of Fifty Six, AR
April 4, 1935 - December 11, 2019
RL Balentine died peacefully at home on December 11, 2019, surrounded by his family who loved and adored him. RL was born on April 4, 1935, at Pordue, Arkansas, at home to Arvil and Verna (Newcomb) Balentine. RL was a devoted member of Fifty Six Missionary Baptist Church, and served as a Freemason. He retired from the United States Forest Service after thirty three years of service. RL was known for his love of sports, fishing, hunting, playing dominos with buddies, rebuilding heavy equipment, and collecting classic cars.
RL is survived by his wife, Pat (Burns) Balentine; two daughters, Kim Karrels and husband Ed, and Cindy Branscum and husband Keith, and son-in-law, Eddie Morgan; one sister, Betty Ward, nieces and nephews, Kristy Ivy and husband Daniel, Terry Ward, Jeremy Ward, Isaiah Ward, Kade Ivy, Berl Taylor, Karen Hilyer, and Brad Taylor; two grandchildren, Kasie Cox and husband Donny, and Hunter Branscum and wife Candace; four great-grandchildren, Brylie Cox, Colt Cox, Kolter Branscum, and Kasen Branscum.
RL was preceded in death by his parents, Arvil and Verna (Newcomb) Balentine; infant son, Bobby Balentine; daughter, Debbie (Balentine) Morgan; brother, Keith Balentine and sister-in-law, Oma Jean Balentine; brother-in-law, Paul Ward.
RL will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted daddy and papa, hard worker, and loyal friend. He was best known for his sense of humor and wit. His legacy of love will live on through his family and those who knew him.
Visitation is Saturday, December 14, 2019, from 1:00-2:00 P.M. at FiftySix Missionary Baptist Church in Fifty Six, Arkansas. Funeral services will follow the visitation beginning at 2:00 P.M. with Brother Rob Arnold and Brother David Campbell officiating. Interment will be at Fifty Six Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Hunter Branscum, Donny Cox, Ed Karrels, Eddie Morgan, Terry Ward, and Daniel Ivy. Honorary Pallbearers are RC Alexander, Ronnie Anderson, Keith Branscum, Lewie Branscum, Jr. Lee Deatherage, Harold Lancaster, Gary McClung, Ron Sterling, Kenneth Sutton, and all of his friends from the ''round table.'' (In memory of Benny Decker, Richard Hubbard, Dale Stanley, Dee Throckmorton.)
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Fifty Six Missionary Baptist Church or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research is greatly appreciated.
Roller Crouch Funeral Home in Mountain View, Arkansas, is in charge of the arrangements.
So sorry for your loss! Prayers for the family!
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you. Prayers. Bob and Pat Reeves
Condolances to the family in the loss of RL. I remember him well. May our Lord bring you Peace & Comfort at this time.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all. May you find comfort knowing RL is at peace and in a better place. Love to you all. Myra Dick
Sorry for your loss
I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. May God Bless and Keep you.
Praying for peace and comfort for you all. RL was truly a great man.
I am so sorry for your loss. My Dad had Parkkinsons and it is a terrible illness for everyone involved. I pray God will bless each of you during this time.
you all are in our prayers
So sorry for your loss. Your family has lost a good man. May you have peace and comfort in this time.
We are so sorry for your loss and sending Prayers to your family.
God Bless you all
Love and prayers to all my family