of Bellefonte, AR

August 10, 1930 - May 21, 2023

Ardith Jack Yancey, age 92, of Bellefonte, Arkansas passed away on Sunday, May 21, 2023 surrounded by his family at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center in Harrison. He was born on August 10, 1930 at Burr Oak, Arkansas, the son of John Earl "Blue" and Dollie Faye (Milam) Yancey. Along with his parents, Ardith was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Mozelle Lee (Casey) Yancey; his brother, James Willaford Yancey of Witts Springs, Arkansas and his grandson, Joshua Lee Yancey of Branson, Missouri.

Ardith worked many hard jobs to make a living for his family, including cutting timber with a crosscut saw, working at a sawmill, and picking cotton. In 1961, Ardith went to work for Claridge Products in Harrison and worked there for 41 years before retiring in 2002.

When Ardith was eight years old, his family had a toy plastic guitar, and he tuned it and played it well enough that they could recognize the songs he was playing. His father said, "when I get my first paycheck out of my cotton crop, I'm getting him a guitar". True to his word, he ordered him a guitar from Sears and Roebuck, and that started a lifelong love of music.

Ardith and his wife, Mozelle, spent countless hours making music, playing Bluegrass and Gospel music. They performed at many festivals and churches. They were instrumental in preserving Bluegrass music in the state of Arkansas. They were recognized numerous times by Arkansas Governors as pioneers and leaders in the state's Bluegrass music. Each governor signed a proclamation recognizing Bluegrass Week in Arkansas. When their son, Danny, was 12 years old, he started playing banjo and completed their family group. Even when Danny went on to become a professional musician, coming home to make music with his parents was always a special time. Their house was always open for friends and musicians to stop in for a "jam session," and many times, they lasted all night long. Mozelle would cook a big meal before sending them home. Many famous musicians stopped by their home to sing, pick and eat some of Mozelle's cooking. Among them were Buck White and Byron Burline.

Ardith and Mozelle started the Northwest Arkansas Bluegrass Music Festival in 1971 and continued with the festival through 1980 before turning it over to the City of Harrison and Mayor Eugene Martin. The festival continues to this day and will be celebrating its 51st year in August.

Besides his family, Ardith had two loves, music and sports. In his later years, much time was spent watching baseball, football, and basketball. One of his proudest moments was when his oldest son, Jack, was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame as one of the top referees in the state. Ardith and Mozelle were proud parents of their two sons, encouraging and supporting them in their careers and personal lives. When they became grandparents, they found their dream job. According to their grandchildren, they were simply the best, always loving, supportive, present, and fun!

Ardith is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Jack and Tammy Yancey of Jasper, Arkansas, and Danny and Pam Yancey of Omaha, Arkansas; his granddaughter, Ashley Danielle (Yancey) Waters and her husband, Brad of Harrison; his grandson, Josh Lee and his wife, Brittney of Snowball; his great-granddaughters, Brittany Langdon of Jasper, Arkansas and Emmerson Waters of Harrison and his great-grandsons, Jackson and Jase Lee and Dalton McClung.

Ardith is also survived by his siblings, Junior Yancey and his wife, Patricia; Helen (Yancey) Harmon and her husband, Troy; Duane Yancey and his wife, Eleanor, and May Lou Lemon.

Ardith enjoyed a close bond with his brothers and sisters, visiting in person and on the phone. Uncle Ardith will be missed greatly by his nieces and nephews, as well as extended family and many dear friends.

The funeral service is 1:00 PM Friday, May 26, 2023, at Roller-Christeson Funeral Home, with Bro. Arlis Burkes officiating. Visitation is one hour prior to the Service.

Musicians will be Danny Yancey, Ashley Yancey-Waters and Brad Waters, Kent and Beci Coffey, Wayne Massengale, Keith Lee, and Pam Simmons-Setser.

The interment is in Snowball Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Jack Yancey, Danny Yancey, Brad Waters, Steve Lawrence, Willis Yancey, and Kenny Raver.

Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Kenny Collins, nurse Bethany Hornaday and staff at Family Doctors Clinic, Nelson Ragland, Larry Flippo, Hansel Bradford, Kent Coffey and Ardith's granddaughters, Ashley and Brittany.

Sign Guestbook

14 Condolence(s)