Archive - Apr 2012
April 25th
After 33-years of service, Bryant Fire Chief Randy Cox cites health concerns as the main reason he plans to retire on May 25.
"With injuries that I received while on the job in 2009, several surgeries, as well as the everyday struggles and constant pain, I can no longer meet the requirements of my job," he said in a memo to Bryant city officials.
BENTON – Benton Panthers senior track & field athlete and school record-holder Zach Riley signed a letter of intent to run at the University of Central Arkansas (Conway) on Tuesday afternoon in front of students, friends and family at Benton Arena.
“It’s a big day for me,” Riley said. “I’m glad that I made it this far. It’s a big step in life.”
By
Special to the Courier
BENTON – The Bryant Jr. Hornets capped off a stellar track season with a conference championship Saturday at the Central Arkansas Junior High Conference Track Championships in Benton.  The Jr. Hornets led the way with a total of 148 points, followed by Lake Hamilton (108), North Little Rock (98), Cabot South (90), Conway White (68), Conway Blue (63), Cabot North (41), and Benton (8). Â
Bertha Estella “Doodle” Gartrell, 91, of Mabelvale, went to be with the Lord on Monday, April 23. She was born August 6, 1920 in Pulaski County. She had worked as a butcher at the Southside Meat Market. She was a member of the Vimy Ridge Immanuel Baptist Church and was a Sunday School teacher. 
She was preceded in death by her husband, Willie J. Gartrell; three sisters and two brothers.
April 24th
Odalene “Odie” Grissom Morrison, 86, of Benton, passed away April 22. She was born on June 16, 1925 in Bauxite, to Wade and Vuda Grissom. She was of the Baptist faith and loved God, living her life to please God. In her younger days, she was very active in her children’s school activities and in her church, teaching Sunday school for many years in California. When she returned to Arkansas in 1990, she joined the Saline County Democratic Women and traveled across the country to several National Conventions including a trip to Washington DC where she visited the White House and sat in Presi
April 23rd
Autrey (A.L.) Hightower," The Honey Man" 84, of Malvern died April 21. He was born in Malvern, the son of O.A and Annie (Albey) Hightower. He served in U.S Army in WWII, and then help form the National Guard in HSC., was a machinist for Reynolds Metal. Autrey and his wife founded Autrey's Honey Farm known worldwide, in 1957. Autrey help found and was first president of the HSC Bee Keepers Association, was a well known beekeeper, and was always giving away his honey bears to waitresses, doctors, nurses, lawyers and strangers.
Heavenly Angels escorted Mrs. Christine Emma Cifaldi home on March 29, at the age of 90.
Christine was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She was a member of Benton First Assembly of God. She raised 7 children, 22 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years Vito and her son Thomas D. Cifaldi.
Bruce Edward Bean, 48, of Paron, passed away Friday, April 20. He was born December 16, 1963 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Mr. Bean worked for Bean Construction Company and was a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.Â
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ed and Anna Bean and Jess and Nettie Walker.
He is survived by his wife, Gina Bean; four daughters, Jessica, Elizabeth, Kimberly and Kurstin Bean; parents, Glen and Lynda Bean; brother, Danny Bean; sister, Donna Baros; six grandchildren; two nephews; three nieces, one great-nephew and three great-nieces.
Karla Marie Owen Chambers, 60, of Little Rock, passed away Thursday, April 19. She was born June 28, 1951 in Benton. Karla was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Ardeth Ridling; brother, Joseph Ridling; mother-in-law, Louise Chambers and her niece, Hannah Ridling.
Marsha L. Morrow, 59, of Little Rock, passed away Friday, April 20. She was born December 31, 1952 in Little Rock.Â
Mrs. Morrow was preceded in death by two sons, Thomas Michael Morrow and David McKinnley Morrow.
She is survived by her husband, Tom Morrow of Little Rock; son, Mark Edward Morrow of Benton; parents, George and Glenna Johnson; two precious sisters, Brenda Clay of Scotland and Darlene Lackey of North Little Rock and seven grandchildren.
Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 24 at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Pine Crest Memorial Park.Â
