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Richard “Rick” Lee York
Richard “Rick” Lee York, 57, passed away on August 1, 2026. He was born on April 8, 1969, in Anaheim, California, to Cecil York and Anita Scipione, who preceded him in death.
Rick was a simple man who lived life on his own terms, and everyone loved him for it. If there was one thing people knew about Rick, it was that he could absolutely shred on the guitar. Music was one of his greatest passions, especially heavy metal, and he amassed an impressive music collection over the years. He had a way of bringing people together and was always looking out for others, often putting their needs before his own. His family lovingly described him as “the nicest asshole you’d ever meet,” a statement that perfectly captured his quick wit, big heart, and unforgettable personality.
Rick also spent time in professional wrestling, competing as one-half of The Punishers, where he earned the Southern Tag Team Championship. During his wrestling career, he also worked for Jerry Lawler and Jeff Jarrett. Professionally, he worked as the storeroom manager for Arauco and was well known for proudly supporting his Arauco Team.
Although not by blood or legal adoption, Rick opened his heart and home to many children throughout his life. He took them under his wing, cared for them, and treated them as his own. His love and guidance left a lasting impact on countless lives. He also dearly loved his dogs, who were faithful companions through the years.
Rick is survived by his beloved girlfriend, Betty Elizabeth Landers; his daughter, Andreah “Andie” York, and her half-sister, bonus daughter Shawnte “Turd” Tidwell, whom he lovingly helped raise from childhood; his grandchildren, Donovan (Raigan), Skylar (Zoie), and Mia York; great granddaughter, Bailey; his brother, Scott York (Tanya); sister, Sandi Hawkins (Rusty); his other bonus children, Karrilynn (Mario) Garcia and Josh (Kelsey) Landers; bonus grandchildren, Noah, Brelee, Micah, Isiah, Elijah, Josiah, Bella, Jackson, and Amelia; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and close family and friends who will miss him dearly.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 7, 2026, from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. at Smith Benton Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Mount Harmony Cemetery.
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Jerry O. Farmer
Jerry O. Farmer went to his heavenly home on July 31, 2026, following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on December 4, 1942, to Orval Abner Farmer and Ova Clary Farmer.
Jerry graduated from Childress High School, where he played basketball and formed cherished friendships that lasted throughout his life. After graduation, he became a barber and owned and operated a barbershop in Monette, Arkansas. He later worked for the Cotton Belt Railroad before beginning his final career as a truck driver. During his years on the road, he was often accompanied by his beloved wife, Kay, making many treasured memories together.
Jerry was quick-witted and loved to joke, laugh, and have fun. He didn’t meet a stranger and was liked by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 57 years, Kay Bass Farmer; and his sister, Louise Farmer Younce.
He is survived by his two children, Jill Tate (Roger) and Jonathan Farmer (Dora Thompson); his grandchildren, Melanie Kimball (Cameron), and Marissa Tate; and his great-grandchildren, Gage Wilder, Gavin Wilder, Ella Wilder, and Carter Kimball; and his sister Jan Farmer Whitney, along with extended family and friends.
Above all else, Jerry was a loving father and family man. His love for his children and family was unwavering, and they were the center of his life. Jerry believed in treating others with dignity and respect, and his goodness was evident not only in what he did, but in the quiet example he set every day. His life was a blessing, and his memory will remain forever in the hearts of his family and friends.
A memorial service honoring Jerry’s life will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the Assembly of God Church in Monette, Arkansas. Visitation will be at 1:00 pm followed by the service at 2:00 pm.
Phillip Elton Bryan
Phillip Elton Bryan, 79, known to generations of athletes simply as “Coach,” died peacefully at home on Thursday, July 30, 2026. He was born on March 11, 1947, in Little Rock to Dudley and Irene Bryan.
At Little Rock Central High School, Phil was a standout in basketball, baseball, and track, a genuine track star who set records that stood for years. He became the first in his family to attend college, earning his place at the University of Arkansas as a track athlete and lettering for the Razorbacks. It was the start of a lifelong love of Arkansas sports, expressed most often when hollering at the Hogs through a television screen.
Phil built his life around teaching and coaching. He met his wife of almost 50 years, Kathy, while teaching science and coaching football in Little Rock. He went on to coach football and serve as a head track coach, including years in Hot Springs and many more at Bryant High School, shaping more young athletes than anyone could count. He spent roughly four decades in the classroom, most of them teaching 8th grade science, before retiring in 2010. He stepped away from the high school ranks for the coaching job that mattered most: raising and coaching his own two sons.
Anyone who knew Phil knew his wit. He was quick, sharp, and never missed a chance to give his boys, or his players, a hard time. That gruffness fooled a lot of people. As his family will tell you, he wasn’t nearly as mean as everyone thought; that was just the outside, and you never saw the inside unless you were lucky enough to get to know him.
Family came first, always. He loved spending time with Kathy, reading, playing games in the car, and turning any flat surface into a field. He would work in the yard all day and then split a Coke with his boys when the work was done. On any given weekend, you might find him yelling at the Razorbacks, watching his Cardinals play baseball, or enjoying another New England Patriots win. He coached neighborhood kids, helped anyone who wanted to get better at their game, and was a proud member of the Razorback Athletic Alumni Club.
Phil was preceded in death by his wife, Kathy; his parents, Dudley and Irene Bryan; and his siblings, Paul and Margaret.
He is survived by his two sons, Brad and Todd, and his brothers, Sam and Eugene; in-laws, Richard and Sandy Morrow, Tracie Morrow, and a handful of nieces and nephews.
He taught his sons that patience takes time, that falling down is part of the deal, and that you are never a failure as long as you get back up. For years, it was hard to go anywhere in the state without someone stopping to say, “You must be Phillip Bryan’s son,” and then sharing a story about Coach Bryan, one of the best coaches, and one of the best men, they ever knew.
Visitation will be held Friday, August 7th at 9:00 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m., at Dial & Dudley Funeral Home, 4212 AR-5, Bryant, AR 72022. Burial will follow at Crestview Cemetery in Hot Springs.
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