Archive - May 2011
May 13th
A. David Minnis, age 66, of Mabelvale passed away Tuesday, May 10, 2011. He was born Feb. 26, 1945, in Chillicothe, Mo. At 37, David moved to Mabelvale. He was an avid golfer who loved listening to and playing country music, clock repair and lots of inside and outside activities. He was a very dedicated Union Man who loved his family and a large host of friends.
Wanda Lynn Williams, age 70, of Alexander, AR died Wednesday, May 11, at Ridgewood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Benton. She was born February 24, 1941, at Banks, a daughter of the late Perry Williams and Vivian Corinne O’Neal Williams.
Oral J. Dortch, 85, of Hensley, passed away May 11, 2011. He was born on February 20, 1926, in Poyen to the late Marvin and Ellie Mae Dortch. Oral worked for Reynolds Mining Company for over 34 years. He was an Army Veteran having served in 1st Signal Troop, 1st Calvery Division.
He was preceded in death by his son, Lloyd Rae Dortch.
Mr. Earl James, age 101, of Benton went to be with his Heavenly Father and family members already there on Wednesday, May 11, 2011. He was born January 28, 1910, in Saline County. He was a lifelong member of Gravel Hill Baptist Church and a lifelong resident of Saline County.
For Bryant head coach Kirk Bock, the Hornets have lived up to the title of defending state champions.
“They’ve done everything were asked them to and more,” he said. “They’ve battled hard all year.”
And after winning the 7A Central again, this weekend Bryant (21-6, 10-4) heads into the 7A State Tournament in Fort Smith as a No. 1 seed, looking to repeat last year’s championship run.
With a first-round bye, at noon Saturday the Hornets will face the winner of Friday’s game between Springdale Har-Ber and Cabot.
It has been a dream for Brad Matthews to coach at one of the highest levels in high school basketball. Wednesday night, that dream came true as Matthews was hired as the new head coach for the Bryant Lady Hornets.
“I’m excited,” Matthews said. “It is a tough conference, and it is going to be a great challenge. It is something I’m looking forward to doing.
“Bryant has a great girls basketball program.”
May 12th
Philip Ernest Davis, affectionately known as “Uncle Phil,”died on Tuesday, May 10, 2011. He was born Dec. 4 1941, in Bauxite as one of six children. Phil attended Henderson State University in Arkadelphia.
Newly appointed athletic director Mike Lee introduced himself to a group of coaches, staff, fans and media Wednesday afternoon.
“I want to be seen as a servant,” Lee said. “I want to facilitate their efforts and ensure the culture of Bryant continues to grow.
“I don’t want to walk around as boss, I am here to help.”
Lee was named the athletic director May 4 during an executive session of a school board personnel hearing. The position comes with a $65,179.20 12-month salary.
May 11th
aven’s open gates of pearl into the wide open arms of his Savior he had served for many years on May 9, 2011.
Greeting him also was his precious wife, Martha; parents, Emory and Maggie Lacy; brothers, Marion and Bill Lacy; sister, Alta Louis Outler.
“Randy” loved his God, his church and family. He retired from Alcoa as a machinist. As a member of Holland Chapel Baptist Church for 33 years, he served as a deacon and proudly worked with the carpenter crew, a group of retired men that performed maintenance at the church.
Ryan Andrew Hawkins, infant, of Bryant, passed away May 5, 2011. He was born May 5, 2011, at Little Rock to Seth and Angel Hawkins.
Survivors include parents, Seth and Angel Hawkins of Bryant; sister, Abygail Hawkins of Bryant; grandparents, Courtney and Karen Hawkins of Benton; and James and Melinda Brown of Traskwood.
Graveside service is by Ashby Funeral Home and will be at 2 p.m. Friday at New Hope Cemetery in Bryant.
