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Kenneth Ray Sullins
Kenneth Ray Sullins, 82, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, at Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton, Arkansas surrounded by his loving family.
Ken was born on July 5, 1943, in Lepanto, Arkansas, to Gene and Bessie Sullins. He was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Lillie and Houston Steakley, who played an important role in shaping the man he became.
At a young age, Ken joined the United States Air Force while in high school and proudly served his country for four years. Following his military service, he spent most of his life working in the automotive industry, doing what he loved. During the 1980s, he owned and operated a body shop in Chunky, Mississippi.
Ken loved working on cars and could often be found with a project in the garage. He also enjoyed hunting and fishing, was a devoted fan of John Wayne movies, and loved listening to Marty Robbins. These simple pleasures brought him joy throughout his life.
Ken is survived by his daughter, Terrie Ann Sewell and husband, Jory Sewell; grandson, Gunner Ellis Sewell; granddaughter, Chelsi Rae Lee and husband, Trey Lee; and great-grandchildren, Gage and Gentry. He is also survived by his son, Kenneth Ray Sullins and wife, Amy Sullins; grandchildren, Emilee Abbigale Sullins and Houston Cole Sullins. He is further survived by his son, John David Bendel and wife, Deidra Bendel; and grandchildren, Dinah Carpenter and Leah Bendel. Other grandchildren including; Holly Sullins, Mary Whitney, Kelby Sullins Ken is also survived by his sister, Judy Franks; his brother, Louis Sullins and wife, Patricia “Aunt Pat” Sullins; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia Lee Sullins; his parents, Gene and Bessie Sullins; his grandparents, Lillie and Houston Steakley; and his brother-in-law, Jimmy (Bo) Franks.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the nurses and doctors at Saline Memorial Hospital, as well as the caregivers at Gentiva Hospice, for their compassionate care, patience, kindness, and support they provided Ken and our family during his final days.
A celebration of Ken’s life will be held at a later date, with details to be announced by the family.Though gone from our sight, his memory will live on in all whose lives he touched.
James Donald Gaither
James Donald Gaither, 79, passed away peacefully at Hospice Home Care on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
James was born in Morrilton, Arkansas on December 18, 1946, to R.L. Gaither and Geneva “Judy” Mitchell Gaither. He graduated from Benton High School and later attended Ouachita Baptist University where he met Rebecca Jo Chandler, to whom he would be married for 52 years.
Upon graduation from OBU, James served in the United States Army and spent three years stationed in Colorado Springs. After leaving the Army, James began a job licensing billboards at the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department. A hard worker, consistent, and loyal, he completed his 30-year career with AHTD as the head of the Right-of-Way Division when he retired in 2004. Always good with his hands, a craftsman, and all-around “Mr. Fix-It,” James spent his post-retirement years as an avid volunteer for Habitat for Humanity of Saline County, where he enjoyed camaraderie and fellowship with fellow volunteers while building safe and affordable housing for local families.
James and Becky made their home in the Salem area of Benton, where they were members of First Baptist Church, and James served as a deacon for many years. There, they raised a daughter and twin sons– Marsha, Michael, and Mitchell. Those three children gave James and Becky six grandchildren who lovingly referred to James as “Peeps.” He was his grandchildren’s biggest fan, driving many miles and hours to attend countless baseball, softball, basketball, soccer, and volleyball games, cross country and track meets, and vocal performances. He was a consistent presence in whatever venue his grandchildren were performing, and they could always count on encouraging words from Peeps for themselves and their teammates, as well as the occasional admonishment for a wayward referee or inattentive scorekeeper.
James is preceded in death by his parents, R.L. and Judy Gaither, and his beloved wife, Rebecca Jo Chandler Gaither. He is survived by his children, Marsha Gaither Saul (William), of DeValls Bluff; Mitchell (Paige) and Michael (Jill), both of Benton; six grandchildren, Chander (22) and Lane (18) Saul, Jillian (18) and Caroline (15) Gaither, and Ross (13) and Reid (10) Gaither; his siblings, Raymond “Lucky” Gaither (Pat), of Oregon; Susie Cox (Robert), of Benton; Bill Gaither (Terri), of Bella Vista; and Roger Gaither (Linda), of Mt. Ida; as well as countless other friends, family, and colleagues who were fortunate to know James.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 1, from 1:30-3:00 in Selph Hall at First Baptist Church of Benton, with a service to follow at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation to Habitat for Humanity of Saline County
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Dow Simerley
Dow Simerley will be lovingly remembered by his family, friends, church and community for a life marked by service, devotion, curiosity, and love for trains.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Hazel Simerley, and his brother, Charles
Simerley.
Dow is survived by his wife, Jenell Simerley; his son, Richard Simerley; his daughter, Barbara Van Horn; his stepdaughter, Angelia Zyung; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren and his brother,Terry Simerley.
Dow graduated from Jacksonville High School and had a lifelong love of trains, a passion rooted deeply in his family. His father and brother Chuck both had lifelong careers with the Missouri Pacific Railroad, and Dow himself worked for the Rock Island and Santa Fe Railroads. He never stopped loving the experience of riding trains, especially steam engines, and often shared that joy with his grandchildren and friends.
He was also a dedicated ham radio enthusiast, an interest he shared with his daughter and encouraged in her from a young age. Later in life, Dow discovered a love for the printing profession, especially the physical, hands-on interaction with the press itself – an experience he treasured and felt could not be found in modern printing processes.
Dow lived a life of service in his church and community. He served as captain of the PulaskiCounty Volunteer Fire Department. worked as a storm spotter, coached Little League, and supported young musicians as a devoted band parent.
Those who knew Dow will remember his generous spirit, his steady commitment to helping others, and the many ways he shared his interests, time, and talents with the people he Loved. His Legacy lives on in the family he cherished, the community he served, and the memories made along the rails he so dearly loved.
Funeral service will be held at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, July 2, 2026 in the chapel of Roller-Alcoa Funeral Home with Tommy Parsons officiating.
A visitation will be one hour prior to service. Interment will follow in Pinecrest Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105
David Ray “Boonie” Wilson
David Ray “Boonie” Wilson, age 64, of Little Rock, Arkansas, died peacefully on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at St. Vincent’s Hospice Services in Little Rock. Boonie was born on September 21, 1961, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Boonie spent his life rooted in the community where he grew up in Little Rock.
Boonie retired from the Arkansas State Highway Department after 26 years of dedicated service, where he received numerous awards for his skill and excellence as a Heavy Equipment Operator. Known for his strong work ethic, he approached every task with determination and a willingness to take on any challenge. His candid sense of humor, love of storytelling, and fun‑loving spirit made him someone people naturally gravitated toward.
Boonie was the kind of man who never met a stranger. If he saw someone broke down on the side of the road or in need of help, he was quick to stop and lend a hand. Boonie was true and honest to his word. Those who knew him will forever remember his fearlessness and his trademark phrase: “One monkey don’t stop no show.”
Boonie is survived by his mother Leora Jean Wilson, children; Dustin Wilson and Brooke Long; one brother, Thomas Willson, and one sister, Glennia Crivello; and three grandchildren; Dustin Wilson, Jr., Chloe Clark, and McKenzie Wilson and a host of extended family and friends who will miss him.
Boonie is preceded in death by his father Billy Ray Wilson, maternal grandparents Leo and Georgia Baugh, and paternal grandmother, Jeanie Coundrey.
Graveside services will be held at Redfield Cemetery in Redfield, Arkansas, on Tuesday, June 30th, at 11am. with Brother George Yarberry officiating.
The Lord Is My Shepherd
A Psalm of David.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.”
May the comfort of the Shepherd surround all who loved Boonie. May His guidance steady your steps, His presence calm every valley, and His goodness and mercy follow you in the days ahead. May you find rest in the assurance that Boonie now dwells in the house of the Lord forever.
Deborah Lynn Payte
Deborah Lynn Payte, 73, of Benton, Arkansas, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on June 25, 2026.
Born on September 25, 1952, in Smith Center, Kansas, Deborah was the daughter of the late James and Delma Gold. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and faithful follower of Christ. Deborah shared more than 25 years of ministry with her beloved husband, Reggie Payte, faithfully serving the Lord and others through their Christian witness.
A dedicated member of Victory Baptist Church in Benton, Deborah’s faith was the foundation of her life. She found great joy in her family and treasured every opportunity to spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Reggie Payte; her parents, James and Delma Gold; granddaughter, Lauren Payte; and great granddaughter, Evangellene Rose Payte.
She is survived by her children, Jenceson (Donna) Payte of Benton, Arkansas, Jim (Melinda) Payte of Highland, Indiana, and Reuben (Misty) Payte of Haskell, Arkansas; grandchildren, Paige (David) Williams, Connor (Grace) Payte, Megan (Tim) Starbuck, Logan (Kate) Payte, Titus (Selah) Payte, Lyndsey (Josh) Higginbotham, Mia Payte, Makenzie Payte, Lochlan Payte, and Isaac Payte; great grandchildren, Roman Starbuck, Deacon Williams, Veronica Starbuck, Raylynn Williams, Reggie Payte, and Finneas Starbuck; sister, Nancy (Gene) Porter of Glenwood, Arkansas; niece, Joy (Tyler) Cooper of Ward, Arkansas; great nephew, Cooper of Ward, Arkansas; and niece, Amy Porter of Hot Springs, Arkansas; along with numerous other family members and friends.
Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Dial & Dudley Funeral Home, with funeral services following at 12:00 noon. A private graveside service will be held at the family cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Connor Payte, Logan Payte, Titus Payte, Lochlan Payte, Tim Starbuck, David Williams, and Josh Higginbotham. Honorary pallbearers will be Isaac Payte and Gene Porter.
Deborah’s legacy of faith, love, and service will be cherished by all who knew her. Her steadfast devotion to God, her family, and her ministry leaves a lasting testimony that will continue to inspire generations to come.
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