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Kevin Merrell Land
Kevin Merrell Land, age 58, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. He was born on December 13, 1967, in Benton, Arkansas.
Kevin was a gifted master electrician who dedicated many years to his trade. Throughout his career he worked for several electrical companies, but he was especially proud of his time with Eagle Electric in Benton, where he built lasting friendships and earned the respect of those who worked alongside him. He was known for his strong work ethic, skilled craftsmanship, and willingness to help others.
Outside of work, Kevin found his greatest joy in the outdoors. An avid hunter and fisherman, he cherished the time he spent in the woods and on the water. As a member of the White Oak Springs Hunting Club, he enjoyed the fellowship of friends who shared his love for nature. Above all, Kevin was a faithful and devoted husband who deeply loved his wife, Jonell. Their love and commitment to one another remained evident throughout their years together, and he treasured every moment they shared.
Kevin’s faith was the foundation of his life. He attended First Pentecostal Church in Bryant, where he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior and was baptized. He loved the Lord with all his heart, and his unwavering faith guided the way he lived, loved, and cared for those around him.
Kevin was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jonell Land; his parents, Dusky Merrell Land and Lois Broadway; and his grandparents, W.O. and Lenore Land, and James and Jeannie Broadway.
He is lovingly survived by his brother, Cameron Lance Land (Jamie); his sisters, Amanda Kay Mitchell (Mike) and Tanya Lloyd; his sisters-in-law, Amy Davis (Cary), Laura Lynch, and Lisa Cary; his nieces and nephews, Ashlyn Davis, Bayleigh Vega, Audra Curry, Christopher Curry, Bailey Mitchell, Ben Mitchell, Brad Mitchell, and Madison Mitchell; his aunt and uncles, Gara Marie Land, Larry Land, Peggy Hodge, Donna Broadway, Nancy Broadway, and John Broadway; his cousins, Katie Land, Drayton Land, and Leah Parker; and his faithful canine companions, Leroy and Bobo, who brought him great comfort and companionship.
Kevin will be remembered for his kind heart, quiet strength, unwavering dedication to his family and friends, and his love for the outdoors. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched, the work of his hands, and the memories he created with those who knew and loved him.
A graveside service celebrating Kevin’s life will be held at a later date at Honeycutt Cemetery on the Land Farm, 3798 Moss Road, Benton, AR 72019. The date and time of the service will be announced once arrangements have been finalized.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the Humane Society of Saline County in Kevin’s memory. https://www.hssaline.org/donate
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Piercy Heard, Jr.
Piercy Heard, Jr., age 76, of Benton, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026, at Baptist Health Medical Center. He was born September 11, 1949, in Benton, Arkansas, to the late Piercy Heard, Sr. and Susie Heard.
Piercy proudly served his country in the United States Army, carrying with him a spirit of dedication and honor throughout his life. Following his military service, he spent many years working as a welder for Alcoa, where he built a career through hard work and determination before retiring.
Above all else, Piercy was devoted to his family. He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend whose greatest joy came from being surrounded by those he loved. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, shooting pool, and listening to down-home blues music.
Piercy was known for his larger-than-life personality and unforgettable sense of humor. Many would say he should have carried the nickname “Dolomites” because of the way he could light up a room with laughter. He loved to talk a little jive, tease those he cared about, and keep everyone on their toes. Yet beneath the joking and storytelling was a man full of wisdom, often sharing clever sayings and bits of advice that his family still laughs about and treasures today.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Tommy Ray Heard and Essie Heard; and his beloved great-granddaughter, Bella Brothers.
Left to cherish his memory are his daughters, Tisha Heard-Turrell and husband, Patrick, and Crystal Heard-Penney. He was a proud grandfather to Tiara Richardson, Brianna Penney, Brian “BJ” Penney, Ronan Richardson and wife, Skylar, and Braylan Penney, Sr. His great-grandchildren, Benjamin Brothers, Maxwell Brothers, Rayjon Richardson, Braylon Penney, Jr., and Amarria Brothers, brought tremendous joy to his life and held a special place in his heart.
Piercy also leaves behind his sisters, Ruthie Ann Sims, Amel Ponial and husband, James, Rosie Cooper and husband, Don, and Joe Ann Clegg and husband, John, Sr. He is survived by his special friend and caregiver, Linda Anderson, and by Christine Heard, the mother of his children. He valued the love, support, and companionship they shared through the years.
Those who knew Piercy will remember his warm smile, his quick wit, and the way he made people feel welcome. Whether he was telling stories, sharing one of his famous sayings, listening to the blues, or simply enjoying the company of family and friends, he left a lasting impression on everyone he met.
Visitation will be held Thursday, July 9, 2026, from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. at Smith Family Funeral Home in Benton, 322 N. Market Street, Benton, Arkansas. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m., with burial to follow at 1:00 p.m. at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.
Though his family mourns his passing, they find comfort in the many memories they shared with him and in the legacy of love, laughter, service, and devotion he leaves behind. Piercy will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
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