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Jack “Sunny Jack” Porter, Jr.

Jack “Sunny Jack” Porter, Jr. of Alexander passed over on July 28, 2026. He was 86 years of age. Jack was born on June 19, 1940 at Pine Bluff, AR and graduated from El Dorado (AR) High School in 1958. He played left end for the Wildcats football team and made the All-State team.

He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter in law Laura Meador Porter and a great-grandson, Randall Smith.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years and high school sweetheart, Rachel Arlene Phillips Porter, son Steve Porter, daughter Rhonda Corrigan (Doyce), numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and a host of dear friends. 

Jack was a structural steel and steel platework detailer, working in Arkansas and Louisiana for 27 years, then was a self-employed detailing contractor for 32 years.

Jack was a resident of Saline County for 55 years, since 1971.

Jack was a meek and humble man who firmly believed in Jesus Christ as his redeemer and lived his faith daily. He was a member of the Salem Road Church of Christ.

Though suffering from several health conditions, Jack retained his sense of humor. 

The family thanks the compassionate care that Elite Hospice provided during Jack’s transition, especially Taylor, Claire, Stacey, Jordan, Abbie, Jennifer, Donna, Christie and Julie.

No funeral nor memorial service will be held.

 

Ted H. F. Rupe Jr

Ted H. F. Rupe Jr. age 76, of Alexander passed away at his home on Sunday, July 26, 2026. He was born on March 4, 1950 in Hillsboro, Illinois to Ted H. F. Rupe Sr. and Carol Joy (Conway) Rupe. Ted graduated from Sheridan High School in 1969 and later that same year, met the love of his life, Virginia Ann McCollum.  Ted and Virginia were married on May 29, 1971, devoting 55 wonderful years together.

For over 30 years, Ted was a contractor and builder, proudly constructing homes across Central Arkansas, to which he enjoyed sharing with his family. Ted found joy in hunting, fishing, traveling, motorcycle riding, and spending time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted H. F. Rupe Sr. and Carol Joy (Conway) Rupe; grandparents, Russell and Bessie (Tarin) Conway; grandmother, Louise Rupe; brother, David Rupe.

Survivors include his wife, Virginia Ann Rupe; four daughters, Melissa (Hugh) Butler of Mabelvale, Arkansas, Toni Jo (Michael) Sanders of Benton, Arkansas, Christy (Jeremy) Etters of Conway, Arkansas; and Jennifer (Brandon) Johnson of  Sheridan, Arkansas; 10 grandchildren, Sabrina (Greg) Crane, Lane (Morgan) Butler, Morgan Walters, Madelyn Sanders, Brookelyn Sanders, Jackson Etters, Alexandra Etters, Isaac Etters, MaryAnn Etters and Dani Johnson; brothers Terry Rupe of Sheridan, Arkansas, Jack Rupe of Holiday, Florida, Shari Lynn Rupe of Mobile, Alabama; numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and grand pups.

Visitation will be Friday, July 31, 2026, 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Ashby Funeral Home Chapel in Benton, Arkansas.

Graveside services will be Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Butler Cemetery, 13010 East Polk Road, Alexander, Arkansas. Minister will be Pastor Clay Ferrell.

 

Janie Ruth Lyman

Janie Ruth Lyman,78, grew tired of everyone’s nonsense and retired from living at the age of “old as dirt,” according to her, on July 29, 2026. She didn’t look a day over 75. Janie may have lost her memory, but she never lost her sass. She was an avid collector of questionable fashion choices, awkward Olan Mills portraits, murder mystery books, and furniture dust. Janie was born on August 11, 1947, in Haskell, Arkansas to the late Joe and Antonia Bernadine Lyman.

She graduated in 1965 from Harmony Grove in Haskell. That same year she was awarded Betty Crocker Homemaker of Tomorrow. It was a written test. She passed down her zero cooking skills, quick one-liners, sarcasm, and emotional food-eating coping mechanisms to her daughter Gina. Cake could solve all problems. It’s too bad Gina has a gluten allergy. Janie’s best recipe as a single mom was a set of car keys and a $20 bill. Back in the day, that was enough to feed two people. They were well known at all the eating establishments on Geyer Springs. McDonald’s fries cooked in lard are still missed to this day. The recipe changed in 1990, leaving eternal emotional scars.

After graduation, a year of college, and running off to Texas; she got married in 1967. Housewifery was quite the challenge, as Janie seemed to channel the spirit of Lucy Ricardo in most things she attempted. Hanging up a decorative net on the wall using a shotgun shell as a hammer was not one of her finest moments. Late December the following year her husband was drafted to Vietnam. He was away during Janie’s pregnancy and so she returned to Haskell temporarily. He hoped Gina would be born on his birthday. The birth was scheduled 4 days after his birthday because Janie’s favorite house coat was still at the cleaners. Priorities… Sadly, the marriage didn’t work and she returned to Arkansas permanently in 1973.

Janie had a long career in single mom-ness and accounting. She was loved by her coworkers everywhere she worked. It was common for her personal life to merge with her business life. Gina spent many Saturdays at the office playing with barbies. Janie showed her how to file, collate papers, and use a calculator at a young age. Was it bonding or free child labor? Several years before retirement, Janie became the first female Mayor of Haskell in 2015. She was very proud of this achievement and considered herself to be the eye candy of City Hall. She had no problem letting others know. Her daughter was the victim of secondhand embarrassment on several occasions when Janie would bring up this point out in public.

Janie is preceded in death by her daughter Lori Denise Jones and her parents Joe and Antonia Bernadine Lyman.

Janie is survived by the love of her life Pancho Lyman, her 13 year old grumpy Chihuahua; coming in a distant second, daughter Gina (Rick) Poole of Alexander; grandson Daegan Haller of Houston, Texas (and really the close second to Pancho); her bonus son Artie Green of Alexander; her granddaughters, Jessica Poole and Karena Martinez of Alexander; her bonus grandson An Nguyen of Houston, Texas; her great grandchildren, Chris, Hailie, Landon, and Damion Poole; her sister Martha (Dale) Campbell of Bryant; and her brothers Joey (Diane) Lyman and David (Susan) Lyman of Haskell.

A special, deeply heartfelt gratitude goes out to her close friend Lisa Harris of Bauxite, who spent many days every week hanging out, sharing fattening food, watching TV, and slipping Pancho forbidden snacks. Lisa made her final days less lonely and gave her a break from dealing with Gina.

The family would also like to thank the team at Hospice Home Care-Bryant for all the love and care given to Janie; especially her nurse Margo and nursing assistant Anna. We would have been lost without their guidance and loving care.

Janie didn’t want a visitation or service. She considered it a waste of pantyhose, makeup, and gasoline. May her legacy of laughter, silliness, and shenanigans never be forgotten. She will be greatly missed.

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Raymond Dale Burnett

Raymond Dale Burnett, 69, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on July 27, 2026. He was born on November 24, 1956.

Raymond was a man of deep faith who faithfully served the Lord as a pastor for more than 35 years. He loved sharing the Gospel and considered his relationship with Christ to be the greatest joy of his life. He cherished his family and his church family and never met a stranger. Known for his warm smile and quick wit, Raymond had a gift for making others laugh and feel welcome wherever he went.

Music was one of Raymond’s greatest passions. He enjoyed playing the guitar and singing, often using his talents in worship and ministry. He also worked as a heating and air technician for more than 20 years. For the past 10 years, he proudly served as a security officer at 10 Box.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Theresa Burnett; his parents, Kennon Burnett and Hazel Reaves Burnett; his brother, Randy Burnett; and his grandparents, Johnny Webb, Hazel Marie Webb, Earl Burnett, and Velma Henley.

He is survived by his children, Brad Burnett (Laura) of Rose Bud, Arkansas, Lora Harton (Scott) of Warren, Arkansas, and Meghan Berry (Roderick) of Little Rock, Arkansas; his brother, Tom Burnett of White Hall, Arkansas; his grandchildren, Justin, Nathan, Hunter, Austin, Zach, Sophia, Emma, Brick, and Andrey; a host of great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

Raymond will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his servant’s heart, his love for his family, and the joy and laughter he brought to everyone he met. His legacy of love, compassion, and devotion to the Lord will continue to inspire all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of Raymond’s life will be announced by the family later.

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