Stories from Thursday, November 17, 2011

We buried my Uncle Bill two weeks ago. Then a few days later, before I put the coffee on, a dear friend phoned to say that her husband had died in the early morning hours. He was my friend too. Both Uncle Bill and my deceased friend have been a part of my life forever, it seems...

Andy Vangilder, Clay County Extension Service staff chair, said the current crop harvest is about what growers expected, considering the variable weather conditions experienced earlier in the season. "The general mood of the farmers is good, and we only missed two or three harvesting days due to weather," Vangilder said...

"Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." This response to eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon's question about the existence of Santa Claus by veteran newsman Francis Pharcellus Church in the Sept. 21, 1897, edition of The Sun newspaper in New York has been a hallmark of the better aspects of human nature in newsprint, books, movies, posters and even stamps...

There was a tangible sense of respect Friday, Nov. 11, as dozens gathered on Veterans Day to remember the men and women who have served the United States of America as members of the armed forces. A special ceremony was held at the Veterans Memorial located near the walkway leading to the Clay County Courthouse in Piggott. The event recognized all American veterans for their efforts and served as a somber reminder of the challenges faced and the lives irrevocably changed...

A beautiful ceremony honoring area veterans was held Friday, Nov. 11, in the Rector High School gymnasium. Advanced history teacher Rachel McNamee served as the event coordinator for the third year. "I think it is our duty to honor these men and women for the sacrifices they have made for our country," said McNamee. "I am so proud of our school for banding together for our veterans."...

Dickie Dewayne Miller, 58, of Paragould, Ark., died Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2011, at his home after a long illness. Born in Paragould, he was the son of Andrew and Eva Pickens Miller and had been a long time area resident. Mr. Miller enjoyed hunting and playing pool and was of the Baptist faith...

Earnest Leonard Simmons, 60, of Osceola, Ark., died Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, at NEA Baptist Hospital, Jonesboro, Ark. Mr. Simmons was born Nov. 5, 1951, in West Ridge, Ark., to the late Joseph and Alma Simmons. He was a lifelong area resident, of the Church of God faith, enjoyed fishing, hunting, riding four wheelers, and spending time with his family and friends...

William Harold Hartley, 53, of Benton, Ark., died Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, at Saline Memorial Hospital in Benton. Mr. Hartley was born Aug. 5, 1958 in Trumann, Ark., to the late Herschel and Virginia Hartley. Mr. Hartley was an automotive mechanic, loved working on cars and spending time with family and friends...

Robert "Bob" Fry, 83, of Piggott, Ark., passed away Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2011, at NEA Baptist Medical Center in Jonesboro, Ark. He was born on Sept. 29, 1928, in Nation Bend, Ark., and was the son of the late William Rosco and Media Olds Fry. His parents, William and Media Fry; brother, George F. Fry, and sister, Della Green, preceded him in death...

Edmund Randolph Davis, 67, of Piggott, Ark., passed away Monday, Nov. 14, 2011, at his home. He was born on Nov. 13, 1944, in Paragould, Ark., and was the son of Branson "Speck" Davis and Virginia Lee (Davis) Carmen. Edmund was a native of Piggott and was of the Baptist faith. ...

Randall K. Webb of Greenway, Ark., 60, passed from this life on Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011. He will be missed by his large, loving family. A memorial visitation will be held from 6:30 p.m. until 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, 2011, at the Hoggard & Sons Funeral Home in Piggott, Ark...

Carma Love (Presson) Thomas, 96, of Piedmont, Mo., formerly of Paragould, died Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011, at Regional Memorial Hospital in Poplar Bluff. Born Aug. 3, 1915, in Camden, Tenn., she married Fred Fritts Thomas on May 18, 1935, in Kennett, Mo., and together they farmed in the Mounds Community...

The Mohawks gave the Marmaduke Greyhounds all they wanted in terms of competition for three quarters before falling behind against the perennial basketball power in a 77-58 loss Tuesday, Nov. 8 in Marmaduke. "We played them a good game for three quarters, but we just fell short there at the end," PHS coach Josh Robins said. "Marmaduke's always ready to play and you can't give them anything or it'll come back to haunt you."...

The Rector Lady Cougars improved to 6-0 with an impressive 56-35 win over the hosting Armorel Lady Tigers Monday. A big second half made the difference for Rector, who held a 16-9 advantage after the opening period and went into intermission tied with their hosts at 24-24. The Lady Cougars outpaced Armorel 17-5 in the third quarter through a balanced attack which saw six Rector players enter the scorer's column in the frame to move ahead 41-29 heading into the fourth...

The Cougars excited their home crowd with a big home opening win over Corning Friday in basketball action at Rector, 65-48. The Cougars, a team regarded with high hopes by many with three returning starters from last year's state tournament-qualifying squad, matched the visiting Bobcats punch-for-punch in the early going, but were able to pull ahead thanks in large part to the athleticism of junior standouts Mitchell Weber and Denver Knight. ...

The Piggott Lady Mohawks used an overtime surge to shoot past the hosting Lady Bobcats in a thrilling rivalry contest Monday in Corning. The Lady Mohawks came away with a huge 56-47 win in the extended session. Piggott saw a seven point lead erased late in the fourth as the defending 3A-3 conference champion Lady Bobcats battled back to force overtime with the teams knotted up at 45-45 at the end of regulation. ...