James Eugene Parton

James Eugene Parton, age 86, of Glenwood, passed away on Sunday, March 18, 2018. He was born on December 6, 1931, in Glenwood, the son of Bivens James Parton and Carrie Mattie Stroope Parton. On January 22, 1955, he was married to the love of his life, Florene Bardwell. He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Bennie Jean Futrell and Thelma McCool; and one brother, Herbert Floyd Parton. He was a U.S. Army veteran, and received a Masters Degree in teaching from the University of Arkansas, going on to teach for many years at the Kirby, Caddo Gap, Langley and Mount Ida school districts until his retirement. He also spent several years farming, always loving to work with his cows, enjoyed deer hunting, but above all, his greatest joy in life was being able to spend time with his family. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather, who deeply loved his family and friends. He is survived by his loving wife, Florene Parton of Glenwood; three sons and two daughters-in-law, Bart Parton of Glenwood, Brent and Sherry Parton of Texarkana, Arkansas and Brock and Tammy Parton of Glenwood; seven grandchildren, Amber, Krystal, Derrick, Brittany, Joshua, Haley and T.J.; twelve great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members; and a host of wonderful friends. Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, March 21, 2018, in the Davis-Smith Funeral Home Chapel, Glenwood with Bro. Jack Herring and Bro. Ralph Hemund officiating. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army Honors Team. Visitation will be held Tuesday evening, 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, at the funeral home. Interment will be in the County Line Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Derrick Parton, Nathan Ward, Joshua Parton, Davey Foley, Richard Vines and Brandon Vines. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.