Willis Stuart

Willis H. Stuart, a man of many talents and interests, passed away on November 22, 2022,at Unity Health-White County Medical Center in Searcy, Ark., after becoming ill at home. A visitation at Powell Funeral Home on W Beebe Capps Expy in Searcy will be from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, November 26th. Graveside services with military honors will be on Monday, November 28th. at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Texarkana, Texas. Honorary pallbearers are, Butch Alumbaugh, Gerald Harlan, Kevin Kelley, John Parrish, Richard Bullock, Gary Stubblefield, and Thor Wilson.

Willis was born in Texarkana, Texas, on April 30, 1931, to H.O. Stuart and Ava Lee Willis Stuart. He graduated from Texarkana High School and attended Texarkana Jr. College. When he was two weeks away from graduation from college, duty called and he proudly and honorably served his country by joining the United States Marine Corps. He was sent to Korea and achieved the rank of Sergeant in the 1st Marine Aircraft Wing. He finished his service to his country as a member of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves.

He was always very proud to be a Marine; once a Marine, always a Marine. After returning to the States, he married his sweetheart Nell S. Scoggins from Fouke, Ark., on January 29, 1955, and went to work for Southwestern Transportation Co. In working his way up in the company, he and his growing family moved over the years to Waco, Texas, Greenville, Texas, Paragould, Ark., West Memphis, Ark., Sulphur Springs, Texas, and Pine Bluff, Ark. where he retired as Terminal Manager.

He and Nell moved to Searcy in 2005. They easily made many great friends in all the cities they lived in over the years. Growing up and riding motorcycles, he enjoyed several trips riding with good friends on motorcycle trips across many of the states in North America and or riding with his wife or one of his daughters on trips between Texas and Arkansas. He was an avid photographer, having his own dark room and filmed High School football games for several East Texas area high schools in the 60s to the 80s.

He was a very accomplished painter, having studied and had showings with other artist in New Mexico and Texas over the years. He was an award-winning carver with many of his carvings of birds and ducks winning awards through the years, he would also carve and design necklaces, earrings, and name badge attachments for many different organizations. He also helped several beginning carvers with advice, training, and carving wood. Willis was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ.

He is survived by his wife of almost 67 years, Nell Stuart of Searcy; daughter, Lee Ann Blount (Terry) of Searcy, Ark., daughter, Karen Brantley (Beau) of Redfield Ark.; grandson, Hunter Brantley (Brianna) of Redfield, Ark.; great-grandsons, Bradley and Vincent Brantley of Redfield; step-grandson, Jeremy Blount (Rachel) of Sulphur Springs, Texas; step-granddaughter, Betsy Lara (Sam) of San Antonio, Texas, step-great-granddaughter, Danni Lara of San Antonio; and brother, Robert O. Stuart (Pamela) of Indianapolis, Ind.; also, several nieces, nephews, and many very good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The family would like to thank Dr. John Wornock and his staff at Primecare for their excellent care over the years.

Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home of Searcy. www.powellfuneralhome.net