Born on December 1, 1945, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Bobby was raised in El Dorado, Arkansas, where he built a life centered on faith, family, hard work, and the simple joys that mattered most. As a young man, he was known for his movie-star good looks and was voted “Most Handsome” by his high school classmates. Family and friends often joked that he could rival Elvis Presley. While he was certainly handsome on the outside, those who knew Bobby understood that his greatest beauty was found in his gentle heart.

After graduating from high school, Bobby attended Henderson State University before proudly serving four years in the Army National Guard. His love for God and country remained with him throughout his life. He was baptized as a child at Parkview Baptist Church, and his patriotism was evident to all who knew him. The American flag was more than a symbol to Bobby; it represented the nation he loved and the freedoms he was proud to defend.

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Bobby dedicated his entire career to Arkansas Power & Light, later Entergy, where he faithfully served as both a lineman and supervisor. He believed in working hard, doing things the right way, and providing well for his family. He earned the respect of his coworkers through his integrity, dependability, and quiet leadership.

Somewhere along life’s journey, Bobby met the love of his life, Melissa Green. This September, Bobby and Melissa would have celebrated 60 years of marriage, a beautiful testament to a lifetime of love, commitment, and God’s faithfulness. Together they built a beautiful life rooted in love and devotion, raising two children, Todd and Lisa. Their marriage was a wonderful example of commitment and faithfulness, and together they created a family that became Bobby’s greatest blessing.

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Bobby found joy in God’s creation. He loved hunting, fishing, gardening, and spending as much time outdoors as possible. Whether he was at deer camp, relaxing at his camp on Felsenthal, or sitting around a campfire with family and friends, he was right where he wanted to be. If there was a fire burning, Bobby would always find a stump or a chair to pull up and enjoy the fellowship around him.

He was a quiet man—a man of few words—but his actions spoke volumes. His warm smile, gentle spirit, and genuine kindness drew people to him. If you were fortunate enough to become Bobby’s friend, you had a friend for life.

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In his later years, Bobby discovered one of life’s greatest joys: being “Papaw”. His grandchildren were the light of his life, and he treasured every opportunity to watch them grow, celebrate their accomplishments, and simply spend time together. Becoming a great-grandfather brought him even more happiness, and each new little life was a blessing he cherished.

Some of Bobby’s favorite moments were also his simplest—drinking coffee on the back porch early in the morning while his beloved grand dog, PJ, roamed the yard. Bobby also enjoyed listening to drive-time sports in the evenings, and faithfully cheering on the Razorbacks through every season. Win or lose, Bobby was a loyal fan.

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Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Mildred King; his brother, Carroll King; and his sister, Sally Hogg.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Melissa King; his son, Todd King; his daughter, Lisa King Dumas (Jamie); his brother, Wayne King (Debbie); his sisters, Anne Vaden (Rusty) and Sue Allen; his grandchildren, Ryan King (Olivia), Tyler King, Kelsey Daniel (Scott), Kasey Dumas, and Riley Dumas; his great-grandchildren, Easton, Colt, Roselyn, Marlowe, and Callie; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, lifelong friends, and all who were blessed to know and love him.

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Bobby never sought recognition or attention. Instead, he lived a life marked by humility, honesty, faithfulness, and love. He showed those around him that life doesn’t have to be loud to leave a lasting impact. His gentle spirit, quiet strength, and steadfast love for his family will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Though our hearts are broken, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ. We find peace in knowing Bobby’s suffering has ended, his faith has become sight, and he has been welcomed into the presence of his Savior. While he will be deeply missed every day, the love he gave so freely and the legacy he leaves behind will remain in our hearts until the joyful day we see him again.

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Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, July 19, 2026 in Young’s Chapel with Rev. Sye Duke officiating. Visitation for friends and family will begin at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to UCAPS, P.O. Box 204, El Dorado, AR 71730.

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William Raymond “Bill” Johnson, 91, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday, July 12, 2026. He passed away peacefully at his home with his beloved wife, Elsie, and devoted family friend, Teri Philyaw, by his side.

Bill was born on October 24, 1934, in Smackover, Arkansas, to Bernice and Melva Smith Johnson. He was the oldest of three sons and spent his early childhood in Smackover before his family moved to Louann, Arkansas. At about nine years old, Bill lost the sight in his right eye. Despite this challenge, he never allowed it to define him and accomplished everything in life with the use of only one eye, demonstrating remarkable determination and perseverance.

He graduated from Smackover High School in 1952. After working briefly in the oil fields, Bill attended Arkansas A&M, where he worked his way through college while supporting his young family. He graduated in 1958 with a degree in Forestry.

In 1959, Bill began a distinguished 31-year career with the U.S. Forest Service, serving entirely in California. During his career, he achieved many accomplishments, including securing the final privately owned parcel needed by the Forest Service to complete the Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches from the Mexican border to Canada.

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After retiring he and his wife moved back to Arkansas to again take up residency in Smackover. Bill and Elsie would take daily walks on the city walking trail behind their house when they weren’t camping and fishing you could always catch him working in his garden which was another great hobby of his.

Above all else, Bill cherished his family. He loved camping, hunting, fishing, and cutting firewood, and he continued enjoying those activities well into his late eighties. He also was an avid bowler being able to bowl for a high average with either his left or right hand. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, quiet determination, unwavering faith, and deep love for his family.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Elsie Small Johnson; his sons, Larry Johnson and his wife, Sharlotte, and David Johnson and his wife, Debbie; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, and 5 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernice and Melva Johnson, and his brothers, Gerald Johnson and Jerry C. Johnson.

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Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, July 19, 2026 in First United Methodist Church, 500 W. 7th Street, Smackover, Arkansas 71762. Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Bill’s life and the lasting legacy of faith, perseverance, and love that he leaves behind.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 500 W. 7th Street, Smackover, AR 71762.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

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Patricia Anne (Pesnell) Arnold, known lovingly to all as Pat, passed away on June 11, 2026, at her home in Smackover, Arkansas surrounded by family. She was 81 years old. Born on October 18, 1944, in Smackover, Arkansas to Harold Pesnell and Ollie May Hardy Pesnell. Pat lived a life defined by devotion to her family, the warmth of her spirit, and the quiet, steady work of her hands.

Pat is survived by her husband of 61 years, Jerry Arnold; her sons, Kenneth (Brenda), Mike, and Jeff (Amy); her daughter, Michelle; her daughter in law, Debbie; and numerous grandchildren, including Alyson (Scotty), Ashley (Allen), Brianna, Brittany, Cody (Caitlin), Devan (Traci), Denver, Kennan, Kenneth, Matthew, and Shelby. Along with 18 great grandchildren.

Pat was a homemaker and a gifted seamstress, and she poured her heart into both. Her sewing was more than a hobby; it was an extension of who she was, a way of creating beauty and comfort for the people she loved. Especially crafting something special for a grandchild. She found purpose and joy in the rhythms of caring for her family.

You could find her in her recliner being guarded by her beloved chihuahuas, who were her constant and faithful companions. Anyone who sat at her table knew she made the best sweet tea, a glass of it was as much a part of visiting granny as much as her hugs. Saying “bye-bye” was never quite enough for her. She would follow you out to the porch just to say it a few more times and watch you drive away.

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Pat’s faith was a steady presence in her life, and her family finds comfort in knowing she is at peace in the arms of her Lord. As Proverbs 31:31 reminds us, “Honor her for all that her hands have done.”

A funeral service celebrating Pat’s life will be held on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Victory Church in El Dorado, Arkansas. Family and friends are welcome to gather and remember a woman whose love was as constant and comforting as the place she called home.

Cora Stelle Billingsley Claughton Lacefield, devoted educator, respected community leader, and beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, in Spring, Texas, at the age of 92.

Born on October 21, 1933, in Reader, Arkansas, Stelle dedicated her life to serving others through education. A graduate of the University of South Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts degree, she began her teaching career in 1957 in the Houston and Spring Independent School Districts. Over the course of a distinguished forty-two-year career, she taught English, served as a guidance counselor, principal, curriculum director, and ultimately retired as Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services, Support Services, and Community Relations for Spring Independent School District.

In 1970, Stelle was named principal of Bammel Middle School, where she pioneered innovative middle school instruction in one of the first open-space middle schools in the Houston area. She later served as principal of Spring High School before assuming district leadership positions that would impact generations of students, educators, and families. Her dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to public education left an enduring mark on the community she loved.

In recognition of her extraordinary service, Spring Independent School District honored her by naming Stelle Claughton Middle School in her honor. The school stands as a lasting tribute to her decades of leadership, mentorship, and devotion to educational excellence.

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Stelle was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Billingsley and Gladys Mosley Billingsley; her brothers, Marion Billingsley and Bob Billingsley; and her beloved husband, Ike Raymond Lacefield.

She is survived by her daughter, Louann Ryan Seleznov and husband, Richard Seleznov; her son, William Russell Claughton and fiancée, Denise Blasz; her grandchildren, Matthew Ryan Wanninger, Sarah Elizabeth Ann Donahue and husband, James Donahue, and Derrick Allen Stogsdill and wife, Samantha Stogsdill; her cherished great-grandchildren, Jaxon Donahue, Carly Stogsdill, Ryan Stogsdill, and Brooks Stogsdill; and her beloved sister, Norma Elizabeth Norris and husband, James Norris, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Stelle will be remembered for her wisdom, grace, strength of character, and steadfast belief in the power of education to change lives. Her influence reached far beyond the schools she served, touching the lives of countless students, teachers, colleagues, and community members. She leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, and love that will continue to inspire future generations.

Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

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A graveside service celebrating Stelle’s life will be held at Arlington Memorial Park in El Dorado, Arkansas, on June 19, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.

May she rest in eternal peace.

Condolences can be express at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

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She graduated from Smackover High School in 1992. Aprile then attended Ouachita Baptist University and graduated with her education degree in 1996. She married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, Ricky, on June 8, 1996. Together they raised two beautiful children, Reagan and Rhett. They brought tremendous joy to her life. While they kept her busy, she wouldn’t have changed it for the world. Aprile wore many titles, and while “mom” was her favorite, she didn’t take any of them for granted.

Aprile was a wife, mom, sister, aunt, friend, educator, encourager, and many more. She devoted 29 years to education between 3 schools, West Side, Smackover High School and El Dorado High School. Aprile received numerous awards and recognition throughout her years, such as Teacher of the Year and Educator of the Year, among many others. While she was grateful for the acknowledgements, her real reason for education was the students. She truly adored her students, and she strived for her classroom to be a bright spot in a dark world. Many of her students may tell about circle time, encouragement sheets or maybe even “Tell Me Something Good”, but they will all tell you how infectious her smile was and how loved she made them feel. Aprile was a beacon of light and exemplified Christ in every aspect. Even facing a terminal diagnosis, her faith never wavered. She wanted God to receive all of the glory through this journey, and there is no doubt that He did. There is no question that when Aprile left her earthly body and saw Jesus’ face, that she was met with the words we all strive to hear one day- “Well Done my good and faithful servant.”

Aprile is preceded in death by her daddy, David Willett, maternal grandparents, P.O. and Tex Long, paternal grandparents, Max and Violet Willett, and her father in law, Harold Richardson.

She is survived by her loving husband, Ricky Richardson, her daughter, Reagan McLelland (Tanner), her son, Rhett Richardson, her mother, Paula Clark, one sister, Amy Jones (Jamison), one brother, Scott Willett (Jessie), her mother in law, Jeanette Richardson, and precious uncles, aunts, cousins, and nephews.

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She is also survived by her dog, Archie, who brought so much love and joy to her life.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at Young’s.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 11, 2026 at the First Baptist Church in Smackover with Bro. Carly Davis officiating. Burial will follow at Salem Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

In lieu of flowers, Aprile would prefer donations be made to CARTI El Dorado or FBC Smackover.

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Condolences can be expressed online at www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Richardson family.