Wayne Neely Courtney

Wayne Neely Courtney Though our hearts are broken, we rejoice in announcing that our precious Daddy and Papaw, Wayne Neely Courtney, age 86, of Forrest City, was called to his heavenly home on Monday, September 12, 2022. He was surrounded by his daughters. Mr. Courtney was born October 19, 1935, to Genevieve and Richard Courtney, where he grew up the oldest of three boys. He married the love of his life in 1954, Gloria Cox and enlisted in the Army National Guard and went on to have four daughters. After being honorably discharged, together they owned Courtney Oil Company that they later sold. Wayne was elected as Arkansas State Representative and then served in St. Francis County as Tax Assessor, Treasurer, and finally St. Francis County Judge. After retiring, Wayne enjoyed spending time tinkering in his shop, working on tractors, and planting peas and turnip greens. His family always teased him that he was trying to feed the entire county. Wayne was also an avid Arkansas Razorback fan. When he wasn't traveling to watch the hogs, he could always be found calling the hogs at home. His most enjoyable days were spent with his family, especially Sunday lunches after church. From time spent at his treasured family pond to supper and the traditional game of rook, nothing made him more happy than a house full of his girls and grandchildren. Wayne lived out the remainder of his life continuing his service to his church and community and surrounding himself in the love of his family. He is survived by four daughters; Sonya Poe, Cindy Massey, and husband, Allen, Susan Hanson, and husband, Mike, and Cheryl Wiemeyer, and husband, Dutch, seven grandchildren; Meredith Poe Reeves, Melanie Massey, Michelle Massey Garner, Courtney Massey Nance, Jennifer Hanson Jackson, Mitch Hanson, and Jessie Hanson Watson, and twelve great-grandchildren; Neely Poe, John Henry Poe III, Brayden Harris, Cody Garner, William and Charlotte Nance, Mackenze Jackson, Henry, Georgia and Hayden Hanson and Jack and Max Watson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gloria, of sixty-seven years, two brothers; David Courtney and Dale Courtney, one son-in-law, Johnny Poe, and one grandson, Michael Poe. Services for Mr. Courtney will be held Graveside, 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, at the Bell Cemetery in Palestine. Stevens Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are to be made to the First Baptist Church, Administrative Fund, 507 North Rosser, Forrest City, Arkansas, 72335. You may log on to stevensfuneralhome.net for the online registry.

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Wayne Neely Courtney

October 19, 1935 - September 12, 2022