Robert Wayne McDonald, age 88 of Junction City, passed away Sunday, April 27, 2025 at the Northern Louisiana Medical Center in Ruston, LA.  Wayne was born on September 8, 1936 in Junction City, to the late Marguerite Davis McDonald and Robert Clyde McDonald.  He was a 1954 Graduate of Junction City High School and was a U.S. Army Veteran, serving from 1956 until 1958.  He later attended Southern State College, now called Southern Arkansas University, from where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Business.  He was a former Co-owner and operator of McDonald’s Grocery in Junction City, serving the community, alongside his brother Richard, for 30 plus years before selling the store and retiring in 2012.  Wayne formerly enjoyed working in his yard, and took great pride in keeping it looking nice.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Dawne Head McDonald; and by two brothers, Ferrell McDonald and Thomas McDonald.

Survivors include; two sons, Michael Wayne McDonald of Junction City and Greg Edward McDonald of El Dorado; two sisters, Gwendolyn Freeman and husband Charles of Bella Vista, AR, and Lena Wood and husband Randy of El Dorado; three brothers, Neal McDonald of Fayetteville, AR, Richard McDonald and wife Diane of Junction City, and Glenn McDonald and wife Julie of El Dorado, along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Scotland Presbyterian Church.

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Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Scotland Presbyterian Church, with Bro. Bruce Rux officiating.  Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in Junction City, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.

Judith Miller Lerch, 75, of El Dorado, Arkansas, passed away Friday morning, leaving a void her family cannot fill. She was born in El Dorado on March 25th, 1950 to Elouise Miller and Tommy Miller II.

Judy attended El Dorado High School, before going on to manage a restaurant. In her later years, she was found working for Ritchie Grocery to keep herself busy.

Judy was a devoted mother to two children, Billy Robertson and Amanda Simmons, her pride and joy. She always said they changed her life for the better, and they felt that in the love she gave.

Judy took special joy in her role as a grandmommie and had fond memories of quality time spent at “The River” with her family.

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Judith was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Tommy Miller Ill and sister, Debbie Cameron and is survived by her two children, Billy Robertson (Leigh-Ann) and Amanda Simmons; grandchildren Gracie, Kaden and Audrey Robertson, Quinn, Cameron and Cole Simmons; brother-in-law, Vandy Cameron Sr.; nephews Vandy (Mandy), Jon T (Teresa), Adam (Kathy) Cameron, Mitch (Mallory); niece Ashley (Chris) and a host of great-nieces and nephews, who will never forget the love she brought to their lives.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., Monday, April 29th at Young’s Funeral Directors.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M.,Tuesday, April 29, 2025 at Young’s with Larry Hudson officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

Donations made to a charity of your choice in her name are appreciated.

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An online registry can be signed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com

Christopher “Adam” Graves, age 44 of Junction City, passed away Tuesday, April 22, 2025 near Junction City.  Adam was born on December 15, 1980 in El Dorado, AR, to William Mark Graves and the late Julianne Wilson McRae.

Adam loved his family fiercely and deeply and was deeply proud of his children.  He raised his sons with strength and a heart full of love.  He taught them patience and courage, and instilled in them a strong work ethic and a love for the outdoors.  He was known for his strength, courage, and warm smile.  He had a strong work ethic and a generous spirit.  He was always ready to lend a hand, share a laugh, or offer wisdom gained from a life well lived.

Adam grew up with a deep respect for nature.  He found some of his greatest joys in the quiet of the woods and the stories shared around a campfire.  Hunting wasn’t just a hobby, but for him, it was a way of life, one he shared proudly with his children, teaching them the values of patience, respect for the woods, and preservation.  Adam leaves behind a legacy rooted in family, tradition, and the great outdoors.  He will be deeply missed by his family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clarence “Shug” and Jean Graves, Maurice and Margaret Wilson, and by his mother, Julianne Wilson McRae.

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Survivors include; his wife, Heather Hightower Graves; four sons, Kelley Graves and Fiancé Caroline Barfield, Clay Graves and wife Mallory, Canon Graves, and Case Graves; one grandson, Koe Graves, and another grandchild expected in August; his father, William Mark Graves; two brothers, Bill Mark Graves and wife Crystal, and Wes Graves and wife Sydney; five nephews; three nieces; and his mother-in-law, Sharon Hightower, all of Junction City.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm on Friday, April 25, 2025 at Three Creeks Baptist Church.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 26, 2025 at Three Creeks Baptist Church, with Bro. James Sparks officiating.  Interment will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in Junction City, under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home.

Virginia Faye Horn 81, of El Dorado, AR passed away Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at Oak Ridge Nursing Home.

Virginia was born September 8, 1943, in El Dorado, AR to the union of William Elmer “Lil Bill” Pyle and Tressie Waller Davis Pyle,

She was preceded in death by her parents, two granddaughters, Madison Bloom, Ashley Webb, and two sisters, Betty Stanford, Jackie Ward.

Virginia resided in El Dorado, AR at Oak Ridge Nursing Home for the last 15 months.  She was of the Baptist Faith.  She retired from Texas Eastern, she loved camping, fishing, sewing and reading and playing with her grandchildren.

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Survivors include her children Colleen Martin and husband Gerald, Theron York and husband Brian, Buddy West and wife Toni, Tiffani Smith and husband Billy Joe, Kristi Webb and husband Terry, sister, Maxine Lawrence,  grandchildren, Michael Martin and wife Jeni, Shane Martin, Lakin Ledbetter, Seth West and wife Suellen, Levi West, Dustin West, Kennedy Strickland and husband Seth, Hyleigh Spooner and husband Tyler, Marc Smith and wife Amy, Mason Smith and wife Sarah, Linea Smith and husband Eric, great grandchildren, Addison Martin, Tyler Martin, Kallie Martin, Brixton Ledbetter, Brogan Ledbetter, Mack West, Adrian West, Jaida Martinez, Skyler Smith, Kal Smith, Kingston Webb Washington Kenleigh Webb Washington, Aislynn Young, Ashleigh Spooner.

Visitation will be 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Center Point Cemetery on Old Strong Hwy.

Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. at Center Point Cemetery with Rev. Sye Duke and Michael Martin officiating.  Interment will follow under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of El Dorado, AR.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and love to the excellent caretakers and friends at Oak Ridge Nursing Home and Arkansas Hospice for their wonderful and caring services.

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In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to Arkansas Hospice, 403 W. Oak ST. Ste 201, El Dorado, AR 71730 or Center Point Cemetery, 1159 Old Strong Hwy, Strong, AR  71765

Born on February 20, 1946, in Cleveland, Mississippi, Shirley was the daughter of the late Clinton and Doris Tew. She raised her children in Crossett and Calion before moving to El Dorado, Arkansas, where she spent her adult years building a loving home and lifelong friendships rooted in kindness, community, and faith.

Shirley was a devoted Christian and attended Murmil Heights Baptist Church. Her faith was a guiding light in her life, and she found great joy in worship, fellowship, and serving others.

She worked for many years at Walmart before going on to manage Holsum Bakery, where she took great pride in her work and loved building lasting relationships with her customers. Her friendly smile, dependable nature, and warm conversation made her a favorite among both coworkers and those she served.

One of Shirley’s greatest joys in life was being a grandmother. She played an especially important role in the lives of her grandchildren Lauren and Chase, whom she helped raise with unconditional love, guidance, and grace. Her nurturing heart and steady presence shaped their lives in countless ways.

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She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Daricek; two infant twins; her parents, Clinton and Doris Tew; her sister, Bobbie Dorris, and her brothers, Charles and Jimmy Tew.

She is survived by her children: Ray (Marsha) Sowyers, Troy (Deana) Sowyers, and Denise Tew. Shirley was a devoted grandmother to Lauren, Chase, Tori, Craig, Joseph, Ashley, Josh, and Branson and a proud great-grandmother to Bryan, Raylee, Brynlee, Paisley, Kylie, Kensley, Wyatt, Joleigh, Chase, Kasen, and Cooper. She also leaves behind her brother, Cleatus Oliver.

Shirley’s home was always full of warmth, laughter, and love-even if it was a house divided when it came to football. She was a loyal Arkansas Razorbacks fan, while her beloved Larry proudly rooted for LSU. Game days were full of playful rivalry, a reflection of the deep bond and joy they shared.

Those who knew Shirley will remember her for her gentle soul, her quiet strength, and the unwavering love she had for her family. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the relationships she built, and the memories she leaves behind.

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Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at Young’s Funeral Directors.

A service to celebrate her life will be held in Young’s Chapel at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Flowers are welcome, as Shirley always found beauty and joy in them.

Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

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