of Batesville, AR
February 13, 1954 - February 3, 2024
Kelly Lynn Deckard passed away on February 3, 2024, at Batesville, Arkansas. He was born at Herr Hospital in Heber Springs, Arkansas on February 13, 1954, to his parents Elsie Higgs and Earl Warner Deckard.
Kelly and late wife Sandy Matthews Deckard were owners and proprietors of Bethesda Grocery, where they were friends to all.
As a child and adult, he was an accomplished horse man. He rode in parades and rodeos with his nieces and friends.
His beautiful imagination and fantastic memory were used when driving a long nose Peterbilt cross country and Canada. He would call his sister late at night and describe his day and location.
He loved his family and friends with his whole heart. His immediate family was number one and grands called him Poppy. A hug would get them an ice cream cone. Kelly and best friend Larry West spent years collecting antiques and unique finds. He never forgot anything.
Kelly is survived by his son Zachary Gordon Deckard, Misty White (Joe), and Jerry Paul Grissom (Teresa); and his grandchildren Katey, Jennifer, and Kenna; and his great grandchildren, Slade, Maybree, Newt, and Landry. His sister Patricia Dickinson (Richard); nieces Carrie Day and Tracy Dickinson, and great nephew Jesse Lee Tipton of Little Rock, Arkansas.
A special thank you to Kelly's caregivers at Eagle Mountain Assisted Living.
In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Arkansas Sheriff's Youth Ranch, 100 St. Vincent Place, Batesville, Arkansas 72501.
''They call me the breeze''
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19 Condolence(s)
Tyler Osborne
Friday, February 9, 2024
Thinking of you in these difficult times. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Shelia Gates
Friday, February 9, 2024
On behalf of all the staff at Eagle Mountain Assisted Living, thank you for entrusting us with the care of Kelly during his aging years.
Lisa Smith
Friday, February 9, 2024
I will miss all of the stories you shared. You my friend were and still are an amazing son. We love you
Jan Burrow Qualls
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Fly to the angels sweet friend
jBill Huntley
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
Til' we meet again!
TJ Palese
Wednesday, February 7, 2024
My deepest sympathy to you & your entire family. Continued prayers for comfort & strength.
Janet Tosh
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Misty, Joe and family. My heart goes out to each of you during this difficult time. Many hugs and will be praying for you all. Much love!
Renee Rutherford
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Misty and Katey,
I am very sorry for your loss. Know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Renee
Psalms 46:1
Heather Franks
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you all
Love,
Tim, Heather, Carolyn& Courtney
Julie Graves
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Misty and Katey,
I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish I had had the privilege to know him as he sounds like a wonderful man. Hang on to those sweet memories.
Rachael Fisher
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Hoping your cherished memories of your beloved dad and poppy will bring comfort through this difficult time.
Perry pectol
Tuesday, February 6, 2024
So sorry for your family
Mitch and Alice Kennedy
Monday, February 5, 2024
So sorry to hear of Kelly's passing. We enjoyed visiting with him and Sandy at the Bethesda store. Prayers for peace and comfort in this time.
Valerie Holler
Monday, February 5, 2024
Sorry for your loss, prayers.
Isabelle Tenace
Monday, February 5, 2024
Vinny, many prayers for you and family. So sorry to hear about the passing of your dad. Strenght for the days ahead.
Phyllis Davis
Monday, February 5, 2024
Misty, Joe, Katie, Hunter, Kenna, Slade, Maybree and Landty. I am so sorry for your loss and your extended family. Sending prayers for peace and healing for all of you.
All my love,
Phyllis
Jerrie Richardson
Monday, February 5, 2024
Zack and family, Rickey and I are so very sorry for you loss, please know you and your family are in our prayers. Always he was such a gentleman always with a smile on his face - we are blessed to have known him and Sandy.
Rickey and Jerrie Richardson
Cathy Mullens
Monday, February 5, 2024
Katey & family, I’m so very sorry for the loss of your Grandpa. Prayers for peace & comfort as you go through this time of grief. Lots of love.
scott hoffman
Monday, February 5, 2024
When I was a young man and just trying to make it going to school and working, Kelly and Sandy let me "charge" at their store so I could afford gas to drive to Jonesboro to school. They kept a running ticket for me that I would try to pay off when I got paid. If I was a little short, they would tell me to just give them the rest next time. In the summer, we would go to the Bethesda store and enjoy and ice cream or a cold coke, sit on the bags of dogfood, and lean back against the cold cooler. Sandy made the best sandwiches and everyone was welcome. Kelly was usually on the run taking care of things for the store. They were two of the best people I've met in my life and an important part of my childhood. I'm extremely sad that they are now gone. Rest in peace.