Obituaries from Saline County Arkansas October 25th
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James “Bud” Leslie Collins
James “Bud” Leslie Collins, 84 years old, of Benton, passed away peacefully October 20, 2026. He was born September 20, 1942 at Bauxite Arkansas. His Parents were Jesse and Marie Buffington Collins. He married the love of his life Eva Marie Dobbs Collins on July 6, 1964.
He served in the Air Force as a command center specialist. He retired from Reynolds Metal/Ball Corp. after over 30 years working at the plants in Bauxite Arkansas, Troutsdale Oregon and Kansas City Missouri. He loved to fish, hunt and go camping. He was a huge Razorback fan.
He is preceded in death by his parents Jesse and Marie Collins. His brothers L.N Collins, J.D. Collins and Walter Collins. His sisters Mildred Burdett, Wanda Mahan, Anita Garner, Colleen Bruce, and Melba Bryant.
He is survived by his wife of 62 years Marie Collins of Benton. His brother Mike Collins of Bauxite. His sister Carolyn Atteberry of Kentucky. His daughters Renee Reed and Leslie Chisum of Benton. His son Eric (Joanie) Dobbs of Tennessee and Lance (Silvia) Dobbs of Arizona. His grandchildren George Allen Reeves, Hannah, Molly, London, Kee and Miranda Dobbs, Charlotte and Jacob Reed, Dylan and James Chisum. And nine great grandchildren.
The family extends a special thank you to Benton Baptist Clinic Hannah Baugh APRN and her nurses, Elite Hospice, Taylor and Jordan with Elite Hospice, Jeff and Virginia Bowers and Randy Lovell.
Pallbearers will be Jeff Bowers, Jackie Banks, Nathan Banks, Shane Banks, Mike Collins, Buddy Collins, Gary Lovell, Richard Bruce, and Roy Carper.
Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 30 at Ashby Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be 12:00 noon Saturday, October 31 at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Bro. Scotty Nalley will be officiating.
The family will be receiving visitors at 1421 Tijeras, Benton. After the graveside, family and friends are invited to 1421 Tijeras, Benton for a celebration of his life.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bauxite Historical Museum. Located at 6706 Benton Road, Bauxite Arkansas. Open Wednesday 10-2 and Sunday 1:30-4. Phone 501-557-9858. In memory of James “Bud” Collins.
Walter Ray Gabbard
Walter Ray Gabbard, age 90, of Benton passed away peacefully on October 22, 2026. He was born on April 13th, 1936 in Pryor Oklahoma.
Ray was preceded in death by his wife Lenore Gabbard, daughter Jamie Gabbard, sister Nora Gabbard, and parents Otis and Pearl Gabbard.
He is survived by his son Steve Gabbard and his wife Jennifer, grandson Gage Gabbard and his wife Greer, and grandson Nicholas Gabbard and his wife Kinley.
Ray was a member of Calvary Baptist Church. He loved his family deeply and found joy in spending time with them every chance he had. When not doing that he enjoyed working, hunting, fishing, and woodworking.
The family will be having a private graveside service officiated by Scotty Nalley.
The family would like to thank Suzette Handwork and all of the caregivers at Southern Charm’s Senior Services for the love and compassion they showed both he and Lenore and for making the final chapter in their lives as comfortable as it could be.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Jamie Lynn Gabbard Memorial Scholarship Fund. Memorials may be mailed to Jamie Lynn Gabbard Memorial Scholarship Trust, PO Box 2, Benton Ar 72018.
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Terry Gene Taylor
Terry Gene Taylor, affectionately known as “Tootie,” passed away on October 21, 2026, at the age of 68. A hardworking man with a love for the outdoors and a deep appreciation for his family, Terry will be remembered for his humor, his generous spirit, and the lasting memories he created with those who knew and loved him.
Throughout his life, Terry worked as a Tow truck driver and was also connected to James Taylor Roofing, the family business established by his father, James Monroe Taylor. His work and family ties were an important part of his life. Away from work, Terry enjoyed fishing, hunting, and spending time outdoors. He was known for his sense of humor and his willingness to lend a helping hand, leaving behind many fond memories with family and friends.
Family was an important part of Terry’s life. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and the memories they shared with him will remain a treasured part of his legacy. Whether sharing a laugh, enjoying the outdoors, or simply spending time together, Terry had a way of making ordinary moments memorable. His presence will be deeply missed by the family and friends who shared in his life.
Terry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Sue Taylor, and his parents, James Monroe Taylor and Glenda Jean Rhodes.
Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Joey, Danny, and Donnie; his siblings, Lisa Floyd and Jimmy Taylor; and his numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind extended family members and dear friends who will continue to hold his memory close to their hearts.
One of the most meaningful aspects of Terry’s legacy is his decision to become an organ donor. Nearly ten years ago, Terry witnessed the profound impact of organ donation when his and his sister’s younger brother received a heart and kidney transplant. Seeing the difference transplantation made within their family left a lasting impression on Terry and influenced his own decision to become an organ donor.
Following Terry’s passing, his family had the opportunity to honor his wishes by participating in his Honor Walk, a tribute recognizing his final gift to others. Though this moment came during a time of tremendous grief, it also represented the hope and possibility that his decision could bring to others facing their own medical challenges.
Having witnessed the life-changing impact of organ donation within his own family, Terry understood the difference one person’s decision could make. Through his own final act of generosity, he leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond those who knew him personally, offering hope to others and the possibility of more time with the people they love.
Terry will be remembered as a hardworking man, a devoted family member, an outdoorsman, and a person whose humor and personality left their mark on others. His life was shaped by the relationships he built, the work he did, and the memories he created along the way. Though his passing leaves a profound loss for his family and friends, his memory will continue to live on through the stories they share and the love they carry forward.
May Terry Gene “Tootie” Taylor be remembered with love and gratitude for the life he lived and the generosity he showed. His final gift serves as a lasting reminder that even in loss, there can be hope for others.
In Lieu of Flower’s, Donations may be made to Southern Legacy Of Life https://sll.org/
If you would like to have a full obituary published with pictures, click here to get started: www.mysaline.com/submit-obits
