Fowler Funeral Home

Sam Edward Davis, 69, of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle passed away surrounded by family on July 22nd, 2024. Sam was born on September 15, 1954, in Clarendon, Arkansas to James and Marie Davis. Sam grew up in Clarendon and there he met the love of his life Shirley Ruth Davis. Together they moved to Prairieville, Louisiana where they raised their three children Veronica, Damien, and Chelsea. He then pursued his passion for plumbing, earning his Master Plumbing License after dedicated study and practical experience. Sam fulfilled his dream of business ownership by establishing his own plumbing company, which became a trusted name in Ascension Parish and surrounding areas. Beyond his career, Sam had a deep passion for cooking. He was known for his skills in the kitchen, where he delighted family and friends with his flavorful gumbo, delicious crawfish boils, and his homemade strawberry jelly and salsa. Although he loved cooking, the people who were gathered with him brought him the most joy. Above all, Sam cherished the many roles he held within his family. As devoted husband to his wife of 46 years, Shirley; a loving father to his children; a dedicated grandfather to his grandchildren, along with being a valued brother, uncle, and friend. Sam is preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; parents, James and Marie; sister, Claire (Robert) Parker. He is survived by his children, Veronica Melancon; Damien (Christy) Davis, Chelsea (Bobby) Simmons; grandchildren, Terren (Jesse) Dean, Noah, Heath, Damon, Emma, Izabella, and Bubba; brothers, Dave (Barbara) Davis, Larry (Patty) Davis, Rodger Davis, and sister Lynda (Dennis) Hamner. He also leaves a host of loved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Funeral services will be held at Fowler Funeral Home, Brinkley on Thursday July 25th at noon with visitation one hour prior. Burial to follow at White Church Cemetery, Rich. 

Bert Eugene Gray, 70, passed away in his home on July 14, 2024, after a long battle with lung cancer.  Though he spent the majority of his life in Brinkley, Arkansas, Bert spent his final two years of life residing in Conway where he and his wife, Karen, purchased a home to be closer to their daughter and grandchildren.  Bert made his final transition peacefully with his family by his side. Bert was born on June 11, 1954, in Brinkley, Arkansas to William Theodore (W.T.) and Cecil Gray.  Bert lived an adventurous young life in Wheatley with his older siblings, George and Rita, along with many cousins and friends nearby. After graduating from Brinkley High School in 1972, Bert was given the option of attending college or joining the military.  Never afraid of a challenge, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Thailand where he worked as a cryogenic fluids production specialist.  It was there where his daughter, Julie, was born in 1975.  On August 5, 1978, Bert married the love of his life, Karen Lynn Hamilton of Moro, and completed his family. Bert studied accounting at UACC in Forrest City and completed an associate’s degree, but what he really enjoyed was driving fast cars, motorcycles, and pickup trucks.  This led him to travel the country driving an 18-wheeler where he felt right at home behind the wheel.  In 1987, Bert began his career with the Army Corp of Engineers where he retired in 2014 as Superintendent of W.G. Huxtable Pumping Plant in Marianna. Bert could often be found drinking coffee at a local diner, reading the newspaper and tracking the stock market.  His quick wit and sense of humor was widely known, but he was also a gifted writer of poetry, written mostly to his wife.  Bert’s adventurous spirit and desire to take the road less traveled never left him.  At the age of 52, Bert proudly served our country in Iraq during 2006-2007 as an Army civilian providing quality control while stationed at Camp Victory.  It was only at the insistence of his wife that he didn’t serve another term.  Bert will be remembered for his fun-loving spirit, strong-willed nature, and big heart.  He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who will be missed dearly. Bert is survived by his wife Karen Gray, daughter Julie (Brett) Sellers of Conway, AR, sister Rita (John) Allmon of Memphis, TN, sister-in-law Patricia Gray of Framingham, MA, four grandchildren Easton Squires, Grayson Squires, Laney Sellers, and Haven Sellers, along with nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved.  He was preceded in death by his father William Theodore Gray, mother Cecil (Loudermilk) Gray, and brother George Gray. Visitation will be held July 17, 2024, at Wheatley United Methodist Church from 10:00 to 10:45 with graveside following at Johnson Cemetery in Wheatley at 11:00.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Johnson Cemetery POB 105 Wheatley AR 72392 and Prospect Cemetery in care of Faron Hamilton 310 Little Rock St Wheatley AR 72392.

In Loving Memory of Charles "Alan" Baker, 66, of Brinkley, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on July 13th, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 6, 1958, in Helena, Arkansas, Alan was the son of Charles "Chuck" and Melva "Jean" Baker. Alan was a dedicated father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He spent his life helping others, always putting their needs above his own. His personality and charisma touched everyone he met. He had a unique ability to make people feel seen and heard, and he was a source of comfort and wisdom to many. Alan had a strong work ethic and was always on the go, constantly engaged in projects and activities that improved the lives of those around him. Anytime you needed to find Alan, all you had to do was look up after stormy weather and there he'd be, patching a roof or topping a tree after some limbs had fallen. In his spare time, he loved to go arrowhead hunting, spending time with friends and playing slot machines. Alan knew more people than there are stars in the night sky. When at home, he was usually in a group of his buddies, sitting around telling stories from back in the day, or making plans for the next job or his shop, which he called Delta Quacker. Alan was always the life of the party and will be dearly missed by everyone that ever met him. Alan’s kindness and generosity were an inspiration to all who knew him. Alan will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of love and kindness will live on in the hearts of those he touched. He is survived by his only child, Lacey Baker (Dustin Tucker); grandchild, Aurora Baker; brothers, Marcus Baker and Chris (Nikki) Baker; sister, Tanya (Orlan) Priest; as well as many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. Alan was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Danny Lynn, and Bobby Baker. A public visitation will be held on Saturday, July 20th, 2024, from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Fowler Funeral Home, Brinkley. Alan will have a private burial at Oaklawn Cemetery, Brinkley. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Alan’s Funeral Fund c/o Fowler Funeral Home POB 785 Brinkley AR 72021.

Joy Geraldine ‘Jerry’ Lacefield, age 90, passed away on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at her home in Lakeview, Arkansas. Jerry was born on March 2, 1934, in McClelland, Arkansas to Elmer and Ora Clem Flanery. She graduated from Cotton Plant High School in 1952 and Baptist School of Nursing in Little Rock in 1954. After receiving a proposal by way of an engagement ring sent through the mail wrapped in a handkerchief (and having it fly across the room when it was opened - a story she loved to tell!), she wed the love of her life, Roger Lacefield, on November 6, 1954, in Hernando, Mississippi. They were married 68 years before he preceded her in death in December 2022. Jerry became a proud mother of three children; Len, Joanna, and Chris, and spent many years supporting their school, church, and extracurricular activities. As her children married and began families of their own, she delighted in her role as a grandmother. Her grandchildren always looked forward to a visit to MaMaw's house, because it usually involved ice cream! Jerry was a woman of faith who loved the Lord. She and her family established their church home at First Baptist Church in Cotton Plant. She served as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, and worship music leader. If there was anything happening at the church, you could count on her to be there. She was also a longtime member of the Cotton Plant Hypsion Club, worked alongside Roger with the local chapter of both the Lions Club and Gideons International, and volunteered at the food bank in her community. In her free time, she loved working in her yard where she grew and maintained many beautiful flowers. Jerry lived a full life and will be greatly missed by those who were blessed to know her. In addition to her husband, Jerry was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother, Jessie Flanery. She is survived by her children, Len (Jim) Ragsdell of Greenbrier, Joanna Lacefield of Lakeview, and Chris (Lisa) Lacefield of Mountain Home; her brother, Doyle Flanery; her grandchildren, Jessica (Johnny) DeLoach, Tiffany Ragsdell, Aaron (Cassie) Smith, Lukas Smith, Jonah Lacefield, and Ella Lacefield; and eleven great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 7, at First Baptist Church in Cotton Plant. The service will begin at 2:00 p.m., with the Reverends Billy Duncan and Mack Davis officiating; burial will follow at Cotton Plant Memorial Cemetery. Those serving as pallbearers are Tracy Flanery, Aaron Smith, Johnny DeLoach, Jacob Smith, Chris Stowe, and Jonah Lacefield. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Ragsdell, Lukas Smith, Lance Whitney, Ron Nicholson, and Thomas Cooper. Anyone wishing to honor the life of Jerry may consider memorials gifted to First Baptist Church Cotton Plant, PO Box 115, Cotton Plant, Arkansas, 72036, or Hospice of the Ozarks, 811 Burnett Dr., Mountain Home, Arkansas, 72653.

Delmar William Longrader, 77, passed away peacefully on June 29th, 2024. He was born in Forrest City on June 13th, 1947, to the late Phillip Dolar Longrader and Jewell Perry Longrader.  As with many of his peers, Delmar enlisted into the United States Army in 1965 after graduating from Hunter High School.  He bravely served our country in Vietnam until his honorable discharge. At this point Delmar returned to Hunter to begin his life as a farmer. When not working in the fields, Delmar enjoyed hunting and fishing for various wildlife. As a young man, he was a guide for duck hunters.  As a grandfather, he loved to hunt with his two granddaughters at the deer camp in Dagmar. During his daily activities - and it didn’t matter if he was in the woods, on the water, or even at the doctor’s office – Delmar was going to have his sweet tea jug with him. Delmar is preceded in death by his parents, Phillip and Jewell; and one brother, Phillip Paul Longrader.  He is survived by his daughter, Desha (David) Jackson; two granddaughters, Madison, and MaKenzie Jackson; one sister, Janice Abbott; one niece, two nephews, and a host of other family and friends. A funeral service will be held at Fowler Funeral Home on July 2nd at 2:00 pm with visitation one hour prior.  Burial to follow at Hunter Cemetery.