Arkansas
Obituaries from Saline County Arkansas Aug 15th – MySaline
Bobby E. Summerville, 73 of Mabelvale, handed away peacefully in his sleep at residence surrounded by his household on August 10, 2022. Bobby was born in Traskwood, Arkansas on October 17, 1948 to Horace Eugene and Eula Mae Lobbs Summerville. He was lovingly met in Heaven by his mother and father and sister, Charlotte.
Bobby is survived by his spouse, Barbara, daughters, Jennifer (David) Crabtree, Stefanie (Chris) Davis, Cindy Wilson; son, Steven Summerville, 9 grandkids, seven nice grandkids, brother, Danny Summerville and sister, Pat Neighbors-Griffin.
Bobby retired after 39 years with Hiland (Coleman) Dairy. He ran the final residence supply route that Coleman Dairy had in 1995 and was featured on TV and within the newspaper. He went on to be the Loss Management Supervisor at Hiland Dairy on the time of his retirement.
From 1970 to 1986, Bobby was a inventory automobile driver at I-30, Batesville, Heber Springs and a number of other different tracks across the state. He completed within the high 3 at Batesville, Heber Springs and I-30.
Bobby and Barbara beloved driving their Goldwing trike. One among their favourite journeys was 1600 miles to Greenville, South Carolina. They have been Chapter Presidents of the Little Rock Goldwing Chapter and made many buddies within the Goldwing neighborhood.
Bobby was a loving husband to his spouse, Barbara who he adored. They have been collectively for 17 brief years and made probably the most of each second. You very seldom noticed one with out the opposite. Their whole devotion to 1 one other may by no means be doubted.
Via Bobby’s religion in Christ, he excelled at being the perfect husband, father, grandfather and good friend. His legacy will reside on via his household and buddies.
The household needs to thank Dr. Wilder, Tiffany Willis and Paula of Carti; Dr. Jason Holder for all of the fantastic care they gave to Bobby via this journey.
Bobby was a member of Cornerstone Church of the Nazarene and had a powerful religion in God and His love. The previous two years of his life as he acquired chemo at Carti, he would hand out pennies with a cross on them and testify to God’s goodness. He instructed everybody that God’s received this.
Chapel companies by Ashby Funeral Dwelling will probably be 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August fifteenth together with his expensive good friend and pastor, Tim Evans officiating. Burial will observe at Forest Hills Cemetery
Visitation will probably be at Ashbys, Monday, 1:00 p.m. till 2:00 p.m. earlier than companies.
On-line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
William Mark Winters, age 77, of Benton, handed away Thursday, August 11, 2022. He was born February 5, 1945 in Houston, Texas. Mark was a member of First Baptist Church in Benton and in addition attended the First United Methodist Church in Benton together with his spouse. He labored a number of years wholesaling vehicles for Michael Callahan and later drove vehicles for Mark Duke.
He’s preceded in demise by his mother and father, Dempsey Mark Winters & Nettie Womble Winters and a son, Robert David (Davey) Winters.
He’s survived by his spouse, Lois (Cissie) Winters; son, Brian Mark Winters; and a brother, Robert Winters.
Visitation will probably be 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 17 at Ashby Funeral Dwelling with memorial companies starting at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials could also be made to the First United Methodist Church @ 200 N. Market St. in Benton, Ar 72015.
On-line visitor ebook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Charles Ebb King Sr., age 87, of Benton, handed away Thursday, August 11, 2022. He was born September 22, 1934 in Huntsville, Arkansas. Charles labored a number of years as a barber.
He’s preceded in demise by his mother and father, Julius Gurdon King & Flossie Marie Jett King and a brother, Jimmy R. King.
Charles is survived by his spouse, Vida King of Benton; son, Charles King Jr. (Victoria) of Cary, North Carolina; daughter, Cynthia James (Todd) of Lonsdale; brother, Kenneth King of Springdale; 4 grandchildren, Andrea King, Vicky King, Blake James, and Amy James; and one great-grandson, Brantley James.
Visitation will probably be 6:00 to eight:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 17 at Ashby Funeral Dwelling.
Graveside companies will probably be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 18 at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Bauxite. Bro. Paul Sheets will probably be officiating.
Mary Gail (McWilliams) Blackburn, 85, of Benton, went to be along with her Lord and Savior on August 12, 2022, surrounded by her household. Gail is proceeded in demise by her loving husband of 65 years, William Thomas (Tom) Blackburn, and oldsters, George Lee McWilliams and Ruth Marion (Bennett) McWilliams; sister, Betty McWilliams English; and brother, Paul Ray McWilliams. Gail is survived by her son, Thomas Paul Blackburn (Freida). She was a really particular Granny to her grandchildren, Lauren Blackburn Harter (Jason); Megan Blackburn Cole (Jason); great-grandchildren, Owen Thomas Harter and Callan Elliott Cole; and sisters, Gwen McWilliams Wilson (Pete) and Mickey McWilliams Ramsey (Tommy Dean).
Gail was born November 19, 1936 in Bodcaw, Arkansas. She graduated from Benton Excessive College in 1955. She was a homemaker, devoted to elevating her son and serving to along with her granddaughters as soon as they got here alongside. Gail was very concerned in genealogical analysis and was a constitution member, officer, and board member of the Saline County Historical past and Heritage Society. The love of genealogical analysis allowed her to hint her heritage and grow to be a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), permitting her granddaughters to be constitution members of the Kids of the American Revolution (CAR). Gail was a member of First Baptist Church Benton the place she was an energetic member of the Women Grownup 6 Sunday College class.
A graveside service for household will probably be held at 10:00 AM on August 16, 2022 at New Rosemont Cemetery in Benton with Dr. Rick Grant officiating. Telephone calls in lieu of visits on the household residence can be appreciated.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations could also be made to the Saline County Historical past and Heritage Society or to Saline Memorial Hospice.
On-line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.
Syble Lorene Caple, 93 of Bryant, handed away on August 11, 2022. She was born on December 15, 1928 in Granite, Oklahoma to the late William and Josephine Archer Cates.
Syble was a member of West Bauxite Baptist Church.
She was preceded in demise by her mother and father, husband, Lloyd Caple, 5 brothers and two sisters.
Syble is survived by her son, David (Tammy) Caple, daughter, Darlene (Stan) Stone, 5 grandchildren and 6 nice grandchildren.
Chapel companies by Ashby Funeral Dwelling will probably be 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 16 with Bro. Kirby Caple officiating. Burial will observe at Social Hill Cemetery.
Visitation will probably be at Ashbys, Tuesday, 12:00 p.m. till 1:00 p.m. earlier than companies.
On-line guestbook at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com
Phoebe Pleasure (Hendrix) Chambers was born in Benton, Arkansas, on August 12, 1941. She was preceded in demise by her father, Robert, her mom, Mabel, and her husband, Lindy Dale Chambers, Sr. She was a loving and giving soul to her 5 kids and their spouses, her 20 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.
Phoebe has been lovingly given a number of nicknames: ”Granny” by her grandchildren; ”GiGi” by her great-grandchildren; ”Pokey” by her childhood and younger maturity buddies; and ”Speedy” by her kids as a consequence of her uncanny potential to be tardy to household occasions and a coworker who misunderstood her title on the cellphone and known as her Speedy.
Phoebe lived a lifetime of service to others in her neighborhood. She attended Benton Public Colleges and later acquired diplomas and levels as an Emergency Medical Technician, Licensed Psychiatric Technical Nurse, and Licensed Sensible Nurse. She served as a volunteer on the Springhill Hearth Division, a Saline County reserve deputy and dispatcher. She later grow to be an EMT for 2 Little Rock ambulance companies and went on to work for over 20 years as safety on the Alexander Youth Service Middle. Her closing function earlier than retirement was working as a geriatric nurse on the Arkansas Well being Middle.
Phoebe’s many hobbies included cooking for her household, together with dozens of do-it-yourself pies for vacation gatherings, amassing Peanuts memorabilia (particularly Snoopy), enjoying Solitaire on her pc, watching outdated western films, listening to music by Barbra Streisand, and studying her Bible.
Phoebe entered heaven in the future previous to her 81st birthday. Her household and buddies want her the happiest celebration in heaven along with her lord and savior, Jesus!
The household asks that, in lieu of flowers, please think about making a donation in her title to both the American Most cancers Society at most cancers.org or to the Saline County Humane Society at hssaline.org.
Lynette “Tracy” Lorene Earles, 60, of Benton, Arkansas handed away on Wednesday, August tenth, 2022. She was born to the late, Artwork and Ella Mae (Sanders) Brown, on Friday, June 22, 1962, in Jackson, California. She loved being surrounded by her canine, going fishing, and spending time along with her household. She was such a constructive particular person, and at all times made dangerous conditions appear good. She labored at her household’s retailer, Loopy Cals, for a few years.
She is preceded in demise by mother and father.
She is survived by her loving husband of 5 years, Brad Earles; three kids, Misty Spangler, Amber Spangler (Chris), and Steven Spangler; two stepchildren, Jesse Earles and Shiann Minor (Ryan); eight grandchildren, Ian, Christina, Reagan, Devin, Raylan, Reese, Rayna, and one on the way in which; two sisters, Debbie Wilson and Patricia Brown; together with a number of different household and buddies who all love her and can miss her presence drastically.
The household will maintain a non-public service at a later date.
To signal her on-line guestbook, go to www.dialanddudleyfuneralhome.com
Companies supplied by Dial and Dudley Funeral Dwelling.
John (Johnny) Dale Plummer, age 76, previously of Traskwood, AR and just lately of Benton, AR left his household and buddies on Saturday, August thirteenth, 2022, to be together with his spouse in heaven. He was born February tenth, 1946, in Little Rock, Arkansas at St. Vincent Inf. to the late, John Kieser Plummer and Frances L. Richards Plummer Rodman. He graduated from North Little Rock Excessive College in 1964 the place he performed soccer. He married his highschool sweetheart, Sandra (Sandy) Kay Plummer on July ninth, 1966 in Levy Methodist Church. They have been married for 54 years and beloved one another dearly.
Johnny was dedicated to his household and was at all times there for them. He was a pillar of energy and made buddies simply. He was the perfect husband and father, at all times supporting his household emotionally in addition to financially. His household at all times got here first.
Johnny retired from Southwestern Bell/AT&T after working there for 37 years. He beloved tenting and boating together with his spouse and household. His hobbies have been studying, family tree and vehicles. He loved engaged on vehicles together with his son. He loved woodworking and cabinetry together with his daughter. He took nice pleasure within the achievements of his grandchildren. He loved spending time together with his household.
He’s preceded in demise by his mother and father; spouse, Sandy Plummer; sister, Christina Plummer Carpenter and an toddler brother.
Johnny is survived by his daughter, Leata Plummer; son, John Plummer and his spouse, Pam; granddaughter, Stacy Plummer; grandson, Johnathan Plummer; great-grandson, Ian Plummer; brother, Richard Plummer (Doris); sister, Mary Carol Horne (Don); brothers, Ronald “Lewie” Plummer (Brenda); Michael Plummer (Annie) and William “Billy” Plummer. Johnny additionally leaves behind quite a few cousins, nieces and nephews who all love him and can miss him dearly.
A graveside service will probably be held on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Walnut Grove Cemetery off Kanis Little Rock, AR 72208. Preparations supplied by Dial and Dudley Funeral Dwelling in Bryant.
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Arkansas
Knowing the Florida Gators Opponent: Arkansas Razorbacks
Gainesville, Fla. – The Florida Gators men’s basketball team’s next destination is Fayetteville, Ark., as they’ll take on the Arkansas Razorbacks (11-4, 0-2) on Saturday for their third SEC matchup of the season.
Florida is currently sitting at 14-1 on the season and 1-1 in conference play. They opened their SEC slate with a nail-biting loss to the Kentucky Wildcats, losing 106-100 in Lexington.
However, the Gators were able to avenge this loss with one of the most dominant wins in men’s basketball history on Tuesday over No. 1 Tennessee. They trounced the Volunteers 73-43 in the O’Dome, marking the Gators’ first regular-season win over an AP No. 1-ranked team in program history and the biggest win over a No. 1-ranked team in the NCAA since 1968.
But enough about what Florida has done this season, let’s shift the focus to their opponents, the Razorbacks, and see who they are.
Arkansas’ season started out nice with a win over Lipscomb. However, it wouldn’t be the same for them in their second game of the season against then-ranked No. 8 Baylor, as they found themselves on the losing end of a tightly contested battle.
Then, following a good stretch for the team in red, they were tasked with the current No. 13 in the AP Poll, Illinois, and things wouldn’t go so well for new Razorbacks head coach John Calipari. His team was outclassed in this game 90-77, which ended their winning streak at four.
Arkansas did make amends with their fans a few games later, though. While participating in the Jimmy V Classic, they matched up with then-ranked No. 14 Michigan, who they narrowed past 89-87.
This win over the Wolverines helped maintain a three-game win streak that would eventually turn into a six-game streak. However, since SEC play started for the Razorbacks, they are 0-2 with losses to Tennessee and Ole Miss, who are currently ranked in the Top 25 AP Poll.
These pair of losses put Arkansas at just a 1-4 record against teams on their schedule to have been ranked or that are currently ranked.
While it was a complete roster overhaul for Calipari and the Razorbacks this offseason that was fueled by the transfer portal, their biggest grab has been from the high school ranks.
They added highly ranked players like Johnell Davis, Adou Thiero and Jonas Aidoo all from the portal, but it’s former five-star guard Boogie Fland who’s been arguably the best player for the Razorbacks this season.
Fland is averaging 15.5 points, 5.9 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game through 15 games this season. He is also connecting on 35.7 percent of his threes, which shows he’s more than just an inside scorer. Additionally, his 5.9 assists rank 24th among his competitors.
But in these first two SEC games, Fland is just 10-for-35 from the field and 3-for-17 from deep.
If the Gators can’t keep him in check like he’s been over these last two, then it might be a long afternoon for the visitors on Saturday.
Despite bringing in tons of talent that should’ve resulted in a great offense, Arkansas has been anything but that.
They currently rank inside the bottom five teams in the SEC in scoring offense, averaging 79.4 points per game. They do have two players scoring at least 15.0 points per game, but that’s pretty much it. Outside of Thiero (16.9) and Fland, they only have one other player in double figures (DJ Wagner, 10.5).
Moreover, if this becomes a free-throw-dominated affair, the Gators shouldn’t be too worried about the Razorbacks’ performance at the line. They are shooting 71.1 percent from the charity stripe, which is good for 12th in the league.
And, lastly, they have little to no presence on the glass. They are the worst team in the SEC in offensive rebounding, and they are 13th out of 16 teams in overall rebounding. These are two areas where the Gators dominate, and if things play out like they have been this season, then the visitors should outmuscle their counterparts.
This game will be televised on Saturday at 4 pm on ESPN.
Arkansas
Viewer pictures: The Natural State transforms into a winter wonderland
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – A winter storm rolled into Arkansas Thursday and brought with it snow to the majority of western and central Arkansas.
Many from around the Natural State sent in pictures of their area covered in snow.
Though Arkansas is already full of natural beauty, there’s something about the state covered in snow that makes it even more of a winter wonderland.
Several kids from around the state got out and took advantage of the day off of school by throwing snowballs, digging up the snow, sledding and of course making snow angels.
Many who got out in the snow had enough accumulated to make snow men.
Share your snow day pictures at KARK.com/winter-pics.
Arkansas
Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield Lays Off About 75 Workers, Reports $100M Loss
The Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield building in Little Rock (Michael Pirnique)
Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield sent layoff notices to 2% of its workforce — about 75 employees — on Thursday after reporting a loss of more than $100 million in the first three quarters of 2024, the state’s dominant health insurance carrier confirmed.
The Little Rock nonprofit had 3,375 employees as of April 2024, and its $3.14 billion in 2023 revenue put it at the top of Arkansas Business‘ most recent list of the state’s largest private companies.
But revenue in the first three quarters of 2024 was down by almost 7%, and the company (officially USAble Mutual) reported to the Arkansas Insurance Department a net loss of $100.5 million for those nine months. That compares with net income of $94.7 million for the same period in 2023, although the year finished with net income of just $13.2 million.
“The reduction in workforce was due to changing conditions in the market and increasing financial pressures primarily due to health care costs jumping to the highest levels in more than a decade,” Max Greenwood, an ABCBS spokeswoman, said in response to email questions Thursday afternoon.
ABCBS also has seen “large increases” in the use of all medical services, especially prescription drugs.
“These situations have caused necessary shifts in business strategy across the health care and health care insurance industries,” she said.
In addition, the insurance company lost tens of thousands of members as result of the state’s disenrollment of tens people on Medicaid in 2023.
As part of the Obama-era Medicaid expansion, the state pays private insurers to provide health insurance policies to qualifying Arkansans under the Arkansas Health & Opportunity for Me program, or ARHOME. This program had been known as the “private option” and Arkansas Works.
In January 2023, ABCBS had about 207,000 ARHome members. By December 2024, it was down to 108,729, Greenwood said.
“We’ve also seen a drastic increase in the claims amounts among our ARHome population,” she said. “Remember, since we were the first company who offered ARHome policies statewide when the program began, our block of members in that program is older and most likely unhealthier than what other carriers may be experiencing.”
ABCBS’ premium revenue fell during the first three quarters of 2024. It reported $2.2 billion premiums collected net of reinsurance through Sept. 30, a 4.8% drop from the same period in 2023.
The insurance company’s total members also fell from 630,444 on Dec. 31, 2023, to 598,492 on Sept. 30. The biggest drop came from its comprehensive individual plan. In that group, the total members fell nearly 17% to 132,596 members.
ABCBS also laid off 85 employees in January 2024. Those positions have not been refilled, Greenwood said.
She said it was too early to tell what the financial numbers will look like for the fourth quarter, which ended Dec. 31. No additional layoffs are planned at this time.
“Every executive vice president was asked to make reductions in their areas,” she said.
Greenwood said the insurance company has made several other budget-tightening moves for 2025. “We’ve reduced our budget by more than 7% including cuts to consulting and outside vendor costs, contract labor, software and equipment and facility costs,” she said. “We’ve also had to implement substantial premium increases on our small and large groups.”
Greenwood said the company has a strong balance sheet and has no concerns about its liquidity.
Founded in 1948, Arkansas Blue Cross & Blue Shield offers health and dental insurance policies for individuals and families.
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