Obituaries from Saline County Arkansas November 3rd
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Diann Burks Ford
Diann Burks Ford, 76, passed away on November 1, 2026, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories and a family who loved her dearly. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend whose presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Diann was preceded in death by her parents, Burl and Doris Burks, and her beloved husband of 56 years, Darrell Ford.
Diann was a woman who enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. She loved spending time outdoors, cooking, and settling in to watch her favorite Hallmark movies and soap operas. An avid cook, she found joy in the kitchen, and those who knew her will surely remember the meals she prepared over the years. She was never one to shy away from speaking her mind, and you could always count on knowing exactly where you stood with her. Her strong personality, honesty, and unmistakable way of being herself were just a few of the things that made Diann so memorable to those who knew and loved her.
Above all, Diann leaves behind a family who will carry her memory forward for generations to come.
She is survived by her three daughters, Shelly (Kevin) George, Millie (Doug) Allen, and Missy (Kevin) Lambert; six grandchildren, Zack George, Jesse (Mary) George, Gage (Carlee) Currie, Marlie (Brandon) Balding, Kelsey (Kaleb) Crouse, and Maleah (Casey) Bius; and three great-grandchildren, Savvy Currie, Landry Balding, and Emmitt Balding.
She is also survived by her sister, Vanette (Theron) McKinney; sister-in-law, Sherry (Tom) Haley; brothers-in-law, Randy Ford and Mike (Nancy) Ford; as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Diann’s passing leaves an emptiness in the hearts of those who knew her, but her memory will live on in the stories shared, the meals remembered, the laughter, and the countless moments spent together. She will be remembered for being unapologetically herself, for the life she lived, and for the family and friendships she leaves behind.
Though she is no longer with us, the love and memories she leaves behind will remain forever. Diann will be deeply missed by all her family and friends.
Pallbearers will be Zack George, Jesse George, Mickey Ford, Mark Ford, Jason Haley, and Josh Ford. Honorary Pallbearers will be Eddie Warford and Gary McCormick.
Visitation will be 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 5 at Ten Mile Missionary Baptist Church with services beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial to follow at Center Hill Cemetery. Dr. Rick Grant will be officiating.
James W. Handy, Jr.
James W. Handy, Jr., 79, of Bryant, Arkansas, passed away on October 28, 2026, in Little Rock, Arkansas.Â
Born on February 8, 1947, in Hollywood, California, Jim was the son of the late James W. Handy, Sr. and Irene Andrews.
Jim was a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. A man of quiet strength, kindness, and generosity, he was known for his thoughtful nature, quick wit, and willingness to lend a listening ear. Though often a man of few words, he was always ready to offer wisdom, guidance, and thoughtful advice to those who sought it. His steady presence and genuine concern for others were among the many qualities that made him so deeply loved and respected.
Jim possessed a keen intellect and a lifelong appreciation for learning. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and a master’s degree in Mathematics, along with numerous professional certifications. He devoted his professional career to computer programming and systems analysis before his retirement.
Outside of his professional life, James enjoyed the simple pleasures that brought him happiness. An avid sports enthusiast, he especially loved baseball and was a devoted fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He also enjoyed playing chess and dominoes, pursuits that reflected his sharp mind and appreciation for friendly competition.
Jim was a member of Hurricane Creek Baptist Church, where he generously volunteered his time and professional knowledge to assist with the church’s finances. His willingness to serve reflected his generous spirit and quiet dedication to helping others. He gave of his time without seeking recognition, finding meaning in being of service to his church community.
Jim shared 58 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Joan Handy. Married on September 27, 1968, their enduring union was the foundation of a family that remained at the heart of his life.
He is survived by his loving wife, Joan Handy; his children, James A. “Jimy” Handy, Sherri Watts (Aars J. Watts), and James “Jim” Kotoff (Susan); and his sister, Joy Vann.
He also leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren: Brandi M. Handy, Aaris J. Watts II (Heather), Zyas D. Watts, Noelle Pennington (Luke), Kristofer Kotoff, Mathew Kotoff, and Rachel Powers (Jacob); and five beloved great-grandchildren: Isaac Works, Avalon Pearce, Atlas Pearce, James Pennington, and Roland Pennington.
Jim was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Brandi Lynn Handy; his parents, James W. Handy, Sr. and Irene Handy; and his brother, Jeff Handy. Jim will be lovingly remembered for his quiet wisdom, gentle humor, generous spirit, and unwavering devotion to his family. His was a life marked not by the need for recognition, but by the kindness he extended, the wisdom he shared, and the steadfast presence he provided to those he loved. Though he will be deeply missed, his memory and the example he set will remain in the hearts of his family and friends for generations to come.
A graveside service honoring Jim’s life will be held on Monday, November 9, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., at Pinecrest Memorial Park in Alexander, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society in his memory.
Garrett Lee Bosley Sr.
Garrett Lee Bosley Sr. passed away on October 29, 2026, at the age of 80. Born on April 8, 1946, in Texarkana, Arkansas, he was the beloved son of the late Gary and Lea Bosley. He was known affectionately to friends and family as Bill, a nickname that stuck after he playfully called himself “Wild Bill Hickok” as a child.
Bill shared 59 years of marriage with his wife, Donna Munnerlyn Bosley. Together, they built a life centered around family, traveling, and community. He is survived by his two sons and their wives, Garrett “Chip” and Jennifer Bosley, and Brennan and Keri Bosley. He was a proud grandfather to Garrett and Dillon Bosley, Haley and Jeffrey Hodge, and Savannah Bosley, and a great-grandfather to Sutton, Wells, and Mary Brennan Hodge.
Bill earned a degree in civil engineering and initially worked for the Arkansas Highway Department. He later joined Donna’s Daddy, Rip Munnerlyn, who had been in the building business for 50 years. Bill partnered with him, and upon Rip’s retirement, renamed the company Bosley Construction in 1984, establishing a career that became his life’s work and positioning him as a cornerstone of the home building industry.
Throughout his distinguished 50-year career, Bill was a fierce advocate for his peers, proudly representing the small builder at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). His leadership led him to serve as a National Vice President, Area Vice President, and chairman of the board of the research center for NAHB, serving as chairman of the President’s Council. He held every single office within both the Arkansas and the Greater Little Rock Home Builders Associations, and was honored as Builder of the Year. He was essential in creating the Residential Contractors Licensing Board, serving on it for many years and helping pass the foundational licensing law for residential builders that remains in effect today. Reflecting his pioneering legacy, Bill proudly held registration number 1. Innovating until the end, Bill built the very first Smart House in the South, located in North Little Rock.
Bill was deeply driven to protect and establish the future of the industry, knowing his sons were keeping the company going. Beyond his commercial work, he was a dedicated civic leader, serving as Chairman of the North Little Rock Planning Commission. He was honored with the prestigious Gene Smith Award from the Little Rock Executive Association for his outstanding business leadership. More than the titles, though, Bill truly loved the meetings, gatherings, and fellowship that came with his work. He was a natural storyteller who loved nothing more than meeting new people, trading stories, sharing the rich experiences of his life, and talking about the building industry.
Bill and Donna also poured their hearts into local youth sports, establishing the soccer program for Lakewood in North Little Rock. Deeply invested in community safety, Bill served as the Board Chairman of the Turtle Creek Fire Department, where he actively spearheaded fundraising campaigns to secure vital new equipment for local firefighters.
Summers were spent making unforgettable memories at Mountain Harbor. Bill and Donna loved welcoming a wide circle of friends and family into their summer days. Whether he was out in the boat, waterskiing, or riding motorcycles, Bill embraced every moment of outdoor adventure. He was an avid outdoorsman who found great joy fishing on Lake Hamilton and Lake Ouachita, snow skiing, and scuba diving.
Bill had a lifelong passion for cars, especially the sporty and fast ones. His favorite car of all was his custom-built Shelby GT 350, which he took to car shows and won several trophies. He thoroughly enjoyed participating in these shows and meeting other car enthusiasts.
Bill had a deep love for the American West and the western lifestyle. He enjoyed riding horses and exploring wide-open spaces. He and Donna enjoyed hitting the road in their motor home, taking cross-country trips out west and spending time together in Red River, New Mexico.
His warmth, his stories, and his vibrant spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The family extends their deepest thanks and gratitude to his Life Touch Hospice caretakers—Cheryl, Rebecca, Joann, Miracle, Krista, and Crystal—who provided so much comfort, dignity, and kindness in his final days.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM at Enclave Gallery in Benton, located at 112 E Ashley Street. In keeping with Bill’s love for jeans and cowboy boots, this will be a casual gathering. Family and friends are invited to come as they are to share stories and remember Bill over light snacks and refreshments.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his honor to Saline County Habitat for Humanity, 404 West Walnut, Benton, AR 72015.
Gordon “Gordy” Lee Harmon
Gordon “Gordy” Lee Harmon, 82, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away on October 29, 2026.
Gordy was born in Swea City, Iowa, on July 30, 1944, to Fay Francis Harmon and Bernadell “Tat” Flossie (Ristau) Harmon of Lu Verne, Iowa.
Gordy married Linda Sue Harmon on April 22, 1967, at Zion Lutheran Church in Lu Verne. They shared 59 years of marriage and made Benton, Arkansas, their home for the last 47 years of his life.
Gordy worked in sales, managerial, and supervisory positions with Schwan’s Ice Cream, Tony’s Pizza, and Birch Tree Communities. He also owned Gordy’s Grocery convenience store and retired from what was Rineco in Haskell. He was a hardworking man, a faithful provider for his family, and a generous giver to his family and church.
Gordy was a gifted storyteller with a sharp memory and a wonderful sense of humor. He was loved by many and made people laugh and feel welcome. He loved old fast cars, hunting and camping with his sons, reading, playing cards, cribbage, and dominoes with friends and family, and attending Victory Baptist Church in Benton.
Above all, Gordy treasured his family, especially his grandchildren. He delighted in sharing stories, playing games, laughing together, and being part of their lives. He took great pride in their accomplishments and the people they were becoming. His grandchildren knew how much he enjoyed their company and valued time with them. Those memories will be cherished for generations.
Gordy is survived by his wife, Linda; children Ranae Ballard (Thurman), Ryan Harmon (Darla), Randy Harmon (Rachel), Rachael Hawkins (Shane), and Robby Harmon (Taja); sister Judy Hefty; brother Larry Harmon (Kitty); and 19 grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Fay and Tat; sister Gloria Siepker; brother Lowell Harmon; and infant daughter, Tory Lynn Harmon.
Visitation will be held Thursday, November 5, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Smith Benton Funeral Home in
Benton. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 6, at 11:00 a.m., also at Smith Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., in Benton, followed by graveside services at Cameron Cemetery, 8095 Samples Rd., in Benton.
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Jerry Almond
Jerry Almond, age 78, of Conway, Arkansas, went to his eternal home in the presence of God on Saturday, October 31st.
For the past 14 years, Jerry has been sick and a resident of several nursing facilities, most recently in Benton at the Arkansas Health Center, but Jerry’s life and impact is not defined by that period of his life. Being raised on a rice farm in Dewitt, Arkansas, Jerry Almond lived a full life. He has always been a hard worker and excelled in every way.
In his high school years, he became a very good basketball player and was the high scorer on his team…while not great at defense, he could shoot and score. While at St. Charles High School, he met the love of his life Diane Manning and that relationship helped define his adult life. When the two of them began dating and eventually married, spiritual matters became the most important to them.
In Brinkley, AR, Jerry began attending the Brinkley church of Christ with Diane, and he obeyed the Gospel and, immediately after, decided to spend the rest of his life preaching the Word of God. Numerous congregations had the blessing of hearing Jerry preach passionately about the God and the Gospel that saved him from his sins. Jerry and Diane have 4 children and love each of them passionately.
These 4 children were raised in a loving home and taught about God and taken to worship faithfully. Serving God was the main priority for his family. He and Diane helped bring all 4 children to the Lord. His love for the church and the Word has been a major contributing factor to two sons becoming preachers and from there, three of his grandchildren also preach the Gospel and a grandson in-law also has worked in the ministry. To say that Jerry impacted the kingdom of God for good is an understatement, but Jerry did it for the glory of God. Jerry was a kind and humble man. He understood that it was God who receives the glory and withstood hardship in the ministry over the years and never quit serving. Jerry also loved living life. He loved sports, especially the Razorbacks. He loved to travel to Branson and Silver Dollar City. He loved music. He loved to teach and taught public school for several years. He is an example of faithfulness and steadfastness to all, and all of those who heard him preach and knew him as a man are blessed to call him husband, dad, pawpaw, and friend. He will be greatly missed beyond what words can say. Jerry, we all love you.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Diane Almond. He is also survived by his 4 children—Keith (Anji) of Jonesboro, AR, Nathan of Vilonia, AR, Christi (David) of Sherwood, AR, and Jason (Crystal) of Perryville, AR. Jerry is also survived by 13 grandchildren, great grandchildren, and by many other family and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Stanley Almond, and mother, Louella Almond, his older brother, Roger Almond, and younger brother, Dennis Almond. Jerry’s memorial service will be Friday, November 6 th, at 11 a.m. at the Church of Christ in Oppelo, 24 Kai Drive, Oppelo, Ar.
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