Obituary: Dr. James Shelton Ellis, ADA Member for 64 Years

Dr. James S. Ellis, 92, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 29, 2024, in Knoxville, Tennessee. He practiced oral surgery in Fort Smith for 40 years. 

He earned his Eagle Scout Award at age 13 and graduated from Camden High School in 1949. He then attended Henderson University, obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry in 1953. In 1956, he graduated from the University of Tennessee School of Dentistry and completed his oral surgery residency at Louisiana State University in 1964.

While attending Henderson University, he met his wife of 67 years, Janette Bryant. They married in 1953 in Camden, Arkansas and had two daughters, Elizabeth and Ruth.

Dr. Ellis served on the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners, followed by twelve years of service on the Southern Regional Testing Agency. He was a member of the Fort Smith Dental Association, treasurer of the Northwest Arkansas Dental Association, American Dental Association, Southwest Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, American Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Additionally, he served on the Dental Staff of Saint Edwards Mercy Medical Center and Sparks Regional Medical Center. After retiring at age 75, he continued to teach Oral Pathology at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith School of Dental Hygiene until he was 84. 

He was a long-time active member of East Side Baptist Church and a men’s Sunday-school teacher. Although he was an avid runner for over 35 years, he also believed in exercising his mind and had memorized most of the Book of Romans. Active in his community, he supported the Fort Smith Symphony and served as president for two seasons.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Janette Ellis. He is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth Hollis of Tulsa, Okla., and Dr. Ruth Lambert and husband Dr. David Lambert of Loudon, Tenn.; two grandchildren, Brandon Son and wife Colleen of Tulsa, Okla., and Ellis Lambert of Loudon, Tenn.; one great-grandchild, Nicole Son of Tulsa, Okla.; and one brother, William Ellis of Fayetteville, Ark.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Camden, Arkansas.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090 or www.gideons.org.  

Proctor Funeral Home is assisting the family in Camden, AR.

Obituary: Dr. Dennis Pulliam, ADA Member for 48 Years

Dr. Dennis Blake Pulliam, 73 of Hoxie passed away December 11, 2023, in the St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro.

Born July 30, 1950, in Walnut Ridge, to the late Chester and Liberty Forehand Pulliam. He graduated Valedictorian of Walnut Ridge High School Class of 1968; he was top of his class and earned Dental honors when obtaining his D.D.S. in 1974. Dr. Pulliam owned and operated Dennis B. Pulliam Family Dentistry for forty-two years. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Walnut Ridge, where he was very active in the music program and was an elected lay leader. He was active in his community, member of the Chamber of Commerce and Kiwanis. He enjoyed singing, playing his guitar, and tying his own flies to fish for trout.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Dixie Pulliam in 2021.

Survivors include two sons, Kevin (Kristi) Pulliam of Jonesboro, and Rev. Steven (Allison) Pulliam of Fayetteville; a daughter, Lee Ann Pulliam of Jonesboro; eight grandchildren, Ash (Kortney), Eleanor (Will), Caroline (Isaac), Evelyn, Clarissa, Andrew, Joshua, and Brooke (Joe) ; one great grandson, Murphy; one sister, Karen (Dave) Fowler of Walnut Ridge; a niece, Kerri (Houston) Hart of Bono; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral Service was held December 14, 2023 at the First United Methodist Church in Walnut Ridge with Bro. Jeremy Hopper officiating. Pallbearers will be Ash, Joshua, Andrew Pulliam, Joe Donegan, Will Allen, and Isaac Haynie. Honorary Pallbearers are Jim Stevens, Butch Minor, Ken Guthrie, Terry Tharp, Dave Fowler, John Bland, Houston Hart, and Dr. Dave Register. Interment will follow in the Lawrence Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to ARMOM c/o Arkansas State Dental Association 748 HWY 107 Sherwood, AR 72120

Obituary: Dr. Gerald Johnson of Little Rock

ASDA Member Dr. Gerald K. Johnson, Sr., departed this world on Wednesday, October 4, 2023. Gerald was born in Shreveport, La., on December 2, 1933, and at the tender age of 2, he moved to Augusta, Ark., following the tragic loss of his father.
He pursued his passion for chemistry and biology at UCA (formerly ASTC) before graduating from the University of Missouri School of Dentistry at Kansas City.
Gerald proudly served his country as a Captain in the USAF Hospital in Amarillo, Texas, where he practiced general dentistry during three years of active duty. After his Air Force service, he pursued a preceptor-ship program in orthodontics, working alongside esteemed professionals including Drs. Alstadt, Casey, Golden, and Johnson in Little Rock, Ark.
Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, Gladys Johnson of Augusta, Ark., and Austin, Texas, and Kay Johnson of Austin, Texas.
He is survived by his loving children, G.K. Johnson, Jr. (Claudia) of Atlanta, Ga., Brenda Majors, and Scott Johnson (Quinci) of Little Rock. Cherishing his memory are his grandchildren, Ryan Nunez (Ricky), Brooke Johnson and Ross Johnson of Atlanta, Ga., and Jackie Majors (Joey), Emily Lang (Derek) and Graeson Johnson of Little Rock. His legacy continues through his great-grandchildren, Kylie Barrow, Mason and Miles Lang.

Gerald was a dedicated member of various dental associations, including the American Dental Association, the American Association of Orthodontics, the Southwestern Society of Orthodontics, the Arkansas State Dental Association, and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He served as the president of the Arkansas Society of Dentistry for Children and the Pulaski County Dental Association. Additionally, he was a valued member of the Founder’s Group of the Cleft Palate Clinic at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in 1965.
His commitment to his community extended beyond his professional life. He was a board member of the Scott Connections Plantation Settlement and the Managing Member of the Indian Mounds Land Company, a family enterprise. A devout member of Second Presbyterian Church, he faithfully served as Deacon and Elder during various periods. His passion for music led him to the Little Rock Country Club and earned him the title of Lifetime Member of the Downtown Rotary Club, where he joyously served as their “unofficial” pianist for over three decades.
A celebration of Gerald’s life will be held at Second Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Second Presbyterian Church or to The Down Syndrome Foundation, organizations that held special places in Gerald’s heart.
In these moments of grief, let us remember Gerald for his kindness, dedication, and love. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com

Published October 7, 2023

Obituary: Dr. George C. Martin, Past ASDA President

Dr. George Chesley Martin, Sr., of Springdale, AR passed away on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at 71 years old. He was born July 13, 1952, in San Antonio, Texas to Robert Chesley and Enbe (Woody) Martin.

George began his dental career in 1976 in McGehee, AR where he owned his own practice. He practiced there for 28 years before moving to Northwest Arkansas. He then became a partner at the Family Dental Center and practiced there for 17 years. George decided to share his skills and passion for dentistry and taught at the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in Memphis for 4 years. During his career, he received many prestigious awards. He received the Young Dentist Award in 1991 by the Arkansas Dental Association. He served as President on the Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners from 2013 to 2014. He served as President of the Southern Regional Testing Agency. He received the Distinguished Service Award in 2021 from the Arkansas State Dental Association. During his tenure at University of Tennessee College of Dentistry he received multiple awards including the Charles Edrington Faculty Award, the Junior Faculty Award, and the John S. Diggs Nelson Faculty Enrichment Award. George had a passion for helping others that led him to go on 12 different Honduras mission trips performing dental procedures.

Lovingly referred to as “Doc” by those who knew him best, George enjoyed spending time with family, gardening, pheasant hunting, and watching the Razorbacks. He loved to travel with family and friends. He also loved being outdoors. George was an avid camper, hiker and loved to fish. Also known as “Poppy” to his grandkids, he loved being at all their events, coaching them, and beating them in a foot race any chance he got.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Enbe Martin. George is survived by his wife of 41 years Julie (Jordan) Martin; sister Rebecca (Martin) Sherwood and husband Ron; his son George Chesley Martin, Jr. and his wife Ashley; his daughter Jordan (Martin) Prater and her husband Seth; son Kyle Martin; four grandchildren, Easton and Jase Martin and Charlotte and Georgie Prater; as well as many other friends, family and loved ones.

Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Friday, September 29, 2023, at Johnson Church of Christ in Johnson, Arkansas. Burial will follow at Stuckey Cemetery in Johnson. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, September 28, 2023, at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home in Fayetteville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Johnson Church of Christ at https://johnsoncoc.breezechms.com/give/online. To sign the online guestbook, at www.bernafuneralhomes.com.

Obituary: Dr. Tommy Raines of Camden

Dr. Tommy Raines of Camden went to his heavenly home on Tuesday, September 19, 2023. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. His humor was contagious and his loud laugh lit up every room. His hospitality and servants heart left an impact on more people than could ever be counted. His pride as a parent and especially as a grandparent was unmatched. He absolutely adored his wife and truly believed that she hung the moon. Tommy was a faithful man who loved the Lord, his church, and community. He was a member of the Camden Rotary Club, a Deacon at Immanuel Baptist Church, and the Pastor’s Accountability Team of Oasis Church.

Tommy is survived by his wife Laura, Daughter Catherine and Son-in-law John and Granddaughter Aspen, Son Stephen and Daughter-in-law Lauren and Granddaughter Nora Grace and Grandson Micah, Mother Ann, Brother Mike and Sister-in-law Lori and Niece Haley, Sister Kim and Nephew Sam. We have faith and firm belief that his beloved Father James Ray was waiting for him when he entered into heaven to be with his savior.

Dr. Raines’ funeral was held on Saturday, September 23 by Proctor Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Oasis Church of Camden, Arkansas.

Obituary: Dr. Bruce Gaston of Hot Springs

Dr. Bruce Gaston, age 66, of Hot Springs, Ark., died peacefully at home on Aug. 17, surrounded by his family.

Bruce was born to Jackson Gaston and Betty (Rout) Gaston. They were a military family which moved around several times before eventually settling in Hot Springs. Bruce graduated from Lakeside High School, and then went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from Henderson State University, his DDS from the University of Tennessee, and obtained his specialty in endodontics from the Georgia School of Medicine.

Bruce followed his father’s military service example and began his own military career in 1990 when he joined the U.S. Army Reserves while he attended dental school. Upon graduation, he transitioned to active duty and served his country as a dental officer for 11 years, then transitioned back to the Reserves for an additional nine years. He retired in 2010 at the rank of colonel after a distinguished career which included two overseas tours, two humanitarian missions to former Soviet countries, and a deployment to the Middle East during the Gulf War. His efforts in this deployment helped lead the first reserve dental unit ever deployed into combat, and he was awarded the Bronze Star.

When he left active duty service, Bruce chose to establish his dental practice back in Hot Springs to be near family and friends and to give back to the community which meant so much to him. He loved people, never met a stranger and enjoyed a good conversation. He was also an avid golfer and gin player.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 35 years, Lenora (Partain) Gaston, and their two sons, Bret Gaston and Grant Gaston, both of Hot Springs, and their daughter, Logan Gaston, also of Hot Springs. He was preceded in death by his parents as well as one sister, Diana Lynn Ward (Earl) of Oklahoma City, Okla.; and two brothers, Patrick Gaston of Los Angeles, Calif., and David Gaston of Oklahoma City, Okla. He is survived by six additional siblings: Jackson Gaston Jr. (Beverly) of Jessieville, Ark., Kerrie Gaston of Hot Springs, Anthony Gaston of Bellechester, Minn., Michael Gaston (Carol) of Oklahoma City, Okla., Elizabeth Naven (Don) of Pekin, Ill., and Lisa Holland (Brian) of Kill Devil Hills, N.C.; as well as many nieces and nephews and countless friends.

There will be a memorial service and celebration of Bruce’s life at 3 p.m. on Aug. 27 at Cold Springs Events, 9578 Kanis Road, Paron, Ark.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Hot Springs Area Community Foundation, P.O. Box 56, Hot Springs, AR 71902 for the Bruce Gaston Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Guests may register at http://www.grossfuneralhome.com.

Obituary: Dr. Michael V. Liggett of Fort Smith

On the afternoon of August 15, 2023 Dr. Michael (Mike) V Liggett left this earth surrounded by his family at UAMS and was greeted in Heaven by his mom, dad and all his family and friends who got there first.

Mike was born in Wichita, KS but spent most of his life in Fort Smith, graduating from Northside High School in 1966. His higher education continued at Westark and then the University of Arkansas until he was accepted to the University of Tennessee Dental School after only 2 years of college. He finished his college degree while attending dental school-one would have been hard enough but Mike did both, while flying home every weekend to play in his band The Off Beats, so he’d have enough spending money for the week.

When he graduated from dental school he went into practice with Dr Ed Dooley in 1972. After Dr Dooley retired Mike bought the practice and remained until 1987 when his dream of building his own office was a reality and Parklane Family Dental was established. He then expanded and added another office at Central Mall. With the expansion of NW Arkansas he saw a need for Parklane to have an office in Rogers and just recently finished another NW Arkansas office in Springdale. In 2004, his nephew Charles (Charlie) graduated from LSU Dental School and went to work at Parklane. Another added bonus for Mike was to have his son Kristopher (Kris) join the group in 2007 after graduating from Baylor Dental School and it really became “Parklane Family Dental”. Mike was a member of American Academy of General Dentistry and American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

As busy as Mike always was, he was lucky enough to work-in a patient one day who had a problem wisdom tooth. That patient was Judi. They fell in love and continued their journey together for 47 years adding Michael, Kris, Lauren and then Jorge. The happiest time of his life was when he became
“GDad”.

Mike loved music.he played his way through school and giving guitar lessons to lots of kids. He also loved art and was quite an artist himself.

If you knew Mike, you were among the lucky. He never met a stranger and always had a kind word for everyone, especially the underdog. He was the best son, big brother, husband, Dad, GDad and friend.
We all will miss him every day but are assured we will see him again.
Mike is survived by his wife, Judi, his son Michael (Katharine), son Kris (Bo) daughter Lauren (JR) and son Jorge (Julissa) and those precious ones who call him GDad, Finley, Stratton, Lemon, Melanie, Jorgie and Aislinn. He is also survived by his brother Chuck (Kathy) nephews Charlie (Heather) Travis (Deanna) great nieces Emery and Piper and cousin Jackie Domecq. Additional close friends Wade and Gena Walker and Jackie Barker.

Memorial contributions to Mike’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Obituary: Dr. Marty Joe Harderson of Clarksville, AR

 Marty Joe Harderson, DDS was born on June 9, 1960 in Clarksville, AR to Joe and Juanita Harderson. He graduated from formerly known as Hartman High School in Hartman, Arkansas, known now as Westside High School in Coal Hill, AR to eventually earn several high school honors, including the highest achievement math award. Ultimately, he made the decision to attend dental school in Memphis, Tennessee, which would set the course for the rest of his life. He used his skills in dentistry to help countless patients, witness to them as he was working on them, sing to them as he was working on them and make them feel more comfortable in a dentist office. He had an overwhelming passion to help those in need, resulting in several mission trips to different countries and mission clinics across the state of Arkansas. He loved music, learned how to play multiple instruments and wrote several songs that have touched so many lives. His love for the Lord was reflected in his love for people, family and his ministry of music in the church. Marty was full of life, loved to tell jokes and loved football more than most. He was an amazing father, grandfather and will be missed by several people more than words can describe.

He is preceded in death by Joe Harderson (father), Juanita Harderson (mother), Shiryl Harderson (sister) and Noah Samuel Harderson (grandson).

He is survived by one son, Gabriel (Crystal) Harderson of Clarksville; two brothers, Ken (Stacy) Harderson of Ozone and Victor Harderson of Oceanside, CA; one sister, Melba (Shawn) Ritchie of Pottsville; his four grandchildren, Kylee, Blakelee, Wyatt and Saylor and a host of other family and friends.

Obituary: Dr. James Calvin Wilkins, ADA Member for 61 years

Obituary: Dr. James Burgess, ADA Member for 67 Years