Class of '65 News

In Memoriam: Dennis Wayne Kelly (1946-2020)

Dennis Wayne Kelly of Sheridan, Arkansas was born April 21, 1946 in Klamath Falls, Oregon, the son of the late Carl and Corrine Walker Kelly. He was a member of Little Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Sheridan, had served in the United States Army having fought in the Vietnam War, and had retired after 36 years of employment with Dons Diesel Service. He enjoyed fishing with his friend, Joe Henry Young, turkey hunting and working in his yard as well as going to Hardees every day at 4:00 P.M. to visit with his friends.

Mr. Kelly died Thursday, April 16, 2020 at his home at the age of 73.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Bud Kelly, Jim Kelly and his sisters, Loretta Myers, Joyce Wiggins, Judy Roberts and Wanda Kelly.

Survivors: wife, Carolyn Kelly of Sheridan; sons, Darrell and wife Paige Kelly of Sheridan, Jacob Kelly of Hensley; daughter, Donna and husband Brad Shepherd of Anderson, Alaska; 9 grandchildren, Cameron (Chris) Knighten, Chandler Kelly, Carianne Kelly, Zachary Keel, Carol (Jessie) Mortonson, Riley Kelly, Carson Kelly, Grayson Kelly, Michelle Shaw; and 5 great grandchildren, Carman Shaw, Jeremiah Shaw, Whitaker Knighten, Drew Knighten and Tobias Keel and a host of nieces, nephews, church family and friends.

Due to the Covid19, a private graveside service will be Monday, April 20, 2020 at Providence Cemetery near Sheridan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Little Creek Missionary Baptist Church, 2979 Hwy 35 North, Sheridan, AR 72150.

Arrangements by Memorial Gardens Funeral Home of Sheridan, (870)942-1306.




In Memoriam: Bill Alexander (1947-2016)

William Glenn "Bill" Alexander of Sheridan, Arkansas was born December 8, 1947, in Pineville, LA, the son of Rosalie Payne Alexander and the late William Elvin "Al" Alexander.

He was Operations Manager for Hoover Treated Wood Products in Pine Bluff where he was employed for over 35 years. He had served numerous years as Vice President on the Board of Directors at Pine Federal Credit Union in Pine Bluff.

He was a proud Veteran of the US Navy and actively honored all those who had served.

He was an active member of First Landmark Baptist Church in Sheridan, an avid outdoorsman, and a member of Waddle Home Hunting Club.

Bill was a devoted family man who loved spending time with and taking care of his family and many friends.

Bill passed from this life on Saturday, June 11, 2016 in Utica, MS as a result of an automobile accident at the age of 68. He was preceded in death by his father, "Al" Alexander and a great niece, Carson Standridge.

Survivors include his wife of 44 years and best friend, Nancy DuPriest Alexander; son, William Damon and wife Stephanie Alexander; daughter, Tressie "Tish" Alexander; mother, Rosalie Alexander all of Sheridan; brother, Mike and wife Brenda Alexander of Little Rock; sisters, Tammy and husband Eddie Paul Woodall, Penny and husband Russell Atchley; grandsons, Nick Smith and Hunter Alexander, all of Sheridan and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and church family.

Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at First Landmark Baptist Church in Sheridan with Bro. Shawn Hill and Bro. Micah McKinley officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Sheridan. Visitation will be Monday from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. also at the church.





In Memoriam: Clarence Alfred Howard (1947-2016)

Clarence Alfred Howard, Sr. was born August 11, 1947, to Jean and Harold Bennie (Buck) Howard in Gould, Arkansas. He died Tuesday, February 23, 2016.

He worked for Entergy 35 years, a member of the East Union Missionary Baptist Church, IBEW, Jaycees, Plastic Manson Hunting Club, and Pickett Loop Hunting Club. He was one of the original Board members of the East End Ball Association and served as commissioner of the ball park for 12 years.

He received the highest honor in Boy Scouts of Eagle, God & Country Awards, then ordained into the Order of the Arrow. He attended College of the Ozarks, then SAU at Magnolia on football scholarships. He was a veteran of the US Marine Corps.

For anyone who knew Clarence they knew his passion to live life to the fullest. He was a caring and loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He loved the outdoors and to travel as well as being an avid fisherman and hunter. His travels took him to every state of the USA, several outlying territories, and most all Canadian Provinces.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Jean and Buck Howard; his brother John Harold Howard; and wife Lynn Pifer Howard.

He is survived by his wife Arnette Howard; his three sons Clarence A. (Hoser) Howard, Jr. and Kristi; Stephen Howard; Buddy Hawley and Christy of Redfield; two stepdaughters Kristy and Andy Baumgardner; DJ Goolsby; eight grandchildren Austin, Savannah, Kaitlyn, Natalie, Kris, Katy, Hannah, Travis and Abby all of East End. He is also survived by three sisters Bennie Corrigan (Carrol); Netha Howard, both of East End and Connie Detherage (Tom) of Kansas City, Missouri.

The funeral services were at East Union Baptist Church on Friday, February 26, 2016. Burial was at Salem Cemetery.

Visitation was on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at the church.

In lieu of flowers, you may send memorials to Salem Cemetery.



SHS CLASS OF '65 SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT COMPLETED

The SHS Class of '65 sidewalk construction project was completed 3/24/15 just in time to celebrate our 50th year since graduating. Our new sidewalk is located just west of our old sidewalk and in front of where the old gym was located. Thanks to all who made a contribution to the sidewalk fund. Through the efforts of our class, Sheridan Schools now has the necessary lettering blocks to continue the legacy sidewalk program to catch up over the last dozen years and for years to come.






In Memoriam: James Johnson (1947-2014)

James Elwin Johnson, 66, of Little Rock, an independent insurance broker, passed into the arms of his Savior, Jesus Christ, early in the morning of February 17, 2014. A native of Sheridan, James was born in Little Rock on July 31, 1947 to the late Elwin Nall Johnson and Thaddesse Bone Johnson. A 1965 graduate of Sheridan High School, James made the all-state basketball team in the ninth grade when the Sheridan Stingers went to the state tournament. He grew up in the First United Methodist Church of Sheridan, was a member of the Bible Church of Little Rock for many years, Fellowship Bible Church, where he was a shepherd of a Community Group, and a current member of St. Edward's Catholic Church. James was a 1971 graduate of Henderson State University at Arkadelphia.

He worked after graduation for several years as a social worker and later as a rehabilitation counselor for the state Rehabilitation Service at the Arkansas Girls' Training School in Alexander. In January of 1978 he began his career as an insurance agent with New York Life Insurance Company. He was a general manager for Aetna Insurance in Fort Smith from 1980 to 1982. After moving back to Little Rock and until his death, he was an insurance broker.

While at the Bible Church of Little Rock, he and his wife, Mary, worked as volunteer leaders of the young people at the church. James was also a talented musician, playing and singing in bands while he was in college, and later as a solo act. Most recently, until his illness, he entertained in retirement homes.

He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Mary Celia "Sissy" Johnson and his two children, Matt Johnson and Jaime Johnson Combs and her husband, Curtis, all of Little Rock, Jaime's son, Daniel, his beloved grandson, all of Little Rock, and his two goddaughters, Maricarmen and Maricruz Negrete of North Little Rock.

Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 20th at St. Edward Catholic Church, 9th & Sherman Streets, Little Rock, with Father Jason Tyler, celebrant. Visitation was on Wednesday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary service at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel of Griffin Leggett Healey & Roth, 5800 W. 12th St., Little Rock. Honorary pallbearers were James Marvin Allen, Rick Balwanz, Danny Freeman, Mike and Phil Harrington, and Larry Dale Hedden.



In Memoriam: Carolyn Whitmire Croy (1947-2013)

Carolyn Louise Whitmire Croy took her place in the Lord's heavenly choir April 1, 2013, at the age of 65. A member of Marlow Missionary Baptist Church, she was born May 3, 1947 to the late Basil and Virginia Whitmire of Ico.

In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph Croy whom she married July 21, 1981, and one nephew, Scott Shepherd.

Carolyn is survived by her two daughters, Gayla Allen Johnston (husband Stan) and Christy Allen Robinson (husband Tom), all of Redfield; two sisters, Linda Whitmire Shepherd (husband Robert) and Marilyn Whitmire Elder, all of Sheridan; one nephew, Shannon Shepherd of Sheridan; two grandsons, Justin Button and Jason Button, both of Lee's Summit, Missouri,; one grandniece, Shanna Shepherd Hurst (husband Cameron) of Prattsville and two grandnephews, Sam Shepherd and JP Shepherd, both of Sheridan; 7 "fur" grandchildren and one very special friend, companion, and "fur" child, Sassy.

Memorials may be made to Rescue Road Animal Rescuers, 1303 Cherry Brook Drive, Little Rock, AR 72211.



In Memoriam: Tommy Windham (1946-2010)

Thomas Hill "Tommy" Windham, member of the Sheridan High School Class of 1965, of Little Rock, Arkansas was born January 4, 1946 in Sheridan, the son of the late Hill and Edna Cullins Windham. He was a graduate of Sheridan High School, a member of First Baptist Church in Sheridan, a member of the United Transportation Union, a past board member of Sheridan Country Club. He retired from Union Pacific Railroad as a conductor and is a Vietnam Veteran having served in the United States Air Force.

Tommy died Monday, January 18, 2010 at his home surrounded by his family at the age of 64.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Roy Windham, a son, Greg Windham and a brother in law, W.R. "Bill" Lankford.

Survivors, Wife, Linda Sue Jones Windham of the home; Sons, Jerry Windham of Sheridan; Travis Boyd and wife Sarah of Ft. Smith; Daughters, Stacy Barnes and husband Darrell of Sheridan; Twanette Adkins and fiancé James Layne of Little Rock; Sisters, Georgia Lankford ; Mildred and husband Harvey Gilbert all of Sheridan; 7 grandchildren, Kelby Smith, Davis Smith, Paige Boyd, Natalie Horne, Landon Tuck, Meagan Adams and Jeffrey Adams, and a host of nieces, nephews, classmates and friends.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M. Friday at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home Chapel with Bro. Tim Lankford and Bro. Shawn Hill Officiating. Burial was at Lost Creek Cemetery in Sheridan. Visitation was held on Thursday evening from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home.

Pallbearers were Tom Allen, John Humphries, Bill Lancaster, Dale Hill, Glen Edward Talbert and Ronnie Gillis. Honorary pallbearers were Union Pacific Railroad coworkers, Eddie Moring and Wayne Gillis.

Memorials may be made to Grant County Museum, 521 Shackleford Road, Sheridan, Arkansas 72150, American Cancer Society, Grant County Memorials, 901 N. University Avenue, Little Rock, Arkansas 72207 or Hospice Home Care in Little Rock, Arkansas.



In Memoriam: William Boyd Freeman (1946-2006)

William Boyd Freeman, of Sheridan, Arkansas, a member of the Sheridan High School Class of 1965, died on July 7, 2006, at the age of 59. He was born on August 1, 1946 at Sheridan, the son of Edith Elois Lowery Freeman and the late Hollis Freeman.

He was a Heavy Equipment Operator for Horizon Timber Service; a member of Harmony Missionary Baptist Church at Prattsville; a Past Master and member of Sheridan Masonic Lodge #260; a member of the NRA; a member of the American Legion; and a veteran of the Air Force with service in Vietnam.

In addition to his mother, survivors are his wife, Mary Ann Jones Freeman of the home; 3 sons, Brian (and wife Lea Ann) Freeman of Grapevine, Arkansas; John Freeman of Sheridan; Marc Freeman of Sheridan; daughter, Abby (and husband Glen) McCool of Prattsville, Arkansas; 2 brothers, Raymond and wife Georgianna Freeman of Sheridan; Cletis and wife Sharon Freeman of Conway, Arkansas; 5 Grandchildren, Stephen Freeman; Brittany Freeman; Colten McCool; Wyatt McCool and Nora McCool.



In Memoriam: Harry J. Culpepper (1946-2006)

Harry Culpepper, member of the SHS Class of 1965, died Tuesday, January 3, 2006, following a long battle with colon cancer. He was 59.

Following high school, Harry served in the Army, then graduated from Henderson State, before moving to Houston, then El Paso. There, he worked in the mortgage loan business, then started his own home building business. He returned to Arkansas, working for the Pine Bluff Arsenal and the Sheridan School District and serving for a time on the Grant County Quorum Court.

Harry was a devoted member of the church family at First Baptist Church in Sheridan. He was a Mason and a Gideon. He loved to travel and recently completed a family trip through the American Southwest, despite his illness.

Harry is survived by his wife, Cheryl Sue Culpepper; a daughter, Virginia Allen of Springfield, Mo.; a stepson, Scott McIllwain of Port Carbon, Pa.; four brothers, a half-brother, a half-sister, and a multitude of extended family and friends.

Funeral arrangements are by Buie Funeral Home. Click here for further information.


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Broken Memories: Plans Made to Rebuild Sidewalk

Our graduation sidewalk has seen a lot of distress over the years and was severely damaged when the old gym was torn down. As you can see from the photographs, many of the names have been broken away and some whole sections are missing. The school has told us that we can rebuild the sidewalk in any location we want (at our expense). We're currently exploring our options for rebuilding this lasting tribute to the Class of '65,
including location, type of sidewalk, costs, etc. Your suggestions and your financial help are needed to make this a reality.

You can make a contribution to our fund even if you can't make it to the reunion. Make your check payable to SHS Class of '65, mark it for "sidewalk," and mail it to:

SHS Class of '65
     Sidewalk Fund
c/o Mike Harrington
3100 Hwy 270 W
Sheridan, AR 72150



The Class of '65 sidewalk is in a sad state.



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Coach Whitworth Inducted Into Hall of Fame

Charles Whitworth, retired Athletic Director, Coach and Principal for Sheridan Schools, was inducted into the Arkansas High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame on Friday, July 22, 2005, at a banquet and ceremony at the convention center in Hot Springs, Arkansas.


Coach Charles Whitworth with his wife, Sarah

In addition to Coach Whitworth's family, many former players and friends were in attendance. From the Class of 1965, those that attended were Mike Harrington, David Wells, Larry Hedden and Robert Clark. Rick Balwanz represented the Class of 1966, Gary Hines represented the Class of 1967 and Clyde Jackson and Don Culpepper represented the Class of 1968. One of Coach Whitworth's special guests was Charles Robinette, his longtime assistant coach. David Robinson, recently retired Superintendent of the Sheridan School District, was also in attendance.


Numerous friends and former players were on hand to celebrate Coach Whitworth's special day.

Players from the graduating class of 1965 were the first group to play for Coach Whitworth all three years of high school.

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