Clayborn Dean "Hoot" French

Clayborn Dean "Hoot" French, 88, of Rector died Friday, Oct. 17, 2008, at NEA Baptist Memorial Hospital in Jonesboro.

Mr. French was born Dec. 9, 1919, in Clay County to the late Ernest B. and Anna (Sides) French. He was of the Methodist faith, a World War II Army veteran and a farmer.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Winnie (Pixley) French, on Aug. 1, 1975, and a brother, Desimond French.

He is survived by three daughters and a son-in-law, Sherry and Buddy Dills of Rector, Vickie French of Pocahontas and Penny French of Paragould; five grandchildren, Shelli Gentleman, Paige Dills, Shannon Stanley, Brock Buys and Shaynee Fogarty; eight great-grandchildren, Elena and Tate Gentleman, Hayes Haff, Cameron Buys, Elijah, Mollie, Kate and Quinn Fogarty, and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation was from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. Monday, Oct. 20, at the Irby Funeral Home Chapel in Rector. Graveside services followed at 11 a.m. at Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector. The service was conducted by Shelli Gentleman and Velda Bell.