Obituaries

Rep. Beryl Anthony, Jr.

Published

2 years ago

January 15, 2025

Beryl Franklin Anthony Jr. was born in El Dorado, Arkansas, the son of Oma Lee and Beryl Anthony. He stood tall as a leader, was a tried and true friend, a devoted husband and father, and a champion of many social and environmental causes throughout his 24 years in public service. Those who knew him loved him, and everything he did came with a good story.

At the University of Arkansas, he earned his B.S. and B.A. in 1961, and his Juris Doctor in 1963; He was Rush Chairman for Sigma Chi Fraternity and a letterman of the Arkansas Razorback golf team from 1959-1960. Hosting a fraternity rush event in Hot Springs, he met his bride to be, Sheila Foster, and they wed in Hope, Arkansas on August 4, 1962. Sheila and Beryl danced through the ups and downs of life together for the next 62 years.

Admitted to the Arkansas bar in 1963, Anthony began his legal practice in his hometown of

El Dorado. He then served as a state assistant attorney general from 1964-65 and as deputy prosecuting attorney for Union County, until 1970. He won his first elected public office that year, as the Prosecuting Attorney for the13th Judicial District of Arkansas. During his tenure as president of the State Association of Prosecutors, he led many initiatives to reform the Arkansas criminal code and to improve the professionalism of state Prosecutors. He returned to private practice in 1976, and served as counsel to Anthony Forest Products, a fourth-generation family company.

Family life in El Dorado centered around many friends and colleagues, and his large Anthony family which gathered most weekends and holidays. He was especially close to his siblings, and their 11 combined children. Sundays, he and his brother John packed a picnic lunch and took the kids waterskiing on the Ouachita River. To celebrate America’s bi-centennial on July 4, 1976, Anthony organized and hosted a classic day of games, races and fireworks for the neighborhood children, with newly minted Susan B. Anthony silver dollars as prizes. Everyone who attended still remembers the day.

When the 4th Congressional District seat opened up in 1978, Anthony threw his hat in the ring. The make up of the district covered 25 counties in the southern half of Arkansas, and included major diverse interests. After winning the seat, Anthony relocated to Washington DC with his family to serve his constituents for the next 14 years.

Elected Vice-President of his Freshman class, Beryl quickly gained the confidence of fellow House members and leadership. He was assigned to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee where he developed a top voice in tax code negotiations for the country. He also served on the Social Security, Oversight and Trade Subcommittees and the Select Committee on Children, Youth and Families.

In 1987 he was nominated to lead the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, which he chaired until 1991. In 1988, he founded the Anthony Commission on Public Finance, a bi-partisan group of governors, mayors, state treasurers, county officials and other experts to study tax-exempt finance for states and municipalities and improve the federal tax code in this area. For five years, the Anthony Commission recommended legislation to make the public funding of required infrastructure and facilities more affordable in all 50 states.

Caught up in an era of sea change, Anthony lost his bid for re-election in 1992. He turned again to private law practice as a partner in the Washington office of Winston and Strawn and served on numerous corporate and charitable boards. During this time he proudly supported his wife through her legal career and her tenure as Federal Trade Commissioner before their eventual retirement.

Splitting time between Hendersonville, NC and Palm City, FL Beryl continued to stay active in local politics, supporting and mentoring young candidates. He and Sheila were active participants in their retirement communities, and he remained an avid golfer where he won a combined total 8 club championships. He created initiatives that support fish and wildlife and taught many visiting children and grandchildren how to fish. An impassioned wildlife photographer, he always appreciated and sought to document the natural world around him.

He is survived by his wife, Sheila Anthony, and daughters, Alison Anthony Bethune (Sam) and Lauren Anthony Cargill, and five granddaughters, Nicole and Olivia Bethune, and Lilia, Hope and Juliet Cargill.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Beryl’s favorite charities: The Boys and Girls Club of America.

Please feel free to share a remembrance or message of condolence with the family through this online guestbook.

Obituaries

Catherine McVay, El Dorado

Published

1 week ago

August 10, 2026

Grant Merrill

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Catherine A McVay of El Dorado, born in Fort Smith, Arkansas on July 8, 1932 and passed August 5, 2026 at the beautiful age of 94.

Kay was predeceased in death by her husband, David O McVay and her eldest son Michael W McVay. Kay is survived by her daughter, Karen A Eyhorn of Lubbock, TX, David P McVay of Magnolia, Linda M McVay of El Dorado, Stephen J McVay of El Dorado, Susan K McVay of Amarillo, TX, Patrick G McVay (wife Tham) of El Dorado, and a special friend of the family, Steve Ware of El Dorado.

Kay was blessed to have 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

The viewing will be at 10:00 am on Monday, August 10, 2026 followed by the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Arlington Memorial Park under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors in El Dorado.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in El Dorado or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

A guest registry is available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com on the Internet.

Obituaries

Arthur Cameron, El Dorado

Published

1 week ago

August 10, 2026

Grant Merrill

Arthur Junior Cameron, 86 of El Dorado passed away Tuesday, August 4, 2026 at his residence.

Born July 18, 1940 in El Dorado, he was the son of Arthur Benson and Mabel Woolsey Cameron. Mr. Cameron had retired from Ensco as a truck driver and also had served in the U. S. Navy.

Preceding him death were his parents and a son, Toby Cameron.

Survivors include his wife, Akimi Cameron of El Dorado, a son Anthony Cameron (Jennifer) of Hot Springs and a sister, Mildred Raines of El Dorado. Surviving grandchildren are, Alexander Cameron (Lauren) of Baton Rouge, LA, Kaylee Cameron, Mabel Cameron, Daysha Cameron and Preston Cameron all of Hot Springs.

Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at Young’s with funeral services to follow at 10:00 a.m. in Young’s Chapel with Tee Raines officiating. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Cemetery under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

Obituaries

Ray Fairris, El Dorado

Published

2 weeks ago

August 4, 2026

Grant Merrill

Ray Torrence Fairris, 62, of El Dorado passed away Thursday, July 30, 2026, at his residence surrounded by family.

Born June 22, 1964, in El Dorado, he was the son of Mordecai and Velma Torrence Fairris. Ray had been employed as a boiler operator for Great Lakes Chemical and was a longtime member of St. Paul Methodist Church.

Ray was known for his willingness to help others. Ray especially enjoyed spending time with his grandson, John Ray, and found great fulfillment in building wheelchair ramps for members of the community through St. Paul Methodist Church’s wheelchair ramp ministry.

Preceding him in death, along with his parents, were a son, Ray Torrence Fairris, Jr.; his father and mother-in-law, Joe and Wanda Manasco Hogue; a brother-in-law, Doug Hogue; and a nephew, Jason Hogue.

Survivors include his wife, Lori Hogue Fairris of El Dorado; a daughter, Rachel Thompson (Justin) of Junction City, LA; a sister, Elizabeth Fairris of El Dorado; brothers, Marty Fairris of El Dorado and Larry Fairris (Audrey) of Whiting, IN; and his beloved grandson, John Ray Thompson of Junction City.

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at St. Paul Methodist Church with Rev. John Mark Moore officiating. A reception for friends and family will follow in the Fellowship Hall. Cremation services are entrusted to Young’s Funeral Directors.

Memorials may be made to St. Paul Wheelchair Ramp Projects or Helping Hands Food Pantry Ministry, 700 West 8th Street, El Dorado, AR 71730, in honor of Ray’s faithful participation in these ministries.

Online condolences for the Fairris family may be expressed at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.

Obituaries

Jim Butterfield, Parkers Chapel

Published

3 weeks ago

July 29, 2026

Grant Merrill

Jimmie “Jim” Darryl Butterfield, a lifelong resident of Parkers Chapel, passed away on July 27, 2026, at the age of 63. He was born on February 1, 1963, in El Dorado, Arkansas.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis Butterfield and Merry Millican Butterfield; his infant son, Joshua, who went to be with the Lord at birth; his maternal grandparents, Millard and Evelyn Tucker Millican of Parkers Chapel; and his paternal grandparents, Howard and Vada Faulkner Butterfield of Smackover.

He is survived by his brother, Matthew Butterfield; his sister-in-law, Andrea Butterfield; and his nephew, Ethan Butterfield, all of Prosper, Texas. He is also survived by his aunts, uncle, and many cousins who will cherish his memory.

Jim dedicated many years of service to Tucker Truck in El Dorado, where he built lasting friendships and considered his coworkers an extension of his family.

A funeral service will be held at Young’s Funeral Home on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Tracy Roden. Visitation will be held at the funeral home prior to the service. There will be no graveside service or interment, but Jim will be laid to rest at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens close to his parents and grandparents.

The family requests that memorials be made in Jim’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Union County Animal Protection Society in El Dorado in lieu of flowers. Jim had a special love for his dogs, who were among his most cherished companions. They have been placed in the care of the Union County Animal Protection Society, where they will be available to find loving forever homes.

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

Obituaries

William Robert King, El Dorado

Published

1 month ago

July 20, 2026

Grant Merrill

William Robert “Bobby” King, 80, of El Dorado, Arkansas, entered his heavenly home on July 15th, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of quiet strength, unwavering kindness, and unconditional love.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.