Classmate Obituaries - Letter H

These obituaries correspond with the yearbooks that are listed on this website. Whenever possible, the source of the obituary will be shown as well as the date.

Hambric, Carroll H.

Carroll H. Hambric, 66, a lifelong resident passed away Saturday, July 23, 2016. Carroll was born on October 8, 1949, to Luke and Lucy Hambric of Benton. He was a graduate of the Benton High School Class of 67. He was drafted into the Army in the summer of 1969 and in December before leaving for his tour of duty in Vietnam, he and Linda G. Phillips were married.
After discharge from the Military, Carroll joined his father in law, Charles P. Phillips and Phillips Home Builders and together made it the largest home building and land development company in the county. He remained there until his health failed in July 1997. The will to live and determination to see his grandchildren grow and become Christians sustained him.
Carroll will be most remembered for the love of the game. His small stature at an early age did not keep him from being a fierce competitor. He excelled in baseball, pole vaulting, basketball, even a bit of football, but baseball was his passion. It was the Army that made a man out of him, returning from Vietnam he had grown inches inches and picked up about 40 pounds, soft ball became his game.
During the next 30 years he would play for the most well-known teams in Arkansas. He became one of the best long ball hitters in the state and played in four ASA National and one USSSA National tournaments. Not only did he play softball during those years, he coached baseball from teeny league moving up with many of the same young men through American Legion. He touched countless lives teaching them the skills of the game.
In 1992, playing with Thomas Oil in Birmingham, Alabama, at the USSSA Nationals, Hambric hit home runs giving him a personal best of participating in five national tournaments and hitting home runs in each during a span of three decades. In 1993 he was named to the Wally Hall Dream Team. He was inducted into the Arkansas Softball Hall of Fame in 2000 and into the Benton Softball Hall of Fame in 2002.
He is survived by his two grandchildren, Ethan and Preslee, who lovingly called him “Meaty," his son Jarrod and wife Brandy, a sister, Alma Henderson of Fordyce, mother-in-law, Gloria Phillips, sister-in-Law, Cheryl Brewer, a host of nieces, nephews and cousins and his wife Linda.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Luke and Lucy Hambric, a brother, Thomas A. Jordan and nephew, David Jordan, brother-in-law, James H. (Sandy) Brewer and father-in-Law, Charles P. Phillips.
Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, July 27 at Ashby Funeral Home. Visitation will be Tuesday night, July 26 from 6 p.m. till 8 p.m. at Ashby’s.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the Carroll H. Hambric Athletic Scholarship Fund, Bank of the Ozarks, Benton, Arkansas or to the Ten Mile Missionary Baptist Church Family Life Building Fund.
Special thanks to his steadfast friend, Ray Paladino, for making one of his last days, one of his best. [from Ashby Funeral Home online obituary] [Benton Class of 1967]

Hanley, Robert Lindsey "Bob"

Mr. Robert L. "Bob" Hanley, age 62, of Benton died Thursday March 24, 2011. He was born April 18, 1948, in Benton. Robert retired after 35 years with Air Products and Chemicals as an account manager He was a member of the Blue Rock Gun Club, the Ten Mile Hunting Club, and was a member of First Baptist Church in Benton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Helen Hanley, son, Bart Hanley.
Survivors, wife, Pam Holicer Hanley, Benton; daughter, Elizabeth Hanley, Benton; sister, Debra Newcomb and her husband David, Benton; grandchildren, Holden Hanley, Janna Hanley, and Jake Hanley.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday at Ashby Funeral Home Chapel with burial at New Rosemont Cemetery. Minister will be Dr. Rick Grant.
Visitation will be from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Ashby's.
Memorials may be made to Saline Memorial Hospice, Bryant Arkansas. [from Ashby Funeral Home online obituary[ [Benton Class of 1967]

Harrington, Oscar Brewster

Dr. Oscar Brewster Harrington, 86, died peacefully at home surrounded by loving family on July 17, 2013. Born August 6, 1926, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Ophelia Brewster and Leroy John Harrington.
Dr. Harrington leaves behind his bride of 62 years, Barbara, three sons, Brewster (Connie), David and Clayton (Bisha) and their families of eight grandchildren – Grace (Matt), Josh (Amanda) and Eli (Meghan); Hunter and Savannah; and Jake (Ella), Lauren, Austin (deceased) and Caleb; and six great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a brother, Leroy (El Paso), and sister, Nancy Currey (Dallas), many loving nieces, a nephew and a legacy of relationships from different generations and different walks of life - he will be greatly missed.
Dr. Harrington served in the US Navy after graduating from Benton (Arkansas) High School. He went to the University of Arkansas and studied medicine and graduated from the University of Arkansas Medical School where he met and married his bride Barbara Brothers of Little Rock. He was in family practice in Palestine, Texas, prior to moving to Houston to study General and Thoracic Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine from 1959 - 1964. He was certified with the American Board of Surgery and American Board of Thoracic Surgery. In 2006 he was awarded the Tennessee Outstanding Physician for his leadership and "tremendous contributions" in the field of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery for over 50 years; his accomplishments included being a clinical assistant professor and instructor in Thoracic Surgery at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center and memberships in American Medical Association, the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation and the Michael DeBakey International Cardiovascular Society. He was also a past president of the Southern Thoracic Surgery Association, the Southern Surgical Society, and the Memphis Heart Association. He also was the Methodist Hospital Foundations Living Award recipient in 1992. Among other accomplishment Dr. Harrington performed the first heart transplant at Methodist Hospital and practiced and grew the Heart Institute at Methodist University Hospital for over 40 years. All of those career milestones led to the honor of Methodist University Hospital naming the O. Brewster Harrington Cardiac Clinical Care Unit after him in February 2012.
Dr. Harrington was a sportsman enjoying hunting, fishing and canoeing and lived what he preached by keeping active through swimming and golf. He was a past City Champion in handball and over the years loved basketball, football and tennis. A memorial service will be held on Monday July 22, 2013, at 2:00 at Christ United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Maxie Dunham presiding. Visitation will follow at Christ United Methodist.
Memorial contributions may be given to the glory of God to the Methodist Hospital Foundation, the Church Health Center, Christ United Methodist Church or to the ministry of your choice. [from Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery online obituary] [Benton Class of 1944]

Harris, Donnie Lee

Donnie Lee Harris Sr. was born May 5, 1948, in Hot Springs. He and Marshalene Hart married January 20, 1967. They are the parents of two children Donnie Lee Harris Jr. and Melisa Dawn Harris Frick.
Donnie died July 21, 1974, of Acute Myelocytic Leukemia at the University of Arkansas Medical Center in Little Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas. His death came almost four years from the date of his diagnosis.
At the time that he was diagnosed, his wife, Marsha, had been hospitalized for premature labor (at eight months) and had just been released from the hospital. She was staying with her parents at the time she was contacted by Donnie's doctor and found out the probable diagnosis. Donnie was diagnosed by his long-time family physician, Dr. Cecil Parkerson. He went to the doctor because of "regular headaches" and “paleness.” After doing a couple of tests, Dr. Parkerson referred him to UAMS in Little Rock for a more thorough "work up"; however, he had already tentatively diagnosed the leukemia.
Donnie went through several remissions during the four years of his illness. He became well known in Hot Springs. There were several articles about him in the Hot Springs Sentinel-Record newspaper during the time. He was also featured on a Little Rock television program. Though he was not able to be employed because of his illness, he nevertheless stayed busy. During his illness, he was instrumental in setting up the first National Junior Cancer Society at Hot Springs High School. He was also active in the Hot Springs Jaycee Civic Club. As sponsors of the annual Hot Springs Christmas Parade, the Jaycees named an award given each year for him. "The Donnie Harris Memorial Trophy" was awarded for a number of years to the float which best represented what Christmas meant to a child. [Written by Marshalene (Hart) Harris Edwards] [Hot Springs Class of 1967]

Harris, Ira Flynn

Ira Flynn Harris, age 59, of Benton, went to be with his Lord on Thursday, March 15, 2007. He was born in Benton, Arkansas, on November 17, 1947. Flynn was a Vietnam veteran and was retired from both the Arkansas Air National Guard and the Pine Bluff Arsenal. He was an active member of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church and served his Lord through his musical talents and his daily life.
He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Rita; one son, Jason and his wife Toni; one daughter, Mandi and her husband Chris; sisters, Sherry and Shelia; parents, Wilton and Odean; two grandsons, Justin and Logan, all of Saline County, Arkansas as well aunts, an uncle, cousins, a niece, two nephews, and a host of friends too numerous to count.
Flynn made friends with everyone he met. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and son who will be missed.
Visitation will be at Ashby Funeral Home on Sunday, March 18, 2007, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Funeral services will be held Monday, March 19, 2007, at Sharon Missionary Baptist Church in Benton at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery. [from Ashby Funeral Home online obituary] [Benton Class of 1965]

Hockersmith, Glen

Glen Hockersmith, age 56, of Dallas, formerly of Benton; passed away Tuesday April 13, 2004, in Dallas, Texas. He was born on October 6, 1947, in Little Rock, Arkansas. Mr. Hockersmith was a dentist and a former Arkansas Razorback football member. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, James H. "Boo" and Mildred Hockersmith. He is survived by his wife, Diane Hockersmith and two stepchildren of Dallas. Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday at Ashby Funeral Home with burial at Old Rosemont. [from Ashby Funeral Home website] [Benton Class of 1965]

Hockersmith, Joe David

Joe David Hockersmith Sr., 53, of Benton died Wednesday, April 21, 2004.
He was born August 23, 1950, in Saline County.
Survivors include his parents, T. L. Jr. and Clara Hockersmith; a son, Joe Hockersmith Jr. and wife Michelle; a brother, Tip Hockersmith; two sisters, Mary Williams and GeorgeAnn Brown; two grandchildren, Angel Hockersmith and Joe Hockersmith III.
Memorial services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Ashby Funeral Home, with Dr. Rick Grant officiating. [from the Benton Courier, date unknown] [Benton Class of 1969]

Hodges, Robert Edward

R. E. (Robert Edward) Hodges, 68, of Russellville, passed away Tuesday, September 1, 2015, at his home in Russellville. The son of Ruben Hodges and Margie Ophelia (McMickle) Hodges, he was born March 15, 1947, in Forrest City, Arkansas. He was a graduate of Benton High School and Arkansas Tech University with a bachelor’s degree in biology. He was an accomplished athlete, setting many records playing for the “Wonder Boys.” He still holds the record for the most pass interceptions in a single season: 11 for ATU in 1968.
From 1971-73 he worked as associate alumni director for ATU.
Until his retirement in 2013 he served as Director of Grants and Contracts for Area Agency on Aging of West Central Arkansas building and improving 15 senior activity centers across 10 counties and launching many innovative programs including Agency’s Senior Companion Program and, along with Dr. Harvey Young, Arkansas’ Senior Olympics in 1983. 36 years later he participated in this event winning a Gold Medal for cycling. He is a recipient of the Dr. Hilquit Lynch Memorial Award for meritorious service and achievement to senior adults in West Central Arkansas.
He served over 20 years in the US Army Reserves, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
He was currently serving on Pope County’s Quorum Court, as Russellville Lions Club President elect and on the Governor’s Council on Aging. Past service included Russellville’s Planning Commission, Historic District Commission and Board of Adjustment, and as a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters, River Valley United Way, ATU Foundation Board and ATU Alumni Board and founding board member of Help Network.
R. E. was a member of the All Saints Episcopal Church and past member of the Vestry. Through the years he enjoyed quail hunting, motor cycling, golfing, road biking and target shooting.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include his wife of 13 years, Suzanne Alford Hodges of Russellville; two daughters, Holly Mays and husband, Doug, and granddaughter Lana LaBatt, all of Satellite Beach, Florida, and Amy Franz and husband, John of North East, Maryland; two stepdaughters, Polly Beasley and husband, Scott and their children, Rhett and Zach, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Rebecca Haas and husband, Jacob and their children, Michael and Henry, of Greeneville, Tennessee; a sister, Sue Baker and husband, Brett of Jonesboro; a brother, Jerry Hodges of Streettman, Texas.
An outdoor memorial service will be held at 9:00 a.m., Saturday, September 5, 2015, at All Saints Episcopal Church in Russellville. Visitation will follow the service in the Shoemaker Hall until 11:30 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Saints Episcopal Church, 501 S Phoenix, Russellville, AR 72801, RE Hodges Scholarship Fund, ATU Foundation, 8820 Tech Lane, Rslv, AR 72801, Area Agency on Aging of West Central Arkansas,(Senior Aid) 915 S Arkansas Ave, Rslv, AR 72801, Lions Recycle for Sight, Arkansas Hospice, 2405 E Parkway, Suite 3, Rslv, AR. or to a favorite charity. [from Humphrey Funeral Home online obituary] [Benton Class of 1965]

Hopper, Donna Marie Hargrave

Donna Marie Hargrave Hopper, 64, of Benton, Arkansas passed away November 15, 2015. She was born November 27, 1950 in Chillicothe, Missouri to the late Donald Ray and Kathryn Jo (Jones) Hargrave.
Donna enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, watching Arkansas Razorback sports, and travelling.
Donna leaves to cherish her memories her loving husband, Willis Franklin (Buddy) Hopper; son, Major Matthew Don Hopper and his wife Danielle; two grandchildren, Jackson and Susanna Hopper; brother, Phillip Hargrave; and many other family members and friends who loved Donna and will miss her always.
Memorial service, officiated by Rev. Noah Knapp, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at Smith-Benton Funeral Home, 322 N. Market St., Benton, Arkansas 72015. Reception visitation will follow the memorial service.
Care entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home. [from Smith-Benton Funeral Home online obituary] [Benton Class of 1968]

Hopper, Howard J.

Howard J. Hopper, aged 34, of Benton died Friday.
He was a special education instructor for the Civitan Center in Benton.
Survivors include his wife, Jody Lynn Cogbill Hopper; a stepdaughter, Denise Hopper of Benton; his mother, Mildred Hopper of Houston, Texas; and a sister, Phyllis Hastings of Claremore, Oklahoma.
Funeral was to be at 11 a.m. today at Ballards Funeral Home. Burial was to be at New Rosemont Cemetery.
The family asks that any memorials be made to the Civitan Center. [from the Benton Courier, Monday, March 12, 1984, page 11] [Benton Class of 1967]

Howard, Kathryn Taylor

Kathryn Taylor Howard of Benton died Wednesday, July 9, 2003, in Little Rock. She was 55.
Mrs. Howard was born December 26, 1947, in Benton. She was a retired secretary and a Mary Kay consultant for 14 years. She was a member of the Bryant Church of Christ.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilburn and Verna Taylor, and her husband, Curtis Van Howard.
Survivors include her son, Kevin Howard and his wife Christie of Benton; two stepsons, Randy Day of Little Rock and Robert Day and his wife Angie of Magnolia; two sisters, Wilene Marcuccio of Houston, Texas, and Nedra Nelson of Benton; and five grandchildren, Emily, Hannah, Carly, Carter, and Cody.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday at Bryant Church of Christ with B. Kendall, Mike Jones and John White officiating.
Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Ashby Funeral Home in Benton.
Memorials may be made to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. [from the Benton Courier, July 11, 2003, page 2] [Benton Class of 1965]

Hudson, James W.

James W. Hudson, age 75, of Benton, Arkansas, passed away on July 19, 2016, in Little Rock, Arkansas. James was born in Willow, Arkansas (Dallas County), on October 29, 1940. He married Kaye Shelnutt Hudson in Benton on June 3, 1960.
He graduated from Benton High School in 1959 and joined the US Navy where he served two years active duty and four years reserve. He became an employee of Alcoa retiring after 45 years.
He was an avid fisherman, sharing his catch with family, friends and often complete strangers. PawPaw James' Fish Fry was a delicious treat to all! He was a member of First Baptist Church of Benton and loved studying the Bible.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbern ''Mike'' Hudson and Katherine Hudson Catton and brother, Jerry A. Hudson; father in law Joe C. Shelnutt and brother in law, Joe C. Shelnutt Jr.
He is survived by his wife, Kaye Shelnutt Hudson of Benton, Arkansas; his daughter, Shannon White and husband, Bill of Benton; his sons Steve Hudson and wife, Tara of Bentonville, Arkansas, and Joe Hudson and wife, Linsey of Clinton, Arkansas; his grandchildren, Jamie Vinson, Caleb Hudson, Katie Wadley, Lucy White, Claire White, Liam Hudson, and Chloe Hudson; Mother in law, Rheba L. Shelnutt; sisters in law, Scila Hudson of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Gloria Shelnutt of Benton; six nieces and nephews and their families; and beloved Westie, Alfie.
Honorary pallbearers will be Caleb Hudson, Liam Hudson, Alek Witt, Tim McDaniel, Tim Nelson, Dr. Joe Martindale, Dr. Mark Martindale, Brian Hudson, Mark Hudson, John Schamel, Tom Pack, Bill White, Nathan Chamblee, and Chuck Shelnutt.
Visitation will be held on Friday, July 22, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. in First Baptist Church Selph Hall followed by memorial service beginning at 11:00 a.m. First Baptist Church with Bro. Edd Spurlock officiating.
Private inurnment will follow at the State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Arkansas ALS Association Arkansas Chapter, 1200 W. Walnut, Suite 2309, Rogers, AR 72756 or First Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 211 S. Market Street, Benton, AR 72015.
Arrangements by Roller-Ballard Funeral Home in Benton (501-315-4047). [from Roller-Ballard Funeral Home online obituary] [Benton Class of 1959]

Hutzel, Homer, III

Homer Hutzel, III, 66, passed away Thursday, February 13, 2014, at Crossgates River Oaks Hospital in Brandon. Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday, February 17, 2014, at Natchez Trace Funeral Chapel in Madison with interment in Natchez Trace Memorial Park. Visitation will be 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. today at Natchez Trace Funeral Home.
Mr. Hutzel was a native of Hot Springs and was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving in the U.S. Air Force. He was the owner of Homer's Bar-B-Q and was an avid fisherman. He is survived by his wife, Ann Looney Hutzel; daughters, Michelle Hutzel Berryhill and Whitney Hutzel; sons, Jon Hutzel (Melinda) and Jon Edward Scott; mother, Virginia Irene Hutzel; brother, Mike Hutzel (Kim); nine grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to: American Heart Association, Madison Church of Christ or Lake Harbor Drive Church of Christ. [from the Sentinel-Record, February 16, 2014, page 9A] [Hot Springs Class of 1966]