James Othel Edward "Bud" Ashcraft, age 86, of Pine Bluff,died Wednesday, April 8, 2009. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Elah Marie Ashcraft on August 3, 2008.
He is survived by his son, James R. Ashcraft and wife, Carrol Beth of Jefferson Springs; three grandsons, Ricky Ashcraft of Tampa, FL, Ronnie Ashcraft of White Hall, and Michael Ashcraft and wife, Shay of Nashville, TN;
a great-grandson, Bradley Ashcraft of Sheridan; three great-granddaughters, Tiffany Ashcraft of Sheridan, Sophia Leigh Ann Ashcraft and Sarah Ashcraft of Nashville, TN; a brother, Athel Ashcraft and wife Maxine of Grapevine;
three sisters, Earnestine Hedden, Mary Bradshaw and husband Jim, and Esther Ramie, all of Sheridan; also by nieces, nephews, and many friends he was proud to have had through the years.
Mr. Ashcraft had worked for Sugar Creek Creamery and South Funeral Home before joining the United States Navy during World War II and serving for four years in the Pacific Theater. After his honorable discharge, he began a construction business until starting Aggregate Transport, Inc. in 1957. He also started a gravel processing business, Arkansas White Rock, Inc. in 1968 in Grant County. His wife Marie worked with him until their retirement in 1996. He was a member of the Assembly of God Church.
The family thanks the doctors and nursing staff at Jefferson Regional Medical Center and White Hall Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the care they provided for Bud during his time of failing health. Special thanks to Marcia Ann Dollar for the many hours she
attended to him.
Funeral services will be Saturday, 1:00 p.m. at Fuller Hale-South Funeral Chapel with Rev. Don Ashcraft officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Ida Cemetery in the Dexter community, near Mr. Ashcraft's home.
Obituary submitted by Katherine Webb.