Arkansas
Bobby Hulse, 76
Died January 27, 2021.
Norfork High School, Norfolk, AR
Principal
Bobby Dalton Hulse of Norfork, Arkansas, passed away January 27, 2021, in Mountain Home, Arkansas at the age of 76. He was born May 25, 1944, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the son of Benny and Cecil. He married Vicky Kay Mann on December 11, 1970 in Warren, Arkansas and worked as an educator for 55 years. Bobby lived in Norfork since moving from Hermitage, in 1980. He was a member and Deacon at Norfork Baptist Church since August 1980.
Bobby started his teaching/coaching career following his graduation from Henderson State University as a junior high girls basketball coach and history teacher in Hermitage in 1966. There, he coached and met his wife of 50 years, Vicky Kay Mann, which he considered his life’s greatest accomplishment. He and Vicky became parents to Tasha Nicole and Lance Dion in Hermitage, where they built their first home. In 1980, Bobby took a Principal job in Norfork, Arkansas, where he has served many positions within the school and state educational system. He served as Elementary Principal, High School Principal, Coach, Athletic Director, and was considered a mentor, father/grandfather to a countless number of generations from Norfork. We were happy to lend our Bobby D to a community that meant so much to him.
Bobby D, a Dodger fanatic, would also be considered Norfork Panthers biggest fan. It didn’t matter what sport or how far he had to drive, he was there. He enjoyed watching all sports. He loved music of all kinds as well as entertaining his students and faculty at all school events. He had a green thumb like no other. When he wasn’t at a Norfork sporting event or working in his garden, he loved to support his grandkids in whatever activity they were involved.
Bobby is survived by his wife of 50 years, Vicky Hulse of Norfork, AR, daughter, Tasha Harris of Mountain Home, and son, Lance (Shammi) Hulse of Bee Branch; Grandchildren, Satch Harris, Dodge Harris and McGee Harris of Mountain Home; Riley Roberson, Emiley Roberson, Isaac Hulse, Haze Hulse, and Haddi Hulse of Bee Branch; Siblings, Vernon Hulse of Fordyce, Shirley Brooks of Watson Chapel, and Billy Joe (Helen) Hulse of White Hall; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Benny and Cecil Hulse, Siblings, JD Hulse, Gene Hulse, Doris Smith, Margie Fikes, Edna Gunther and Don Hulse.
A Funeral Service for Bobby will be 2:00 pm, Sunday, January 31, 2021, at the Bobby D. Hulse Gymnasium at Norfork High School, with Shannon Byrd officiating. Burial will be in the Galatia Cemetery, Norfork, AR, with Brother Tom Stover officiating. Pallbearers will be Riley Roberson, Satch Harris, Isaac Hulse, Dodge Harris, McGee Harris, Haze Hulse, and Haddi Hulse. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Lynch, Kevin Bodenhammer, Jerry Skidmore, Michael Zick, Darin Hughes, Melvin Small, and Rocky Dodson. Due to current restrictions, masks are required.
Memorials may be made to the Bobby D. Hulse Memorial Scholarship, which has been set up at Twin Lakes Community Bank, 23 Wolf St, Norfork, AR 72658 and Farmers and Merchants Bank, 502 South Hickory, Mountain Home, AR 72653.
Carlos May-Gamboa, 74
Died January 10, 2021.
Berryville High School, Berryville, AR
Substitute Teacher
The death toll attributed to COVID-19 in Carroll County continues to rise, with one additional death reported since last week, bringing the total to 34.
According to data released by the Arkansas Department of Health on Tuesday morning, there have been 2,408 cases of the novel coronavirus reported in the county since the pandemic began, including 2,070 lab-confirmed cases. As of Tuesday, 2,209 were classified as “recovered” and 165 were still considered “active.”
Tuesday’s numbers represented an increase of 121 cases in the county, an average of more than 17 per day, in the past week.
Berryville School District superintendent Owen Powell confirmed last week that a teacher in the district had died from the virus. The district hasn’t released any more details or identified the teacher but posted a Facebook tribute on Jan. 13 to Carlos May-Gamboa.
“Our Bobcat Family has been heartbroken over the recent loss of Mr. Carlos May-Gamboa,” the post on the school district’s Facebook page says. “The students of BHS who entered Mr. May-Gamboa’s classroom were greeted with love, acceptance, joy, and humor. He is greatly missed already. Please remember and pray for his family, his friends, and our Bobcat Family.”
A death notice published Jan. 12 on the Harrison Daily Times website said May-Gamboa died Jan. 10 at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center in Harrison. He was 74. A native of Merida, Mexico, he lived in Harrison, according to the notice.
Statewide, the health department reported an increase of 15,919 in the past seven days, bringing the total number of cases to 272,263, including 219,956 lab-confirmed. To date, 4,343 deaths have been attributed to the virus statewide.
Despite the statewide increases, Gov. Asa Hutchinson last week pointed out some positive signs during his weekly report.
“If you look in the middle right there, you’ll see that we have added 3,209 total cases over the last 24 hours,” Hutchinson said during his Jan. 12 report. “This is down about a thousand, I believe it is, from a week ago. Our testing is higher than it was a week ago. We have 10,600 that’s been tested, both PCR tests and antigen tests. The hospitalizations have decreased by 17, which is some some relief for our hospitals, but with the increase yesterday they before we’re still got a ways to go to give any real relief for our hospitals. That’s still a challenge for us.”
ADH data showed Tuesday that COVID-19 hospitalizations have decreased since last week, falling from 1,371 on Jan. 12 to 1,263, while patients requiring intensive care have fallen from 460 to 410. The number of infected people requiring the aid of a ventilator has also fallen from 268 to 216.
Vaccinations are also continuing across the state. According to health department data released Sunday, more than 131,000 Arkansans have received the vaccines since Dec. 14 at hospitals, long-term care facilities and other health providers, putting the state a bit ahead of schedule.
Hutchinson announced last week that since the vaccination plan was proceeding more rapidly than expected, the state planned to move on to two categories from Phase 1-B, which was initially intended to begin in February, on Monday. The two categories are Arkansans aged 70 and over and educators.
“These vaccines are available through your community pharmacies,” Hutchinson said. “The hospitals are participating in this. When they have the doses available, [people] can call ahead for an appointment, and there will be vaccine clinics and events that may be available in your area. This is a county-by-county approach in terms of the vaccinations, but we’re increasing that opportunity for those to get vaccinated.
“In terms of education, including higher ed and child care, the school districts will drive it.”
The rest of Phase 1-B, which includes food/agricultural workers, firefighters and police not in 1-A, manufacturing workers, grocery store workers, public transit workers, child care workers, U.S. Postal Service workers, and essential government workers, is still scheduled to begin next month. In total, Phase 1-B is expected to include more than 400,000 Arkansans. Phase 1-C is planned for April.
According to the ADH website, local pharmacies participating in the vaccine effort include Economy Drug in Berryville, Harps Pharmacy in Green Forest, Holiday Island Pharmacy, Poynor Drug in Berryville and Smith Drug & Company in Eureka Springs.
“This is working from each county and community to assure that vaccinations are available across the state and not just in one area,” Hutchinson said.
Alicia Ugartechea, 67
Died January 1, 2021.
Fountain Lake School District, Hot Springs, AR
Bus Driver
Alicia Ugartechea, 67, of Hot Springs, Arkansas gained her wings on Friday, January 1, 2021. She was born July 18, 1953 in Mexico to the late Jose & Maria (Castillo) Moreno. She lived in the Fountain Lake community for over 40 years where she raised 4 children. She was a devoted wife, dedicated mother, and loving grandmother. She was employed by Fountain Lake School for 20 years and for 30 years ran her own sewing and alterations business from home.
Her greatest joy in life was her family, especially her grandchildren. She treasured and embraced every moment she could with them. She loved her role as her grandchildren’s “Mimi” and she enjoyed spending all of her time with them. She had a heart of gold and always had a beautiful smile on her face. She loved traveling, shopping, sewing, cruising, cooking and hosting family dinners every Sunday. She was extremely talented when it came to her passion for sewing. She was so talented in her craft, that she could create anything by just looking at a picture. She was very well known in Hot Springs and surrounding areas for her incredible sewing abilities. She was a very family-oriented woman and she made sure to teach her children the importance of loving and respecting one another. She never left home without looking her best. She loved getting dolled up to go shopping every weekend. She was a strong, kind, caring, hard-working, genuine soul and she welcomed everyone with open arms. She is survived by her loving husband of 46 years Sabas Ugartechea Jr.; children, Claudia Kloosterman (Chris), Cindy Ugartechea-Herring (Jade), Sabas Ugartechea III (Bethany), and Sandra Ugartechea-Vaughn (Jason); her siblings, Emilio Moreno, Virginia Moreno, Silvia Moreno, Luis Moreno and Jose Moreno; and grandchildren Caleb Herring, Alycia Herring, Cruze Ugartechea, Carsyn Ugartechea and Jace Vaughn. Given the current pandemic conditions, the family will hold a celebration of life in Alicia’s honor in the Summer of 2021. Cards and flowers can be sent to the family at 541 Quarry Mtn Rd., Hot Springs, AR 71901. The family is also accepting restaurant gift cards to be donated to the 4 West Covid unit nurses and/or the Covid ICU nurses at CHI St. Vincent.
Grover Casey, 44
Died December 14, 2020.
Henderson Middle School, Little Rock, AR
Custodian
GROVER GENE CASEY, 48, of Little Rock, passed December 14. Survived by children, Grover Casey Jr., Shawntay Casey, Shawn Casey London Casey, Kanisha Cole and Kepresha Cole; brothers, Ronnie (Sherry) Casey, Willie Casey and Donald Casey; sisters, Corrine Casey and Dorothy Ann Casey; three grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.
Jamie Sheffield, 60
Died December 16, 2020.
Bethel Middle School, Bryant, AR
Special Education, Cheer Coach,
Jmie Lynnette Sheffield, 60, of Bryant passed away December 16, 2020. She was born August 6, 1960 in Longview, Texas to James and Annette Sheffield. Jamie was a loved mom and Mimi. Her grandchildren were her pride and joy! Jamie was a pianist and an avid Razorback and Cowboys football fan. Jamie was an educator for over 30 years, and has been with the Bryant Public schools for the last 20 years. She was a Special Education teacher and Cheer Coach at Bethel Middle School. She will be missed by all the lives she touched as an educator and coach. Those left to cherish her memory are her parents: James and Annette Sheffield; children: Jeanna (Chad) Bartelt, Justin Hefner, Jordan (Keaton) McClintock, Jacob Hefner, and Jennifer (Jacob) Stepp; grandchildren: Camden, Gracey, Abbigail, Presley, Callee, and Kinslee; and sister, Kellie Sheffield.
Jimmy Hynum, 53
Died October 29, 2020.
Palestine-Wheatley Elementary School, Palestine, AR
Music
Life’s journey for Jimmy Ray Hynum began April 14, 1967 at the McCracken Medical Clinic in Stuttgart, Arkansas. At three days old, he was held for the first time by his adoptive parents, Emmett “Bud” Hynum, Jr. and Mary Campbell Hynum. Jimmy was an only child, filling the home with joy, as they watched him succeed in the challenges of life. He excelled in the academic world, beginning as a 1985 honor graduate of Stuttgart High School.
He was involved with various clubs in school, but a love for music proved to be his main focus and enjoyment. As a devoted music student, he became 1st chair in the school band, then earned multiple All Region titles. In his senior year, he was awarded 1st band, 1st chair at All-State, declaring him as the best Tuba player in the state, representing SHS and his family with pride.
Jimmy continued education at UCA in Conway, where he participated with the UCA Wind Ensemble, UCA Marching Band and various other ensembles. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music Education in 1991. His career as a band director began with a one-year position at Stuttgart Middle School, then one year at Gillett. From there, he served six years at Eliza Miller Junior High School in West Helena. Next came fifteen years as Director of Bands for Brinkley Schools. Jimmy was currently teaching Kindergarten through 6th grade music at Palestine-Wheatley School Elementary.
Jimmy began dating Angela Kaye Senko in 1984. They were inseperable. Wherever you saw one, you saw the other. After ten years and 16 days of dating, Jimmy married the love of his life in a nuptial Mass at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Although they had no children of their own, as teachers, God blessed them with hundreds of Hynum Babies of all ages who filled their lives with love, joy, and laughter.
Jimmy was an active member of the St. John’s Catholic Church in Brinkley. He served as financial secretary in the St. John’s chapter of the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the Arkansas School Baned and Orchestra Association. While living in West Helena, he and Angie were active in the Lion’s Club. Jimmy was currently the interim board president of the Monrow County Human Development Center. He had a strong interest in law enforcement which led him to go through training and volunteer as an auxiliary deputy for the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department. When Angie asked why, Jimmy said he just wanted to be there to help people in any way he could. Jimmy was compassionate and had a true heart for helping people of all ages.
Jimmy’s hobbies included playing his tuba and euphonium, reading, riding his Spyder, volunteering at Ducks Unlimited events, and spending time with his Love and their zoo–-Mowgli, Ruby, and Mr. Kitty.
At the age of 53, he passed from this life on October 29, 2020 at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Little Rock. He was preceded in death by his parents Emmett “Bud” Hynum, Jr. and Mary.
Kimberly Flanery, 55
Died October 30, 2020.
Paragould School District, Paragould, AK
Food Services
Kimberly Dawn Flanery, 55, of Paragould, passed away Friday, October 30, 2020. She was born January 25, 1965. Her parents were Don Keith McClung and Barbara and Marston Carpenter. Kim worked at Paragould School District. She enjoyed boating and fishing. Kim fiercely loved her family and friends.
Kim was preceded in death by her father.
Survivors include her husband of 38 years, William Flanery; mother and father, Barbara and Marston Carpenter; sons and daughters in law, Matthew and Stephanie Flanery, Richard and Brooke Flanery, Jonathan Flanery, Dayton Flanery; daughter, Kayton Flanery; brother, Josh Carpenter; sister, Dedra Finninger; 13 grandchildren, Kegan, Mackynzie, Carlee, Jaden, Alexis, Jeremy, Matthew Luke, Baylor, Scarlett, Braelynn, Zayne, Jace, and Layton.
George Yarbrough, 74
Died November 10, 2020.
Conway School District, Conway, AR
Substitute Teacher
George R. Yarbrough (Mr. Ron), age 74, passed away on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, of COVID-19. He was born on April 26, 1946 in Conway, Ark. to the late George H.S. Yarbrough and Lois I. Yarbrough. He was also preceded in death by two sisters and three brothers.
Ron is survived by his brother Larry Yarbrough, niece Vanessa Gwin (Ricky), nephew Laurence Yarbrough (Cheryl), his family by choice James Lane (Andy), God children Jennifer L. Cunningham (Merle) and James M. Lane (Valerie) and numerous great nieces and nephews, all of whom were his favorites.
Ron graduated from Arkansas State Teachers College (now the University of Central Arkansas) with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and attended the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock for two years, after which he embarked on a nearly 30-year career in nursing home administration. After retiring as a nursing home administrator in 2003, he returned to Arkansas, where he worked for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and the Conway (Arkansas) Public School System as a substitute teacher. In 2006, he discovered his true calling, substitute teaching in the elementary schools in Conway. During the summers, he traveled Arkansas in an attempt to visit every State Park. He managed a personal visit to 50 of the 52 State Parks.
The Conway Public School System has a contract with Kelly Services to provide its substitute teachers. In 2019, Kelly Services honored Ron with their Arkansas Substitute Teacher of the Year award, an honor he accepted with great pride and humility. During his years of substitute teaching (mostly in elementary schools) he touched the lives of innumerable children and their parents. He (and Mr. Moose-inside joke) earned the love and respect of those children. He was a favorite of the elementary school administrators and teachers.
Ron was a man of faith and a member of the Central Baptist Church in Conway.
Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, there will not be a public memorial service. At a later date, the family and Ron’s close friends will gather to remember him, miss him and share their many happy “Yarb” memories and stories. All who knew him were touched by his love and concern for them. He loved all the children with whom he had the honor to serve as a substitute teacher.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to Theodore Jones Elementary, his primary school over the years, for their Child Welfare Fund or their Sunshine Fund for teacher needs and/or the Arkansas State Parks.
Greg Rainwater, 51
Died October 17, 2020.
Nettleton Public Schools, Jonesboro, AR
Athletic director
Greg Rainwater, 51, of Jonesboro, went to be with the Lord in the early morning of Saturday, October 17, 2020, at his home. He was born in Rochelle, IL on December 9, 1968 to Amzier and Linda Gail Rainwater.
Greg spent 29 years in education; working first at Maynard, then Riverside before finding his home with Nettleton Public Schools. Throughout his time at Nettleton, Greg served as a girls’ basketball coach; social studies teacher; Athletic Director; and Transportation Director. Greg also served as the pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Walcott, AR. However, Greg’s impact stretched far wider than Northeast Arkansas. For two years, he served as the Logistics Coordinator for the International Mission Board in Uganda. After returning to education, he made annual trips to Uganda to continue serving the people of East Africa and spreading the message of Jesus Christ.
Regardless of which vocational hat Greg was wearing, one thing remained constant: he made the world shine a little brighter with his encouraging words, deep and genuine love for others, and quirky one-liners. Throughout his life, he served others without asking for or desiring any praise, however, anyone that had the pleasure of knowing and loving Greg was aware of his servant’s heart. The Kingdom is, without doubt, far greater in numbers due to the life he led.
Greg was preceded in death by his father; Amzier Rainwater. He is survived by his wife, Tammy Smith Rainwater; his daughter Hannah; mother, Linda Rainwater; brothers Joe and Mark; sister, Sheila.
Angela Francis, 43
Died October 16, 2020.
Watson Chapel School District, Pine Bluff, AR
First Grade
Angela Kaye Minchew Francis found ultimate healing in the arms of her Savior on Friday, October 16, 2020. Angie was born on January 7, 1977, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas to Buster and Sharon Minchew. She was a 1995 honor graduate of White Hall High School where she participated in several clubs and activities. She graduated from Henderson State University in 1999 with her degree in Elementary Education.
Angie was employed by the Watson Chapel School District for fourteen years where she served first as a Kindergarten Teacher then as a First Grade Teacher. She was an amazing teacher, unafraid to think outside the box and was able to shift gears on a dime when necessary. She was invested in making a difference in the lives of her students. Teaching was not just a job for Angie, it was her passion. She always went above and beyond to help her students succeed no matter what roadblocks were put in her way.
Angie also found joy in her love for animals, especially her dog Little Man, cat Mr. Whiskers, bearded dragon, Oscar and leopard gecko Pookie. She fell in love with animals as a young child, growing up with chickens, goats, birds, dogs and cats.
Angie was a child of God and participated in several mission trips during college, including a trip to Atlanta during the 1996 Olympics. Angie had a quick wit, great sense of humor and an infectious laugh that usually ended in a series of joyful snorts. If you heard her laugh once, you would never forget it. She had a kind heart and a loving spirit.
Angie was preceded in death by her parents Buster and Sharon Minchew and her sister Sarah Minchew. Angie is survived by her loving husband Jimmy, who she married on November 17, 2001, their two cherished daughters Savannah and Emily, and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
The family wishes to thank the Watson Chapel School District, the teachers of Edgewood Elementary and countless devoted friends for the prayers, love and support given during this difficult time.