Kenneth Ray Blackstock
August 28, 1944 – April 26, 2024
Kenneth Ray Blackstock, a man of unwavering dedication and boundless spirit, peacefully departed this life on Friday, April 26, 2024, at the age of 79, leaving behind an abundance of cherished memories and an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew him. He was born in Jonesboro, Louisiana, on August 28, 1944.
Ray’s professional journey spanned over forty years at Stone Container in Hodge, Louisiana, where he carved out a legacy of excellence through his tireless commitment and unwavering work ethic as a machinist. Beyond the confines of the workplace, Ray found his true passion in the art of restoring classic automobiles within the sanctuary of his beloved workshop. His love for the open road found expression in relaxing camping adventures alongside his devoted wife, Linda.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Verta D. (Calhoun) Blackstock, his father, John Floyd Blackstock, and his great-grandson, Corey Carter.
His spirit lives on through the loving embrace of his wife of 37 years, Linda (Rasberry) Blackstock, and their cherished children; Jeff Blackstock & Pam, Greg Blackstock, Scotty Blackstock & Gena, Pat Posey & Cristy, and Dana Ingram & Jeff; sister, Nelda Bennett & Benson. Theirs is a legacy of love that knows no bounds.
Ray’s presence illuminated the lives of his adoring grandchildren: Samantha Rich & Jake, Shelby Chandler & Connor, Tyler Posey, Ashton Walker & Austin, Lizzie Ingram, Abby Ingram, Gracie Ingram, Trevor Blackstock, and Cameron Blackstock, each a testament to his enduring love and unwavering guidance. His memory also lives on through the laughter shared with his seven great-grandchildren, a testament to the joy he brought to all who knew him.
As the sun sets on Ray’s earthly journey, we gather to celebrate a life well-lived and a soul deeply loved. The Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel will open its doors on Tuesday, April 30, 2024, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, welcoming friends and loved ones to pay their respects. The memorial service, an ode to Ray’s enduring legacy, will commence at 11:00 AM, guided by the gentle words of Bro. Randy Dark.
In honoring Ray’s memory, we shall lay him to rest at a later date in the Garden of Memories (Jonesboro).
Tyler Posey, Trevor Blackstock, Cameron Blackstock, Connor Chandler, Jake Rich, and Austin Walker stand as honorary pallbearers, a solemn tribute to a life well-lived.
Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be conveyed to the family via http://www.edmondsfuneralhome.com, a digital sanctuary where memories may be shared and Ray’s legacy celebrated for generations to come.
James Maurice Peel
April 15, 1943 – April 22, 2024
James Maurice Peel “Maurice”, of El Dorado, was born April 15, 1943, in Jonesboro, LA, to the late Vivian Thornton Peel and James Murray Peel. His sister, Myrna DeCou, preceded him in death. He died April 22, 2024, at Oak Ridge Health and Rehab.
His son, David Maurice Peel, and his wife of nearly 59 years, Patricia Elmore Peel, will hold dear the memory of him. Other relatives include granddaughter, Hillary Bradford, nephew, Mitch DeCou (Kim), niece, Lesley Simpson (Al), niece, Lauren Phillips (Shane), nieces, Celeste Hernandez (Dennis) and Hannah Carter, nephew, Aaron Hunter and brother-in-law, Larry Elmore.
Maurice’s goal in retirement was to read all the books he ever wanted to read, but what he did instead was to continue his education. His life-long interest in learning led him to earn a master’s in business from Memphis State University, and after retirement an undergraduate degree in environmental science and a master’s in biological science from Louisiana Tech. He briefly taught biology at South Arkansas Community College.
He graduated from Jonesboro High School, Jonesboro, LA and from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. While at Louisiana Tech he met his future wife, Patricia Elmore.
He loved watching trees grow so he built a greenhouse and sold trees online. He built a workshop for his 1949 Ford truck and later his 1971 Mustang.
Maurice retired as the Manager of Marketing Operations from Murphy Oil. His office workers volunteered that he was a good boss.
He became the first director of St. Paul Methodist Church’s food pantry. The church gained an active member when he joined it, as he headed several committees over the years.
He knew how to organize, follow goals, delegate, and complete his pursuits at his job and in hs volunteer work. He was the man you wanted on a committee or to head it.
His love for his wife and son knew no bounds, and although he was a man of few words, his actions were loud. He always completed what he promised he would do.
Thank you to the caring nurses and aides of Oak Ridge Nursing, Gentiva Hospice and Baptist Health Hospital in Monticello, AR.
Visitation was held at St. Paul Global Methodist Church in El Dorado on Friday, April 26, 2024. The funeral service followed with Rev. Randy Rowlan officiating under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors. Interment took place in Jonesboro, LA, in the Gayla Traina Memorial Cemetery.
Alzheimer’s started taking away his memories and activities several years ago. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association, St. Paul Global Methodist Church, or any of the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) charities.
Condolences can be expressed online at http://www.youngsfuneralhome.com for the Peel family.
Waddy Turner Meek
August 2, 1937 – April 23, 2024
On Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Jonesboro, Louisiana bid farewell to Waddy Meek, a man whose life was defined by hard work, love, and an appreciation for the simple joys of existence. Born in Campti, Louisiana on August 2, 1937, Waddy’s journey was one of quiet strength and steadfast dedication.
For over thirty years, Waddy was a pillar in the gas industry, his expertise and skill earning him the respect of colleagues and the admiration of all who knew him. But, beyond the welder’s mask and the sparks, he was a man who found solace in the tranquility of nature.
Whether he was tending to his garden, casting a line into the waters, or simply enjoying the peacefulness of the outdoors, Waddy found contentment in life’s small moments. His love for deer hunting and camping spoke to his appreciation for the beauty of the natural world.
He is survived by his daughter, Linda DeLuee and her husband, Robert; his son, Paul Meek and his wife, Brenda; 4 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren; brother, Donald Lee Meek; sister, Cathaline Burns and her husband, Kenneth; as well as dear friends, Steve and DeAnna Stringer.
Visitation was held on Friday, April 26, 2024, at Southern-Edmonds Funeral Home Chapel in Jonesboro with the funeral service following led by the comforting words of Bro. Michael McNatt. Waddy’s final resting place will be in Cypress Creek Cemetery near Dodson, Louisiana.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Waddy’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Wounded Warrior Project, two causes that were close to his heart. Your contributions will honor his memory and continue his legacy of compassion and support for those in need.