Kernodle Funeral Home and Monuments

09/25/2026

James ‘Jim’ Hitchcock, age 77, of Widener, Arkansas, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at the Ivinson Memorial Hospital in Laramie, Wyoming.

Mr. Hitchcock was born July 8, 1949, in Sikeston, Missouri, and was the son of Lawrence Olon Hitchcock and Esther Virginia Shuppert Hitchcock. He lived in Wynne and Jonesboro before moving back to Widener. He was operations manager for Bluff City Provisions and was a member of Ridgewood Baptist Church.

Mr. Hitchcock married Katherine Renee Williams in 1988, and she survives him along with three sons; Colby Hitchcock, and his wife, Kelly Karavousanos, of Morrison, Colorado, Riley Hitchcock, and his wife, Anna, of Brookland, Arkansas, and Peyton Hitchcock, and his wife Allison, of Manila, Arkansas, one daughter, Olivia Smith, and her husband, C**ten, of Laramie, Wyoming, and five grandchildren; Huxton Hitchcock, Xander Hitchcock, Everly Hitchcock, Melina Karavousanos, and Rocco Karavousanos.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 A.M., on Friday, October 2, 2026, at Harvey’s Chapel Cemetery in Marmaduke, Arkansas. Visitation will be held on Thursday from 5:00 till 7:00 P.M., at Kernodle Funeral Home in Wynne, Arkansas. Kernodle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. You may log on to kernodlefh.com for the online registry.

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09/19/2026

Clyde Leon Riley, Jr., 67, of Cherry Valley, Arkansas, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.

Clyde was born on November 10, 1958, to the late Clyde Leon Riley, Sr., and Margaret McMinn Riley. He worked as a carpenter for 40 years and also spent time farming rice and working in commercial glass.

Clyde loved spending time at the lake, listening to music, and simply enjoying life to the fullest.

He is survived by his children, Austin Riley of Memphis, Tennessee, Brad Riley of Bartlett, Tennessee, and Jenny Lionberger of Bartlett, Tennessee; his granddaughter, Abigail Riley of Bartlett, Tennessee; and his brother, George “Skeet” Riley of Cherry Valley, Arkansas.

In keeping with Clyde’s wishes, he will be cremated, and no services are planned at this time.

Kernodle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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09/17/2026

Barbara Francis Haire Hamilton, 91, of Jonesboro, formerly a longtime resident of Wynne, passed away on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, in Jonesboro.

Barbara was born on March 11, 1935, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Major Quinten Haire and Ellen Pearl Howe Haire. She married Ruddie Hamilton.

Barbara retired from Addison Shoe Factory and later spent many years working with and lovingly caring for children at the Wee School and Methodist Day School. She was a member of Wynne Baptist Church and Union Avenue Baptist Church.

She is survived by her four children, Ken Hamilton of Jonesboro, Debbie Waddell and husband Carl of Fruitvale, Texas, Mike Hamilton and wife Connie of Quitman, and Dena Hobday and husband Lance of Little Rock; six grandchildren, Daniel Waddell, Brack Waddell, Phillip Waddell, Brad Hamilton, Chad Hamilton, Lauren Stricklin, and Hannah Hobday; eight great-grandchildren; three special children, Sam, Mackensie, and Reagan Smith; three brothers, Charlie Haire, Andy Howard and wife Chris, and Raymond Howard and wife Gail; one sister, Linda Ball and husband Doyle; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ruddie Hamilton; her parents; three sisters; and one brother.

Visitation will be held at Kernodle Funeral Home on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 1:00 until 2:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be in Cogbill Cemetery.

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09/16/2026

Laura Mae Glass, 99, passed away on September 15, 2026, at St. Bernard's Medical Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

She was born on April 20, 1927, in Morton, Arkansas, the daughter of Fred Swindle and Lillie Mae Cook Swindle.

Laura Mae lived a long, faithful, and love-filled life centered around her family, her faith, and serving others. One of the greatest testaments to her strength and independent spirit was her ability to remain in her own home until her final day. At 99 years old, she continued to live life her way—a reflection of her strength, her faith, and, as her family will happily admit, a little bit of stubbornness. They would not have had her any other way.

Laura Mae was a graduate of West Point High School. She married C. M. “Chuck” Glass, and they shared 45 wonderful years of marriage.

She worked in the Hickory Ridge/Cross County School cafeteria system for 25 years, serving as head cook at the time of her retirement. She was also an active member of the Arkansas Extension Homemakers Club (AEHC), where she served several terms as president. Through the club, Laura Mae enjoyed fellowship, lasting friendships, and many opportunities to serve the community she loved.

Laura Mae was a longtime member of Tilton Methodist Church, where her faith was an important part of her daily life. She sang in the choir and taught Sunday school, touching the lives of many children with her kind and caring spirit. Well into her nineties, Laura Mae...

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09/15/2026

Michael Edwin Payne, 78, formerly of Wynne, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at The Blossoms in Newport, Arkansas.

Michael was born on November 16, 1947, in Blytheville, Arkansas, to the late Wayne and Ruth Payne. Michael proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. He later spent many years sharing his knowledge and skills as a diesel mechanics instructor at Crowley’s Ridge Vo-Tech, now East Arkansas Community College/UofA. He loved motorcycles, hunting, cars, and woodworking. Michael was happiest when he was working with his hands, whether he was under the hood of a car or creating something special from wood.

He is survived by his daughter, Stacey Abbott of Wynne; his son, Joseph Payne of Caledonia, Mississippi; two brothers, Larry Payne of Marion and William “Billy” Payne of Blytheville; four grandchildren, Jaxon Payne, Jace Payne, Kayleigh Simpson, and Emily Vonkanel; and two great-grandchildren, Barron Simpson and Miles Simpson.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Kernodle Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Disease Foundation, 15825 Shady Grove Road, Suite 140
Rockville, MD 20850.

Kernodle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. You may sign an online guestbook at www.kernodlefh.com

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09/15/2026

Donald Lawrence, 70, of Caldwell, Arkansas, passed away on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at his home.

He was born on June 26, 1956, in Wynne, Arkansas, to the late Roy and Hazel Lawrence. Donald retired from Boar’s Head, where he worked as the lead maintenance man. He was a member of Connect Point Church in Forrest City. Donald loved hunting, fishing, spending time with his family, and watching the Dallas Cowboys play.

Donald is survived by his daughters, Elizabeth Lawrence of C**t, Hazel Lawrence of Kensett, and Miranda Rawlison of Paragould; brothers, Howard Coley of Wynne, Wayne Lawrence of Cabot, Walter Lawrence of Jonesboro, Robert Lawrence of Newport, and Wesley Lawrence of Newport; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Brenda Lawrence, in 2025; and his sister, Linda Sue Davidson.

Visitation will be held at Kernodle Funeral Home from 11:00 a.m. until noon on Sunday, September 20, 2026, with funeral services immediately following at noon. A private burial will be held afterward.

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09/11/2026

Kay Hare Futrell, 83, entered into the presence of her Lord on Thursday, September 10, 2026.

Kay was born on September 6, 1943, in Wynne, Arkansas. She graduated from Vanndale High School and treasured her childhood memories of growing up near the school. Kay retired from the Arkansas Department of Human Services, where she helped many families through times of uncertainty.

Kay devoted herself to her family with love, kindness, and sacrifice. She was a faithful member of Vanndale Baptist Church and taught her children the importance of loving and caring for one another.

She is survived by her children, Al Futrell and wife Justin of Wynne, Kara Doss and husband Scott of Wynne, and Holly Melton and husband Mark of Cherry Valley; her beloved grandchildren, Justin Tyler Futrell, Mallory Diane Futrell, Martha Elizabeth Futrell, Matthew Scott Doss, Sara Elizabeth Caldwell, Dana Kay Hill, Stephanie Brooke Reed, James Holland Melton, and Carson Jo Sellers; twelve great-grandchildren; her sister, Donna Hare Hyde of Lakeland; her brother, Carl Lewis Hare of Cherry Valley; and many nieces and nephews.

Kay was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Hoyt Futrell, Jr.; her son, Berry Futrell; and her parents, Carlee and Doris Hare.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at Vanndale Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Vanndale Baptist Church, 16 County Road 358, Wynne, Arkansas 72396-8545.

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09/10/2026

Kimberly Dawn Rushing Johnson, 50, of Wynne, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026. She was born on August 25, 1976, in Flint, Michigan.

Kim was a 1994 graduate of Wynne High School. Following graduation, she worked in the nursing field and then taught preschool for a number of years, Easygoing and friendly, Kim had a special way of making friends wherever she went.

In 1999, Kim married Brian Johnson, who survives her. She treasured time spent with her family and enjoyed long drives, traveling, and the simple things in life. An old soul at heart, Kim loved to read and enjoyed watching classic movies with her mother, especially Elvis's movies. Above all, she loved the Lord and faithfully spent time praying for her family and friends. She was a member of Wynne Baptist Church.

Kim is survived by her husband, Brian Johnson of Wynne; two sons, Chancelor Talbot Johnson and Kaelyn of Wynne and Matthew Brady Johnson and Toni of Wynne; one brother, L. E. Britton; her in-laws, Carl and Beverly Johnson of Wynne; her beloved grandson, Jackson Johnson of Wynne, whom she adored; her father, Jerry Rushing and Carolyn of Wynne; and several special aunts, uncles, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Shirley Rushing, and her grandmother, Ann Ridley.

Visitation will be held at Kernodle Funeral Home on Monday, September 14, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Memorial services will follow at 2:00 p.m., with Bro. Kirk Owens officiating. Burial...

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09/09/2026

Jere Kernodle

09/08/2026

Congratulations to the Farm Family of the Year! Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to agriculture and our community are truly appreciated.

From all of us at Kernodle Funeral Home 🌾🚜