2024.10.17 THROW BACK THURSDAY - BLUE BIRD TOURIST COURT
THROW BACK THURSDAY - BLUE BIRD TOURIST COURT
PLUS CLASS NEWS
During World War II, my parents, Joe and Nola Dean, managed this delightful tourist court at Rose City, near Prothro Junction, on the Old Memphis Highway near North Little Rock. A AAA-recommended motel, its guests often included many families of training officers, then stationed at nearby Camp Joe T. Robinson. For years, the Deans lavished TLC on the courts, owned by my uncle B. Guy Beard, and saw the courts flourish beneath neon cabin logos my artistic Mom designed. Look closely. You may glimpse my parents and their friends at the office door. War was ending when I arrived in 1945, and so was their stay at the Blue Bird! They relocated my elder sister and me to a Hillcrest home in Pulaski Heights. It was long a busy fixture on main road between Memphis and Little Rock. Several rival tourist courts vied, too; but all faded, vanished by the 1960s. My favorite was The Little Rocker motel whose neon sign, inevitably, featured an empty rocking chair in constant motion!. Jerry Dean.
1956 CLASS NEWS
Carol Lee Tucker was in town this week visiting her brother, Jim Guy. She attended our Reunion Committee meeting last night along with some other guests,
one being Wickie Brown's brother, Bob. Was so good to see Carol Lee! We were meeting to start planning for our 70TH REUNION WHICH WILL
BE HELD THE LAST WEEKEND IN APRIL 2026!!! Get ready! I'll be giving you some news on it soon.
Obituary of GARY KEITH BENNETT
December 11, 1937 - October 5, 2024
Gary Keith Bennett, 86 years young, passed away surrounded by loved ones on October 5, 2024 in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Gary was born in Paragould, Arkansas to Jewel Bennett and Ruth B. Johnson on December 11, 1937. He attended Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas where he graduated in 1956. He joined the military soon after and served our country in the Air Force during the Cold War as an airplane mechanic. He married the love of his life, Edith, in September of 1957 and lived in wedded bliss since. After being discharged from the Air Force, he was employed by various airlines, where he worked in customer service. In the spring you could find him fishing with his son for rainbow trout on the Little Red and in the fall, he was readying his stand to hunt for deer. He enjoyed watching sports in his spare time - football, golf and especially basketball. If you spent a good amount of time in the Bennett home, you'd find him reclined in his chair on a Sunday afternoon between church services, dozing off to the sweet sounds of referee whistles. Gary's days on his earth were filled with love, his unwavering faith in God and setting an example on how to be an adoring husband. Gary is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Edith Bennett and His brothers, Richard Bennett (Peggy) and Stephen Bennett (Maryjane). He also leaves behind his son, James Bennett (Gina) and daughter, Julia Bennett; his grandchildren, Staci Vernon (Nathan), Nikki Robustelli (Vince), Alison Chambers (Caleb) and Logan Blalock (Madison); his great-grandchildren, Madison Oldebeken (Cobey), Brooclyn Vernon, Christian Vernon, Robert Robustelli, Natalie Robustelli, Emily Robustelli, Liam Chambers and Harvie Jude Chambers.
The paperback edition of Espionage Down Under, written by Classmate Kirk Tompkins, is now available.
Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Apple, and other booksellers. Order from the publisher here: Espionage Down Under
If you'd like to purchase a book from Kirk who donates the sale to the Class, please contact him directly or let me know.
Classmate Barbara Edwards is obviously having a wonderful time in Florincia, Italy. What a beautiful spot. We're all jealous, Barbara!
Double click to enlarge!
1955 CLASS NEWS
James Daniel Rogers
August 31, 1937 – October 7, 2024
Jim is survived by his son, James Alan Rogers, Miki; his grandson, Brandon Rogers, Candice; his granddaughter, Jessica (Rogers) Ezell, Austin; and his two great-granddaughters, Heaven and Hallie Rogers. He is also survived by his brothers, John Rogers, Carolyn, and Jerry Rogers, Noami. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty (Wallace) Rogers; his son, Jay Daniel Rogers; and his parents, Cliff and Bessie (Holt) Rogers. Jim retired from Union Pacific Railroad after 45 years of dedicated service. He served 25 years in the Military retiring as a Master Sergeant in charge of Combat Arms Training with the Arkansas Air National Guard, where he proudly trained many service members for battle. Jim was an active member of the Arkansas Patriot Guard, participating in numerous missions until he was no longer able. An avid outdoorsman, Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding motorcycles, and playing golf with friends. He will be remembered for his kindness, dedication to his family, and the joy he brought to those around him. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. The family would like to express their appreciation to Jim’s caretakers, Toni Patterson, and Gail Brown-Morgan and wonderful neighbors Bob and Diana Doyle. Graveside service, with Military Honors, will be held on October 10, 2024, at 1:00 PM at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills in Sherwood, AR. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Arkansas Hospice.
CLASS OF 1958
Clarence "Bubba" Crist, cousin of '56 Classmate, Sylvia Ellis passed away last week. Services will be held this Friday at Pinecrest, 1:00PM.
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Early Voting starts Monday, October 21!!!!!
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ML