.

Papablic Infant Swings: These swings pose a suffocation risk because they were marketed, intended or designed for infant sleep, and they have an incline angle greater than 10 degrees, which violates the federal safety regulations for Infant Sleep Products. They also violate other requirements for infant swings and the labeling requirements for Reese’s Law because the remote contains a button or coin-cell battery.

LED Light-up Jelly Ring Toys by Attom Tech: These toys violate the mandatory federal battery-operated toy regulation because the rings contain button cell batteries, which can be easily accessed without a common household tool. When button cell batteries are swallowed, the ingested batteries can cause serious injuries, internal chemical burns and death, posing an ingestion hazard to children.

RH Baby & Child Jeune French Contemporary Upholstered Panel Cribs: The cylindrical metal inserts in the crib’s wooden frame can become loose and detach, posing a choking hazard.

Brompton T-Line Foldable Bicycles: A loss of alignment between the handlebar and front wheel, due to insufficient torquing of steerer clamp bolts, can cause the rider to lose control of the steering, posing a fall hazard.

Avocado Organic Cotton Mattress Pad Protectors: The recalled mattress pads violate the mandatory federal flammability regulation for mattress pads, posing a fire hazard.

Roofe said consumers who have purchased a recalled product can usually get a refund, replacement, exchange or repair of the recalled item. If a significant injury occurred, then financial compensation may be pursued through the legal system.

For parents of infants and young children, Roofe recommends they focus on the safety and quality of the products they purchase.

  • Before purchasing any baby products, research safety features, reviews and ratings.
  • Look for safety certifications such as the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association.
  • Follow age and weight recommendations, especially for car seats, cribs and toys, to ensure they are appropriate for the child’s size and development.
  • Register products with the manufacturer to receive recall and safety information updates.
  • Beware of used or second-hand products for babies, as they may not meet current safety standards.
  • Refer to the American Academy of Pediatrics and Bright Futures for recommendations on safety standards, guidelines and recommendations for baby products. Family and friends are well-meaning, but they are not the experts.

Informed consumers are safe consumers

Roofe said it’s critical for consumers and business owners to be aware of product recalls and follow CPSC guidelines.

“Recalled products pose a risk to consumers’ health and safety,” she said. “Being aware of recalls and following guidelines helps us avoid dangerous products and prevent accidents and injuries. If we own a business and ignore safety recalls, there could be damage to the business’s reputation and legal consequences if someone is injured as a result of using a recalled product.”

To stay up to speed on product recalls, Roofe recommended the following steps for consumers:

  • Sign up for email alerts from the Consumer Product Safety Commission at gov/Newsroom/Subscribe.
  • Check the Food and Drug Administration website for product recalls and consumer resources at gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/recall-resources.
  • Follow trusted news outlets and set alerts on your phone or computer to stay informed.
  • Monitor social media, especially for products of interest, such as infant and child products, digital products and supplements.
  • Register your products when you make a purchase. This allows the manufacturer to contact you directly if that product is recalled.

The U.S. CPSC is an independent federal agency responsible for protecting the public from risks of injury or death from the use of consumer products.

“Its work is carried out by setting and enforcing safety standards on a variety of products, such as toys, cribs and appliances; conducting research and testing; investigating product safety concerns and issuing recalls; working with manufacturers to address safety concerns; and educating consumers about product recalls and safety alerts,” Roofe said.

To learn more about extension Family and Consumer Sciences resources, visit the Personal and Family Well-Being webpage.

To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit www.uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on X and Instagram at @AR_Extension. To learn more about Division of Agriculture research, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station website: https://aaes.uada.edu. Follow on X at @ArkAgResearch. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit https://uada.edu/. Follow us on X at @AgInArk. 

About the Division of Agriculture

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system. 

The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on five system campuses.  

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs to all eligible persons without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Terry Rice

Tammy Teague
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State Capitol Week in Review From Senator Terry Rice

The Arkansas Department of Transportation estimates that in 2027 and 2028 about $2.2 billion of new projects will be added to its list of highway improvements.

That estimate comes from the department’s chief engineer for preconstruction, in an interview in the summer issue of the agency’s magazine.

Of all state agencies, the Transportation Department has perhaps the most active communications office.  For safety reasons, the public has to be kept up to date about the status of highway projects and changes in road conditions due to bad weather.

One example is I Drive Arkansas, an app that is found at @idrivearkansas. It allows you to check road conditions, and plan trips around construction projects or winter weather.

The department sends out more news releases than other state agencies, because of the need to notify the public ahead of time about roadwork that requires the closing of lanes, ramps or sections of highway. For example, already in August the department has sent out 17 press releases.

Department officials hold numerous public hearings to gather input about proposed highway projects and those must be publicized. The department also keeps contractors up to date on projects so that they can submit bids for work. That entails providing contractors with mountains of accurate information, ranging from specifications for different types of asphalt that must be used to the financial requirements a contractor must comply with in order to be bonded.

One of the go-to sources of information for legislators, highway officials and the general public is the department’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP).

The document outlines what the department is working on, over a four-year period. The federal government, which provides hundreds of millions in grants for highway projects, requires all 50 states to maintain a version of STIP that covers four fiscal years. Federal funds cannot be spent on any highway projects that have not been listed in the STIP.

The STIP is fiscally conservative, because it cannot include more projects than the Transportation Department can afford to complete.

The current STIP covers fiscal years 2023 through 2026 and includes 814 projects costing about $4.4 billion. They cover 4,100 miles of highway and 270 bridges.

In Arkansas the STIP is updated every two years, so the next version will include new projects that will be added in 2027 and 2028.

Traditionally, highway projects fall into three major categories – improvements for safety reasons, maintenance to preserve the integrity of the existing highway system and capital improvements/economic development.

When the new projects for 2027 and 2028 are added to STIP, funding will be distributed with 75 percent going for maintaining the existing highway system and 25 percent going for capital improvement, economic development projects.

A lot of input is gathered before a project is officially listed in STIP. The public and civic leaders offer their opinions. The department’s traffic safety division and local police departments collect and submit data about wrecks and traffic accidents.

Another division submits data about traffic flow, such as the number of vehicles that use a stretch of highway and how many of those are heavy trucks. Staff must consider whether or not a section of highway should be widened, because it may not be able to safely handle the increased volume of traffic.

Boozman Shares Memories of Rogers Veteran

Tammy Teague
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Boozman Shares Memories of Rogers Veteran

U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR) recognized the service and sacrifice of Chris Traxson in ‘Salute to Veterans,’ a series highlighting the military service of Arkansans. 

Traxson was born in Rogers and graduated from Rogers High School in 1999. He attended Northwest Arkansas Community College before enrolling at the University of Arkansas where he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

He served as a police officer for his hometown and, after a year in that role, enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve. 

Traxson is from a family with a history of military service, including his dad who was drafted during the Vietnam War, and was inspired to help in the War on Terror. 

“It was a time when I felt like I wanted to do more. There was a lot going on in the Middle East,” he said. “I just felt like I was in a place in my life from the physical fitness standpoint and maturity level where I thought I could go in and help with the effort.”

Traxson was encouraged to join the Marines by some of his law enforcement colleagues who were veterans of the branch. He wanted to serve on the frontlines and was convinced the Marine infantry division was the quickest path to combat. He also appreciated its proud tradition.

He was 24 years old when he attended bootcamp, “I was definitely the old man, they kinda came to me for that fatherly guidance even though I wasn’t a father. And it was the same in infantry  school as well.”

In 2006 he learned his unit was attaching to another from Detroit as part of a large battalion build up that would eventually be deployed to Fallujah, Iraq.

Traxson arrived in Fallujah two years after the battles of 2004 and said the locals were just beginning to return to the city. However, there was severe property damage and a lot of hostility.

“In the first two weeks we were there it was extremely quiet and then after that two-week period things started popping off. We were getting enemy contact almost every day. And I had to ask, ‘Why was it so quiet those first two weeks?’ and they informed me that they were watching us,” Traxson recalled. “They knew we were a new unit.”

Traxson said he had to be ready to go at a moment’s notice, so after long days out on a mission, the marines had to have their gear and vehicles prepared for the next time they would be called upon. His assignment was to ride in the turret of the Humvee operating the machine gun and watching the roadway for improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

He’d only been in Iraq four weeks when he was injured by an IED.

“I wasn’t even supposed to go out that day,” he said. He was given the option to sit out for 48 hours because his team had rolled over an explosive device on its last mission. However, he was cleared to participate and decided to join. 

He doesn’t remember a lot about the explosion but recalled the doors of the vehicle blew off. “I had taken off running because I was on fire,” he said.

The marines in his Humvee were loaded onto a truck and taken to the hospital. Three weeks later he woke up at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.

He had third-degree burns on 56 percent of his body. In the two years of recovery, he had more than 70 surgeries.

His mother, a nurse, quit her job in Arkansas to help take care of him and advocate on his behalf while he was in recovery. “She wanted to make sure I had somebody to speak for me,” he said.

During his recovery, he received letters from his fellow marines updating him on friends in his unit. “Obviously, [we’d] suffered casualties and they would let me know about who those were,” he said. “Some of them I was close to so it was hard not being able to go to their funerals.” 

Traxson received a Purple Heart for his sacrifice. “No one wants to get a Purple Heart, but I’m happy to accept it.”

He was discharged in 2009 and worked part-time at a local store as he continued his healing while also serving as a security guard at Northwest Arkansas Community College for eight years. He graduated from business school in 2013 and today works at the Benton County Veterans Service Office where he helps veterans in getting the benefits and services they’ve earned. “My experience makes it a lot easier for them to talk to me.”

He has been honored to talk to students about his journey and encourages them to be optimistic in addition to aspiring to a lifetime of public service whether in the military or other civic engagement. 

“Some of the best people I ever met were people in uniform,” he said. “They came from all over the country. They were all different colors, religions and that’s the thing I like about the military is that when you go in there, we all wear the same uniform. We’re not anything else but the uniform we wear. I learned a lot from the people I served with. They made me better.”

“Chris Traxson honorably served his country and has made a great sacrifice. His perseverance and determination are an inspiration to us all. I’m proud to capture and preserve his memories of his service for the benefit of future generations,” Boozman said.

Boozman submitted Traxson’s entire interview to the Veterans History Project, an initiative of the Library of Congress’s American Folklife Center to collect and retain the oral histories of our nation’s veterans.

Do you know a veteran interested in sharing their memories for the ‘Salute to Veterans’ series? Nominate an Arkansas veteran to share their story by calling Boozman’s Fort Smith office at 479-573-0189.

Candidates File for Upcoming Election

Tammy Teague
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Candidates File for Upcoming Election

The following candidates filed for office in SEBASTIAN COUNTY:

Bonanza Alderman Ward 1 Position 1: Joseph Brandon
Bonanza Alderman Ward 2 Position 1: Robert Pappy Crouch
Bonanza Alderman Ward 2 Position 2: Doug Hartsfield
Bonanza Alderman Ward 3 Position 1: Daniel Lunsford
Bonanza Alderman Ward 3 Position 2: Eugene Hannaman, David Tharp, Fred Hanes

Central City Rec./Treas.: Ashley Carpenter
Central City Alderman Ward 1 Position 1: Tonya Y. Fagan
Central City Alderman Ward 1 Position 2: Vera A. Combs
Central City Alderman Ward 2 Position 1: Charlie Carpenter
Central City Alderman Ward 2 Position 2: Deric Rogers
Central City Alderman Ward 3 Position 1 Tami Carney
Central City Alderman Ward 3 Position 2 Elwanda McAlister

Greenwood Alderman Ward 1 Position 2: Cameron Kehler, Rod Powell
Greenwood Alderman Ward 2 Position 2: Tim Terry
Greenwood Alderman Ward 3 Position 2: Christian Jones, Ralph Meeker Jr.

Hackett Alderman Ward 1 Position 2: Anthony Bailey

Hartford Rec./Treas.: Danielle Woodard
Hartford Alderman Ward 1 Position 1: Mary Radley
Hartford Alderman Ward 2 Position 2: Kody L. Hodge
Hartford Alderman Ward 3 Position 1: Ariana Clinton
Hartford Alderman Ward 3 Position 2: William Woodard

Huntington Rec./Treas.: Sharion Trantham
Huntington Alderman Ward 1 Position 2: Robby L. Roush

Lavaca Rec./Treas.: Shelly Hockaday
Lavaca Alderman Ward 1 Position 1: Lisa A. Hogan
Lavaca Alderman Ward 1 Position 2: Lorie L. Robertson
Lavaca Alderman Ward 2 Position 1: Gerald Schaefer
Lavaca Alderman Ward 2 Position 2: Charles Darin Jetton, Kirk Barber, Dawn Marie Hutchins
Lavaca Alderman Ward 3 Position 1: Mike Ray
Lavaca Alderman Ward 3 Position 2: Mac Green, Richard Edgerton III

Mansfield Alderman Ward 1 Position 2: James W. Steele
Mansfield Alderman Ward 2 Position 2: Beverly Lyons
Mansfield Alderman Ward 3 Position 2: Sheri P. Hopkins

Midland Position 1: Loyd Morris
Midland Position 2: Joseph Cepeda
Midland Position 3: Doris I. Hearron
Midland Position 4: Barry Morrison

The following candidates filed for office in LOGAN COUNTY:

Booneville Alderman Ward 1 Position 1: Alton Shackleford
Booneville Alderman Ward 1 Position 2: Eddie Gossett
Booneville Alderman Ward 2 Position 1: Stacy Holbert
Booneville Alderman Ward 2 Position 2: Tina Siddons Hunt
Booneville Alderman Ward 3 Position 1: Derrick Dennis Wagner
Booneville Alderman Ward 3 Position 2: Andrew Hubble, Amanda Ferris

Blue Mountain Rec./Treas.: Torie Hollingsworth
Blue Mountain Position 1: Johnny Carrol Phillips, Jr.
Blue Mountain Position 2: Larry A. Dickens
Blue Mountain Position 3: Jason Collier
Blue Mountain Position 4: Alvin D. Dickens
Blue Mountain Position 5: Dale Dickens

Caulksville Rec./Treas.: Bobby McCartney
Caulksville Position 1: Johnny Culver
Caulksville Position 2: Bobby Lux
Caulksville Position 3: Larry Lux
Caulksville Position 4: Kristy Pfeiffer
Caulksville Position 5: *open*

Magazine School District Position 1: Ronnie “Tooter: Scott
Magazine School District Position 2: Brandy Young

Magazine Rec./Treas.: Vicki Smith
Magazine Alderman Ward 1 Position 1: *open*
Magazine Alderman Ward 1 Position 2: *open*
Magazine Alderman Ward 2 Position 1: Ashley Hughes
Magazine Alderman Ward 2 Position 2: Charles W. Corbitt
Magazine Alderman Ward 3 Position 1: Dave Hill
Magazine Alderman Ward 3 Position 2: *open*

Morrison Bluff Rec./Treas.: Mark H. Siebenmorgan
Morrison Bluff Position 1: Randy J Siebenmorgan
Morrison Bluff Position 2: Gary Lensing
Morrison Bluff Position 3: John Geels
Morrison Bluff Position 4: Francis J. Riable
Morrison Bluff Position 5: Dennis Siebenmorgan

Paris Alderman Ward 1 Position 1: Tonya Fletcher
Paris Alderman Ward 2 Position 2: Michael Knowles
Paris Alderman Ward 3 Position 2: Gary Eveld

Ratcliff Alderman Ward 1 Position 1: Shirley Wood
Ratcliff Alderman Ward 1 Position 2: Larry Hice
Ratcliff Alderman Ward 2 Position 1: Steve Gattis
Ratcliff Alderman Ward 2 Position 2: Rose Greb
Ratcliff Alderman Ward 3 Position 1: Suzanne Kellogg
Ratcliff Alderman Ward 3 Position 2: John Corley

Scranton Rec. Treas.: Carri Corbitt
Scranton Alderman Ward 1 Position 1: William A Ahne, Laura Jo Dixon
Scranton Alderman Ward 1 Position 2: James R. Schwartz
Scranton Alderman Ward 2 Position 1 Leslie Fleming
Scranton Alderman Ward 2 Position 2: Ernie Mellon
Scranton Alderman Ward 3 Position 1: Cody Alexander
Scranton Alderman Ward 3 Position 2: Cheryl Kremer

Subiaco Rec./Treas.: Jill Sewell
Subiaco Position 1 *open*
Subiaco Position 2 *open*
Subiaco Position 3: Mike McCombs
Subiaco Position 4: Marcus Wewers
Subiaco Position 5: *open*

Tri County Regional Water Distribution Board Position 2: Frank M. (Mark) Limbird

The following candidates filed for office in SCOTT COUNTY:
Bobby Hattabaugh, J.P.1, (R)
Melvin “Dee” Parker, J.P. 2, (R)
Leonard Russell, J.P.3, (I)
John Luttrell, J.P. 7, (R)
Tara Brackett, J.P. 9, (R)

Rollover Candidates – Un-Opposed
Linda Vaughn, J.P. 4
Jamie Lynn Goff, J.P. 5
Tommy Roberson, J.P. 6

Roll Over, Un-Opposed
Lance Stinson, J.P. 8

List of Candidates for Waldron City Council:
Jeffrey Gilbert HW1 Position 1
David P Carter HW1 Position 2
Chad Owens HW2 Position 1
Taylor Carpenter HW2 Position 2
Doyle Wayne Dickens HW3 Position 1 Incumbent, Rollover
Mark Ashford HW3 Position 2 Incumbent, Rollover

“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

Tammy Teague
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“Just Roll with It” Serving up Recipes and Humor

By Sheri Hopkins, Lifestyle Contributor

Hello everyone! What a beautiful week of weather we have had. In the words of Floyd the Barber from the Andy Griffith Show “everybody wants to talk about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” Floyd was a wise man.

Back to Atlanta, GA. The traffic there made me cover my eyes with my pillow. It’s awful. Years ago, my brother and his family, including Tonya and little Rachel, all went to Atlanta to watch the Braves play. Jason, my nephew, was driving and the traffic is so crazy everyone was yelling at him. My brother said that Jason stopped the vehicle in the five lanes of traffic, got out and told someone else to drive. It’s a miracle they were not all killed. I’m sure his nerves were shot, and it didn’t help that everyone was yelling. I wish this could have been on video. They survived and got to the hotel with their Walmart sacks for luggage and enjoyed the ballgame.

I always find someone to talk to when I am traveling, it drives Jacob insane. He said, “mom, people do not want to talk to you.” How does he know? They may really want to talk to me. I started talking to this man at Buc-ee’s who was waiting on his wife and my brother said, “who is that?” I had no clue, but what is funny is my brother ended up talking to him and the man was a Braves fan also.

I was at a restaurant one time and see this lady that looked just like Tonya Wagoner. So, I asked her if she knew Tonya, she didn’t but I told her she looked just like my niece, who teaches at Greenwood. Jacob is about to croak. He just can’t handle the fact that I am friendly and like to talk to people. You won’t ever have to worry about him talking to strangers, that will never happen.

I was on the elevator in Atlanta at the hotel and Peggy called me by my name. This man on the elevator with us said “bye Sheri” when I went to get off. The next day, I saw him again and he spoke to me. His wife said, “he was wondering this morning what Sheri was doing today?” My brother thinks I am famous. I even saw a friend of mine from Alma at the Braves game. What are the odds of that?

This is the last story about the vacation, and I know y’all are glad. I may have some repeat stories since I heard I had some new people that have been reading my article. Have a wonderful week and count your blessings! This is an easy peasy recipe, but delicious and quick. It would be great for breakfast or as a dessert.

PEACH PIE CUPS
1 12.4 oz. can of refrigerated cinnamon rolls with the icing in the package (8 ct.)
1 21 oz. can of peach pie filling (chop up the peaches)
Heat oven to 374 degrees and spray your muffin tin with non-stick spray or use paper muffins if you would like. Separate dough into 8 rolls and let stand ten minutes. Place rolls cinnamon side up into the muffin cups. Press in the bottom and sides of the muffin tin. Spoon two generous tablespoons of pie filling into each dough lined tin. Back 14 -18 minutes or until golden brown. Cool for five minutes before removing. Drizzle the icing that came with your cinnamon rolls on top and enjoy. You can always use cherry or another one of your favorite pie fillings.

Obituary: Billie Ray (1943-2024)

Tammy Teague
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Obituary: Billie Ray (1943-2024)

Billie Sue (Lawson) Ray, 81, a cherished member of the Waldron community, was born on May 29, 1943 to Samuel and Emma (Nichols) Lawson in Bluffton, Arkansas and peacefully passed away on August 14, 2024, in Fort Smith, Arkansas surrounded by her loving family. Billie Sue was a beloved wife to her husband W.D. Rabbit for 38 wonderful years, and their love was a true inspiration to all who knew them. 

Billie Sue was a dedicated employee, having worked at the Waldron Furniture Factory and then her and Rabbit’s business, C&R Design, for over 20 years, leaving a lasting impact on those she worked with. Billie Sue was a family-oriented individual who adored spending time with her children, grandchildren and creating beautiful memories that will be cherished forever. She was known for her incredible muscadine jelly, a delicious treat that brought joy to many. Her love for bluegrass music, rock n’ roll, and especially Elvis Presley was infectious. She often found joy in going to the Turkey Track to listen to her favorite bluegrass music. 

In her younger days, Billie Sue was a talented basketball player and even had the honor of being the Yell County Fair Queen, embodying grace and beauty. She had a passion for watching the Arkansas Razorbacks play basketball and cheered them on with enthusiasm. Traveling was a significant part of her life, as she enjoyed exploring new places with Rabbit, her in-laws, and their spouses, especially their trips to Branson to enjoy the music.

Billie Sue leaves behind to cherish her memory the love of her life, W.D. Rabbit Ray; daughter: Lisa Ridenhour of Waldron, step daughter Simone Ray of Waldron, and daughter in-law Kim Hale of Hale Town, Arkansas. Grandma will forever remain in the hearts of her grandchildren: Jodi Perry of Poteau, Oklahoma; Chelsea Lord and husband Jacob of Wasilla, Alaska; Kendra Kisling and children of Waldron ; Dustin and Hope Kisling and children of Rogers ; Kayla and Ronnie Cox and children of Waldron ; and grandson-in-law Austin Thomas of Ola, Arkansas. Great-Grandchildren: Bryson and Codi Jones, Jake Perry, Raylyn Thomas, Miles Lord, Baby Lord, and one great-great grandchild: Walker Jones; nieces Debbie Taff and Judy Self, Nephew David Lawson of Waldron.

Billie Sue will be missed by all that knew her and the many lives she touched including an extended family of friends and loved ones dear to her heart.Billie Sue was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Emma Lawson; son, Billy Joe Hale; stepdaughter, Shannen Ray; granddaughter, Lyonette Thomas; brother, Hoyt Lawson and twin sister, Betty Lou Spears.

Billie Sue’s life celebration will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 17, 2024 at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Butch Morgan officiating. Interment will follow in the Duncan Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Billie Sue’s pallbearers will be Bryson Jones, Jake Perry, Austin Thomas, Jacob Lord, Dustin Kisling, Travis Taff and Ronnie Cox. Honorary pallbearers will be Johnny Ray, David Lawson, Jamie Hale, Alvin Carnahan and Tim Spears.

Billie Sue’s visitation will be Friday, August 16, 2024 from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.

Obituary: Billy Whiteley (1949-2024)

Tammy Teague
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Obituary: Billy Whiteley (1949-2024)

Billy Gene Whiteley, better known as Buddy, formerly of Waldron, Arkansas, passed from this life, Sunday, August 11, 2024 with his loving family by his side. Buddy was born February 22, 1949 in Belton, Texas to Marlin and Ludie Mae (Morgan) Whiteley. He was 75 years old.

Buddy was a loving husband and father with the patience of Job. In the words of his son, “no one could have been a better father”. Buddy was a man of God who was not afraid to share his faith in the Lord. He was a man of his word and had the biggest heart for helping anyone in need.

Buddy was a bull rider and established Whiteley Bull Pen in Texas where he spent many hours helping young bull riders get started in the business. He was a mentor to many young men in all aspects of life. Buddy was the definition of an old fashioned cowboy in every way possible. He believed and lived by a code of ethics rarely found today. Buddy also owned a tire business making friends everywhere his travels would take him. He touched many hearts and will be truly missed.

Buddy leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving and devoted wife of 38 years, Barbara of the home; two sons, Cody Allen Whiteley of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Billy Gene Heiner and wife Cindy of Glen Rose, Texas; one daughter Brandy Lee Hilliard and husband Guy of Harker Heights, Texas. Papa will forever remain in the hearts of his grandchildren: Destiny Whiteley of Lawton, Oklahoma; Savanna Carman and husband Tristan of Harker Heights, Texas; Hailey Hilliard of Harker Heights, Texas; Ravyn White and husband Kellan of Thornton, Texas; Skylar Heiner of Elm Mott, Texas; Burgandi Heiner of Waco, Texas; Jacoby Heiner of Gatesville, Texas; Sierra Heiner of Glen Rose, Texas; and Corey Whiteley of Lawton, Oklahoma; and great grandchildren Beau Huber, Ellie May Carman, Braelee White, Sarah Jeaux White, Royce White, Keygun Heiner, Kodie Heiner, Wyatt Heiner, Waelynn Heiner, Walker Heiner, Harper Heiner, Greyson Heiner and Everest Heiner. Buddy is also survived by one sister, Judy Vick of Texas. He will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including numerous beloved nieces and nephews; friends, neighbors, loved ones and his beloved cowboys. 

Buddy is preceded in death by his parents Marlin and Ludie Mae Whiteley; son, Leroy Whiteley; brothers: Marlin Jr.; Leroy Whiteley and Marvin (Sonny) Whiteley; and sisters: Margie Turner and Margaret Whiteley.

Buddy’s family will host a private celebration of life at a later date.

Arrangements and cremation are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory in Waldron, Arkansas.

Fatal Crash Claims the Life of a Huntington Man

Tammy Teague
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Fatal Crash Claims the Life of a Huntington Man

A fatal crash, which occurred on Wednesday, August 14 at 10:40 p.m., has claimed the life of a Huntington man. The accident occurred at 9500 Hwy. 71 S. in Fort Smith.

According to the Arkansas State Police, Zachary Boyd, 26, was traveling southbound in the right-hand lane of Highway 71 S. on a 2024 Yamaha when he struck a 1994 International at a high rate of speed.

No other injuries were reported. The body was taken to the Sebastian County Coroner’s office and the next of kin notified.

Mercy Cuts Ribbon on New Greenwood Clinic

Tammy Teague
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Mercy Cuts Ribbon on New Greenwood Clinic

Clinic co-workers along with leaders from Mercy and the Greenwood community cut the ribbon on the new Mercy Clinic Family Medicine – Greenwood on Wednesday. The new location at 2435 Veterans Way (off Highway 71 in front of Walmart) replaces the clinic at 20 N. Aster St. and expands the services available in the area. 

Greenwood Mayor Doug Kinslow issued a proclamation, declaring Aug. 14, 2024, as “Mercy Clinic Family Medicine Day” in Greenwood.

“I so proud and thrilled and happy and excited that this clinic is in Greenwood, Arkansas,” Kinslow said. “What an addition to this fine city. It’s a perfect location. Everything about it is perfect. I’m kind of at a loss for words. This is one of the best things I’ve gotten to do since I’ve been mayor.”

A groundbreaking for the new clinic was held in July 2023. At about 11,130 square feet, the new location will double the current clinical space and include 22 exam rooms, with ample room to add providers and services to meet the growing needs of the community. The addition of Dr. John Young, who began seeing patients at the clinic this month, means there are now seven Mercy providers offering care in Greenwood. There are 22 total co-workers at the clinic.

“There’s been a long tradition of trust between the providers and the people of Greenwood,” said Dr. Michael Callaway, section chairman for primary care at Mercy Fort Smith. “We’ve enjoyed that for a long time, and we have high expectations that this clinic will allow us to continue with increased capacity.”

Dr. Lance Barton, longtime provider in Greenwood, noted the efforts it took to open the new facility.

“I want to thank Mercy for investing in primary care in Greenwood and South Sebastian County,” he said. “We’ve managed to persevere, and we’ve delivered good care to the community, and we’ve grown from three providers when I came (25 years ago) to seven providers.”

Dr. Barton added that he wanted to thank “our No. 1 asset – our employees. They’re our secret sauce; they’re what makes things go around. They are what makes this place special.”

Father Paul Fetsko blessed the facility and presented the Mercy Cross to Practice Manager Angela Ulmer.

In addition to thanking the construction teams, project manager and others, Steve Gebhart, vice president of operations at Mercy thanked Dr. David Hunton, retired physician leader executive, and Amy Fore, vice president of patient services, for their “perseverance and discussions and proposals with our ministry leadership that finally led to where we are today. We appreciate both of you for all the work you did bringing this new clinic to life.”

In addition to traditional primary care available Monday through Friday, the clinic will provide X-ray and lab services along with dedicated space for walk-in acute care patients.

Clinic hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, with walk-in availability for established patients from 7:30-11:30 a.m. Monday-Friday. Phone number is 479.996-4111.

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