Jeffrey Brian Ward was born August 30th, 1978 in Fort Smith, Arkansas and left his earthly home in Little Rock, Arkansas on May 28th, 2026.
Jeff was a man who filled every room he entered- not only with his towering stature, but because of his larger-than-life personality. Tough around the edges and unapologetically himself, Jeff approached life with a spirit of adventure. Those who love him knew that behind his rugged exterior was a generous heart, fierce loyalty, and a deep love for family and friends. Life with Jeff was never dull. He loved deeply, never missing an opportunity to make people laugh. Jeff leaves behind countless stories, cherished memories and a legacy of living life to the fullest.
Jeff was a 1996 graduate of Waldron High School and went on to become a Certified Welder at Tulsa Welding School. After earning his degree, Jeff took a job in Kansas City, Missouri and later worked for Paul Mueller Company in Springfield fabricating tanks. He would go on to join their field operations and traveled the United States installing and repairing industrial tanks. He enjoyed the travel and work so much that he decided to join the NTL (National Transient Lodge) of the Boilermakers Union. The NTL allowed Jeff to travel the US working on power plants and when it dissolved, he joined the local 83 Boilermakers out of Kansas City, MO. Jeff was incredibly proud of this work and went on to use his welding talents in many other capacities and places. Formal achievements include a CWI- Welding Inspector License and his CDL.
Among other things, Jeff loved fishing & hunting, time outdoors, the open road on a motorcycle, and the freedom of not always knowing where an adventure might lead. Jeff had a love for music. As a teenager, he played bass for a christian rock band called “Prodigal” who cut a record with Ardent Records. He was known for cooking barbeque and loved sharing it with any & everyone. Using his Grandfather-in-law’s smoker, Jeff went on to start Hungry Hog BBQ in Waldron. From there, Jeff combined his welding talents and love for cooking to build custom smokers and cooked for family, friends, and the homeless.
Jeff would be so touched by the outpouring of love his family has experienced. Your love and support will never be forgotten. Jeff loved his Lord & Savior and we are thankful for the promise to be reunited with him again.
Jeff leaves behind two incredible sons, Matthew and Joseph, whom Jeff considered his greatest accomplishments in life. His wife, Laura and step-daughter Audrey of Little Rock. Parents Mark and Karen Ward of Parks, AR. His brother Willie Ward of Waldron, AR (nephews: Looper, Kaden, Reese, nieces: Emily & Ivori). His sister Kelli Jo Hall & husband John of Huntington, AR (nieces Riley & Piper). His brother Dillon Ward and wife Andrea of Waldron, AR (nieces: Addison & Lilah Mae, nephew: Brooks). Grandmothers Opal Mae Nelson (Parks, AR) and Marion Ward (Waldron, AR). Grandfather Charles Maxwell. His Mother-in-law Joann Black. Cousin and life-long friend, Travis May. The mother of his sons and life-long friend, Amy. As well as Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, family and friends. Jeff’s absence will be deeply felt by all who shared their life with him.
Jeff was preceded in death by his cousin & friend Jamie “Shiner” May, his Pappy Johnie Ray Ward, Papa Bill Rogers & Grandmother Juanita Ward. His Uncle Steve Ward, Aunt Bonnie May, Great Grandparents Looper & Helen Nelson, and Great Grandparents Maurice “Pete” & Lorene May.
Services include a public visitation at Heritage Memorial Chapel in Waldron, AR 72958) on Thursday, June 4th, 2026 from 4:00-7:00PM (CST) and a Celebration of Life service led by Konnor McKay & Travis May at Waldron Pentecostal Church of God (West HWY 80, Waldron, AR 72958) at 2:00. Interment will follow in the Cedar Creek Cemetery in Cedar Creek, Arkansas.
Classic cars, custom trucks, motorcycles and community spirit filled Mansfield on Friday evening as residents and visitors gathered for the Mansfield MADE and SONIC Car Show & Cruise, creating what many described as one of the most memorable nights the town has experienced in years.
Fifty eight vehicles were entered into this year’s Mansfield MADE and SONIC car, truck and motocycle show. (RNN photo / Joey Bolin)
Long before the official start time, excitement was already building. People began arriving as early as 2:30 p.m. to secure parking spots, browse vendors and prepare for an evening centered around hometown pride, fellowship and family fun. By the time the event officially got underway, the streets surrounding downtown Mansfield were packed with spectators, participants and visitors from across the region. Many attendees parked blocks away and walked into town to be part of the festivities.
Hosted through a partnership between Mansfield MADE — the Mansfield Alliance for Development and Economics — and the Mansfield SONIC Drive-In, the event transformed downtown into a vibrant gathering place reminiscent of a bygone era when Friday nights meant cruising town, parking with friends and spending the evening on Main Street.
From restored classics and muscle cars to lifted trucks, motorcycles and specialty vehicles, attendees had the opportunity to admire dozens of entries while visiting with owners and fellow automotive enthusiasts. The event also featured a large vendor area filled with food trucks, boutiques, community organizations and local businesses. Vendor lines remained steady throughout the evening as visitors enjoyed everything from barbecue and sweet treats to handmade goods and local merchandise.
Children could be seen smiling from ear to ear as they posed for photos beside their favorite vehicles, while parents and grandparents shared stories of car shows and cruises from years gone by. For many, the evening became more than just a car show — it became a chance to create the same memories previous generations experienced growing up in Mansfield.
The turnout exceeded expectations, with vehicles and spectators filling the downtown area and parking extending several blocks from the center of town. As darkness approached, the energy only continued to grow.
Remembering Donald Williams
One of the most emotional moments of the evening centered around the presentation of the Donald “Duck” Williams Award, sponsored by Duck’s Body Shop. Williams, a longtime community member and automotive enthusiast, was remembered through a special award presented by his daughter, Sheila Williams.
In a heartfelt social media post following the event, Sheila shared the deeply personal story behind the award.
“When we heard there was going to be a car show in Mansfield, we knew we wanted to be a part of it in some way, knowing Daddy would have been all about it,” she wrote.
After sponsoring the event, Sheila was contacted and asked if she would be willing to present an award in her father’s memory.
“Needless to say there was complete silence on the phone as I completely lost it,” she recalled. “When I regrouped myself, I said I would be so honored to do so.”
As part of the sponsorship, the family was invited to select a vehicle to receive the Donald Williams Award. Sheila’s husband, Mike, spent the evening looking over the entries before settling on one particular vehicle. When he showed Sheila his choice, another emotional moment unfolded.
The vehicle carried a “Plowboys” tag on the front — the same car club Williams had once belonged to.
“No doubt this was our winner,” Sheila said.
Later, while looking through photographs from the event, she discovered yet another meaningful connection. The selected vehicle had been parked just across the street from their booth all evening.
“My Daddy was there in spirit,” she wrote.
She also reflected on how special it was to see Mansfield hosting another major car show, noting that the last community car show had been held in 2019. Adding to the significance, one of the vehicles present Friday night had previously been admired by her father during that earlier event.
The tribute served as a powerful reminder that while the evening celebrated automobiles, it was ultimately about people, memories and community.
As the sun began to set, spectators lined both sides of the streets awaiting the evening cruise. Engines roared to life as participants made their way through town while hundreds of residents watched from sidewalks, parking lots and lawn chairs. Many longtime residents remarked that the scene felt like stepping back in time to Mansfield’s cruising days, when Friday nights brought the community together in much the same way.
The event also served as the grand opening celebration for Trendy’s BBQ, which quickly became one of the busiest stops of the evening. Long lines formed throughout the night as attendees stopped by to support the new business while enjoying food and fellowship.
Award Winners
• First Place Overall, sponsored by Trendy’s Roll Off — Jody Morgan with his 1970 Chevy Chevelle
• Second Place Overall, sponsored by Willsey’s Outlaw Dragstrip — Donnie and Tawana Williams with their 1968 Oldsmobile 442
• Third Place Overall, sponsored by Krigbaum Farms — T.J. Pacey with his 1977 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
• People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Resident News Network — Colter Hunsucker with his 1962 Chevy Nova
• Participant’s Choice Award, sponsored by the Cottrell Family — Lee Miller with his 1969 Chevy C-10
• Car Award sponsored by Mansfield SONIC — Dennis Cole with his 1967 Chevy Chevelle SS
• Donald “Duck” Williams Award, sponsored by Duck’s Body Shop — Dennis Cole with his 1967 Chevy Chevelle SS
• SONIC Award, sponsored by Jason Daggs for Scott County Sheriff — Gary Martin with his 1956 CJ-5 Willys Jeep
• Truck Award, sponsored by Trendy’s BBQ — Robin Spears with his 1986 Chevy C-10
• Jeep Award, sponsored by Chiquitita Garden, Goats & Co. — Kim Shepherd with her 2005 Jeep Wrangler
• Themed Vehicle Award, sponsored by The Micro Dairy — Nikki Thomas with her 2014 Jeep Wrangler
• Sweetest Ride Award, sponsored by District 5 by Anderton — Graeson Bowen with his 1970 Chevrolet Blazer
• Veteran’s Award, sponsored by Scott County Judge Brian Jones — Tracy Hooper with his 1957 Chevy 3100
• Corvette Award, sponsored by West Fraser — Ronnie Silvey
• Rat Rod Award, sponsored by Scott County Sheriff Randy Shores — Kim and Eddy Goines with their 1932 Ford Roadster
• Muscle Car Award, sponsored by Bill White Ford — Roger Taylor with his 1967 Pontiac Firebird
• Mayor’s Choice Award, sponsored by Burns Mini Storage — Danny Heydenreich with his 1951 Chevy Pickup
• Best Paint Award, sponsored by 2Winns — Bill Stamps with his 1939 Chevy Master Deluxe
• Mansfield MADE Choice Award, sponsored by Sheri Thompson for Scott County Assessor — Carla Silvey with her 1953 Pickup
• Best Interior Award, sponsored by Kinsey’s Cutting Edge Lawn Care — Vernon Driver with his 1969 Chevy Chevelle
• Camaro Award and Kid’s Choice Award, sponsored by Boyd Farmer for Mayor and John Eigsti for Scott County Judge — Marty Wilson with his 1971 Chevy Camaro
• Motorcycle Award, presented in memory of Jerome Dixon — Emmitt Athey
• Most Unique Award, sponsored by Willsey’s Chicken Creek Village — Marcus Willsey with his 2005 Chevy SSR
• Most Traveled Award, sponsored by Quick Time Automotive — Leo Mendoza with his 1970 Chevy Chevelle
• Oldest Vehicle Award, sponsored by Thumper’s Automotive — Dwight and Jeanette Taylor with their 1929 Chevrolet Four-Door Sedan
• Low Rider Award, sponsored by Christ Church of Mansfield — Eddy and Kim Goines with their 1968 Chevy C-10
Participants also selected Trendy’s BBQ as the Vendor’s Choice Award winner, recognizing the business for its outstanding presence during the event and helping celebrate its grand opening.
In addition, Nikolle Dixon and Travis Pettus were selected by event participants as Ms. Mansfield and Mr. Mansfield.
Throughout the evening, organizers emphasized that one of the primary goals of Mansfield MADE is to create opportunities that bring people together while supporting local businesses and encouraging economic growth.
“This is exactly what Mansfield MADE hopes to continue building,” organizers said. “Seeing families together, local businesses involved and people supporting one another makes all the hard work worth it.”
The success of the event was made possible through the support of sponsors, volunteers, vehicle owners, vendors and community members who attended.
As the final vehicles completed the cruise and conversations continued well into the night, one thing became clear: Mansfield had experienced something special. For a few hours, the town felt alive in a way many residents had not seen in years — filled with laughter, friendship, memories and a renewed sense of community.
The awards reflected not only the quality of the vehicles on display but also the stories behind them. From the heartfelt presentation of the Donald “Duck” Williams Award to the community-voted honors and vehicle competitions, the evening celebrated the people, memories and traditions that continue to make Mansfield a special place to call home.
Following the overwhelming turnout and positive response, organizers say they hope the Mansfield MADE and SONIC Car Show & Cruise will continue to grow and become a lasting annual tradition for generations to come.
To access all the photos taken by RNN’s Joey Bolin with Joey Bolin Photography <click here>. You can also purchase print rights through him!
On May 26, the Arkansas legislature looked a little younger. And a lot more female.
Earlier this year, legislators became aware that up to 150 young women from Arkansas high schools were blocked from participation in the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State, due to a deadline for schools that fell on spring break. Many schools missed this initial deadline, though the application deadline for the students was still weeks away. The Auxiliary refused to offer any extensions, breaking from their normal protocol of extending the deadline every year.
In response, lawmakers, led by Senator Breanne Davis and Representative DeAnn Vaught, launched the Arkansas Civic Leadership Institute (ACLI), a hands-on opportunity for these rising high school seniors to engage in the legislative process and hear directly from state leaders.
The Institute took place on Tuesday, May 26, while the regular Boys and Girls State sessions occurred later in the week, which will be covered in future columns.
ACLI participants spent the morning hearing from state leaders, including Secretary of State Cole Jester, Arkansas Supreme Court Justice Rhonda K. Wood, and staff members from the Governor’s and Attorney General’s offices. Participants then worked in committee meetings to prepare bills. In the Senate, the new senators spent the afternoon debating and voting on bills in a mock legislative session.
Some of the bills they examined included prohibiting some processed food purchases through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), increasing Saturday hours during early voting periods, and expunging misdemeanors from juvenile criminal records, as well as a bill that would allow private school students to compete in athletics at a public school if their school does not offer it on a varsity level.
Senators Alan Clark, Breanne Davis, Tyler Dees, Kim Hammer, Jamie Scott, Dan Sullivan, and Clarke Tucker were all on hand to offer guidance during the process.
ACLI participants ended the day in a question-and-answer session with the senators and a closing ceremony in the Capitol rotunda. The senators emphasized respect between people, regardless of their political parties, and learning to disagree while still engaging and listening to those with a different perspective.
“Senator Hammer and I, for example, sometimes fight like cats and dogs over particular bills, but at the end of the day, we are friends, and I have tremendous respect for this man,” Senator Tucker said. “While we have different opinions, we all want what is best for Arkansas, and we can work together to move our state forward.”
Senator Jamie Scott, the youngest Black female ever elected to the state Senate, and Senator Breanne Davis, who is the first female President Pro Tempore designee in Arkansas history, both spoke to ACLI participants about the importance of community service, however that looks in their lives.
It is always inspiring to see our youth participating in civic programs. It was a privilege to meet and work with these young women. The Arkansas Civic Leadership Institute was a success, and our future is bright knowing these young women are ready to lead and serve.
Honey, a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, in three days makes you feel like you’ve been to Florida and back in a day. Whew! What a whirlwind, but we sure had a great time. I loved getting to see my great-nieces and their mom.
Let me tell ya, the traffic is crazy. We would have rain so hard you couldn’t see the road, then it would let up. It was an eventful drive.
When we left, me and Ella, my granddaughter, took a selfie and I posted it on Facebook. My nephew had to comment and say that I was grinning like a fox eating yellow jackets—and I was!
On the way there, the smart GPS in the car had us take a detour because of a wreck up ahead. When I say we heard banjos, I am not lying. We were on this dirt road and who knows where we were. It was muddy, full of potholes, and a big mess. We finally got back to the pavement, but it was scary for sure.
Then we were eating our continental breakfast in the hotel, and there was Larry Wagoner’s phone laying on the table. I guess he was going to walk off and leave it. Y’all know the trouble we have with him keeping up with his phone. Of course, we all laughed about that.
Then we were at a Love’s and there was a vehicle in front of us with something wrapped in a tarp and strapped on top. If you’ve seen the movie “Vacation” with Chevy Chase, you know what we thought. I said, “It’s Aunt Edna for sure.” I sure hope not, but when you’re on a road trip you’ll see all kinds of stuff, and somebody could disguise a body real easy!
It was a fast but fun trip. We had all kinds of laughs, and we ate way too much. We had so many snacks in that car a show dog couldn’t jump over them.
In fact, I’ve gained so much weight and I’m so fat I could sell shade.
Not kidding at all.
Y’all have a great week and hug your loved ones.
This is a recipe from my mom’s double cousin, Polly, but we called her Aunt Polly. Everyone loved her.
ARKANSAS YUM YUM CAKE
Cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 eggs
1 large can crushed pineapple
Dash of salt
Mix well and bake in a preheated 400-degree oven for 30–35 minutes. This cake will be dark.
Frosting:
1 cup sugar
1 stick margarine or butter
¾ cup evaporated milk
1 cup coconut
In a large skillet, melt the butter. Add the sugar, evaporated milk, and coconut. Bring to a boil. Remove from the heat and let cool until it thickens a little. Frost the cooled cake.
The historic 2026 season came to an end Friday night after an 11-0 shutout loss to UCLA. Arkansas had to put their emotions in check coming off a heartbreaking loss the night before to Nebraska, 5-3, in a 10-inning extra-inning game on a two-run walk-off home run by Ava Kuszak.
That set up an elimination game against No. 8 UCLA on Friday night. The Bruins came out swinging in the second inning, scoring nine runs and hitting three of their four home runs, ending in an 11-0 victory that ended after five innings via the run rule. Starter Payton Burnham was chased when Soo-Jin Berry hit a three-run homer, and the offense never got going for Arkansas. Freshman Saylor Timmerman entered the game but had a quick outing, giving up a three-run home run, extending the lead to 7-0 before Robyn Herron came in to try and slow down the UCLA offense but gave up a two-run double by Kaniya Bragg, making it a 9-0 Bruin lead. The Razorbacks’ closest shot to get things going came in the bottom of the second when they had the bases loaded with two outs, but Kennedy Miller popped out to the shortstop, ending the scoring threat. Arkansas was only able to get two more hits the rest of the game. UCLA rounded out their scoring on a wild pitch in the top of the third, and Jolyna Lamar put the cherry on top with a solo shot in the top of the fifth. Brinli Bain recorded the last out in the fifth inning with a pop out to short, giving UCLA the largest shutout victory in WCWS history.
It marked the first time Arkansas had dropped two consecutive games all season — the only other time it happened was when they were swept by No. 1 Oklahoma in March 2025.
Arkansas says goodbye to seniors, including First-Team All-American pitcher Robyn Herron, who was drafted by the Professional Softball League’s Florida Vibe, meaning the program enters a new era on the mound next season. The Razorbacks will also be without Karlie Davison, Tianna Bell, Dakota Kennedy, Reagan Johnson, and Kylie Wyckoff. Atalyia Rijo could possibly come back, but nothing has been said about her future at Arkansas.
A program-first WCWS appearance, 47 wins, and a generation of fans now invested in Razorback softball — the 2026 season was a landmark year. This was the most accomplished season in Arkansas softball history, even if it ended on a tough note. The Razorbacks finished 47-13, the second-most wins in program history, trailing only the 48-win 2022 season. Sophomore Ella McDowell said after the game that this is the new standard and making it to OKC should be expected for years to come.
By Rebekah Hall University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
For parents looking to help their teenager secure a summer job, an extension financial expert has tips for choosing the right kind of job, smart ways to search and tips for saving money wisely.
Laura Hendrix, extension professor of personal finance and consumer economics for the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, said parents should start by considering their child’s age, interests and the hours they would be available to work.
“Does your child like to be outdoors and need a flexible work schedule? Mowing lawns for the neighbors might be a perfect fit,” Hendrix said. “Is she a pizza fanatic? Maybe a local pizza place is hiring. If your child is an animal lover, perhaps he could pet sit for families on vacation. If they’re a musician, they could give lessons. Food service, retail businesses, summer camps and parks hire young people for a variety of tasks.”
It’s important for parents to keep in mind the laws regarding child labor in Arkansas. According to the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing, as of Aug. 1, 2023, child work permits — other than entertainment work permits — are no longer required in the state. But in most cases, a child must be at least 14 years old to be employed.
For more information about limitations on hours and types of work for youth, visit the Child Labor page on the Department of Labor and Licensing website.
Job search skills
Hendrix said it’s important for young people to be neat with their appearance when job hunting, even if just stopping in to an establishment to pick up a job application.
“Use clear, legible handwriting when completing job applications, and be sure to check your spelling and use accurate information,” Hendrix said. “Ask people before listing them as references.”
It can be helpful to tell family friends and other acquaintances that you are looking for a job or post it on your social media pages, Hendrix said.
“Organizations in some towns have youth employment programs, so check with local nonprofits and other programs,” Hendrix said.
Make a spending plan
“This is the perfect opportunity to discuss money management,” Hendrix said. “Guide your child in setting financial goals for the income they will earn.”
Hendrix said the basic guideline is spend, save, share: Spend no more than 80 percent of your income, set aside 10 percent for charitable giving or gifts, and save at least 10 percent.
“Always remember that it’s okay to save more,” Hendrix said. “In fact, saving may be the biggest budget category. Often, teens are saving for a big-ticket item like college or a car. Help them think about and prioritize the things they want to spend money on this summer.”
Consider volunteering
“If your child doesn’t need the income or if she can’t find the job she wants, volunteering is another option,” Hendrix said. “It can be a great way to learn about a career field.”
Similar to deciding what job to apply for, Hendrix recommended brainstorming with your child to determine what field of volunteering would be most interesting to them.
“If she’s interested in the medical field, there are often opportunities to volunteer at a hospital,” Hendrix said. “Interested in working with animals? Volunteer at a zoo or local animal shelter.”
For more help with money management, including talking to kids about money, visit the extension Personal Finance page on the Cooperative Extension Service website.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas 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 22 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
