of England, AR
April 14, 1936 - February 16, 2025
George Hines Flanakin, 88, of England, Arkansas entered eternal rest on February 16, 2025. Born on April 14, 1936 in Eudora, Arkansas, he was the son of Rural Kirkwood and Minnie Lee Hines Flanakin.
At the age of 10, George moved to England, where he built a life centered around family and work. He graduated from England High School in 1954 and served in the United States Army in 1959. His career was dedicated to retail and service, spending 40 years at Caplinger's Men Store in England before joining Dillard's at Park Plaza in Little Rock, where he worked for 13 years in the suit department. He was known for his keen ability to determine a customer's perfect fit before even taking a measurement. George had a natural talent for making people look and feel their best. Additionally, he served at Roller Funeral Homes for 20 years, offering care and support to families during their times of need.
His commitment to the community extended far beyond his professional life. A true pioneer of youth sports in the area, he was instrumental in founding the England Little League Association and dedicated 45 years as a coach, Commissioner and concession stand manager. In recognition of his contributions to young athletes, the Little League field was named in his honor. For 14 years, George served as chairman of the England Water Commission. In 1991, he was honored as England High School's Most Loyal Fan. His dedication to civic service earned him the Community Service Award in 1997 for his efforts in enhancing the growth and development of the City of England. He was a member of the Chamber of Commerce for over 25 years. He was also a lifelong member of the First United Methodist Church, serving in many positions.
Beyond his professional and community endeavors, George embraced life with an adventurous spirit. He found joy in riding motorcycles, waterskiing, canoeing, building and flying RC airplanes, camping, watching movies and tv and making cherished memories on the beach in Destin, Florida. He also loved visiting water parks and theme parks-always ready for a new thrill. A devoted Razorbacks fan, he enjoyed watching games alongside his best friend, Big John. Those who knew him well will fondly remember his legendary sweet tooth.
George is survived by his wife of 60 years, Linda K. Flanakin; his daughter, Fehra Shea Bryant; three granddaughters, Taylor Dycus, Rebecca Dycus and Isabella Bryant; as well as three great-grandchildren, Jaydn Howard, Aubree Abston and Denver Abston. He was a loving husband, dad and "Poppi & Papa".
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, William Kirkwood Flanakin and his best friend for over 50 years, Johnny C. Norsworthy (Big John).
A memorial service to celebrate George's life will be held on Saturday, March 8th at 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church in England with time for reflection and remembrance to follow in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Christ Corner Food Closet (809 S.E. 6th St., England, Arkansas 72046) or a charity of your choice. George's legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched. His warmth, kindness and adventurous spirit will leave an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing him.
To order a DVD copy of this video memorial, please contact our funeral home at + 15018423939.
George was a great man and a good friend of mine.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
George was a special person to so many. I worked with George on several water projects for the city of England. Then years later, George sold me several suits and I always enjoyed visiting with him. We will all miss him. Jim McClelland
To Linda, Shea & Family - Wtih all the wonderfully kind words everyone is expressing now, you'll find that for the rest of your lives, people who knew George will continue to share their fond memories of the generous & caring Man George was. George represtend the Man we all wish was our "Poppi"!!!
George was a true friend to so many. I have known him since I was a teenager and do not remember ever visiting with him that I did not feel better. He could always put a positive spin on any situation. Rest in peace good friend.
My first words when I heard about George going to Heaven were “I can’t imagine England without George!” He was involved in so many different areas in our town. And always kind and helping wherever he was!
He will truly be missed! Love to you Linda, Shea, Becca, and Taylor.
So sorry to hear of George passing from this life to another. I have known him since he was at Capilingers, we were friends forever after that. After that we enjoyed seeing each other over the years. George you are going to be missed by me and the people of England forever but you will always be remembers R.I. P. Forever my friend.
Praying for the family from Erma Solee and family
George was one of a kind,,,huge heart, wonderful sense of humor and much dedication to his community and his friends. My dad, Terry, loved Mr. George. They all loved their coffee and conversations at Caplingers.
Please accept my condolences and prayers for peace in the days ahead. He is truly leading the gang in happy conversation now!
God Bless him and you.
Paula Axley Greenbaum
I have had the privilege to have known Mr.George all my life!What a great man!He will be missed tremendously!Praying for your precious family for healing!Love and prayers Terri Wallace Dyer!
George was a great man, he will be missed by all
Mr.George was such a great guy who served his community like no other! He will be missed.
Mr. George was one of the people who epitomized the goodness of a small town. I can’t recall a single instance when I didn’t witness him being one of the kindest individuals I’ve ever known. From the old Caplinger days, when I can still vividly picture the store and Mr. George getting the guys ready for prom, to his sweet presence at my mom’s and son’s funerals, he was a source of comfort and support for so many. He will be missed.
Ms. Linda and Shea, I’m so very sorry for your loss. There was not a better man than George. He was always so helpful in any situation . I had the utmost respect for him . Praying for your peace and comfort.
Linda and Shea prayers for your family. Mr. George was a wonderful and kind man. I remember him at church he was always helping. He was loved by everyone who knew him. Mr. George will be missed.
I’m so sorry to hear
Dear Linda & Family:
Billie and I would like to express our condolences to yourself and family, as well and to the many friends who were blessed to know George.
We have enjoyed our fellowship during many holiday seasons, and I was blessed to have been a work mate of George’s at Roller Funeral Home. I was also blessed by having benefited from George’s knowledge and talent of fitting my suits.
I would love to attend the memorial service health permitted. If not, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Kindest regards,
Terry and Billie
Mr. George was the most kind neighbor. On day 1 when I moved to Arkansas 25 years ago, next door to Mr. George and Mrs. Linda it was over 100 degrees. Mr.George knew someone, of course he did, he knew everyone, in any case he called someone to come and turn my power on, on a Sunday. I will never forget the kindness he showed me that day or the kindness of the past 25 years. I can't help but think he made the world a much better place. The true greatness about him, is that he enjoyed doing/helping others.
He will be truly missed.
Mr. George was such a good friend that I had the privilege to work with at the dealership in England. He was always smiling, kind, and had a story to tell. I am so sorry for Your loss Shea and family. He was such a great grandfather to Jaydn. He would always bring him to the dealership and was so proud of him. Love and prayers to all of you.
I had the honor to learn from and work beside George for several years. He was always willing to lend a hand and smile. He was one of the good ones and will be missed. Prayers of peace for his family and loved ones.
He was the best uncle a girl could ask for! I have great memories of Christmases with him helping me put my toys together, helping me learn how to drive his custom Volkswagen Bug! What fun! (Sorry for the whiplash, Shea!! ) I loved spending time with him & Aunt Linda & babysitting Shea!! What a legacy!! I know that he was welcomed by so many in Heaven!! It’s not goodbye, Uncle George, it’s I’ll see you later!! Aunt Linda, Shea & all the kiddos, you’re in my continued prayers in the days & months to come for peace & strength! I love you all!
The best Uncle around. I’m going to miss our phone calls! He was such a great man. Love him so much but I will see him someday.
What a wonderful man George was. He loved big and treated everyone like his best friend. He and Linda were perfect together and I shared some fun times with them. He was such a great help to me when my husband passed away a few years ago. I know George was welcomed into Heaven with much celebration. Sending my love and prayers to his precious family…
What a legacy of service, kindness, humor, and love George left for us. I never went to church that I didn’t see him faithfully serving in some capacity, and he and Linda were the backbone of our little church with their thousands of hours of service given freely from their hearts. I can’t wait to visit his sprawling mansion in Heaven someday, because of all the labors of love he used to build it, it’s gonna be the biggest one on the block! Much love to you and Shea, Linda. You are in our hearts and prayers.
A great man always helping people!
I pastored at the England UMC in 2012, where George attended. He was an awesome guy & a class act in the funeral home in England
Linda, Shea and Family, I send my most sincere condolences on the loss of George. He was truly a special person, and in my opinion, a true England treasure.
George was very kind and considerate and helped me a great deal during my teenage years, and after, especially when it came to choosing clothing that matched. George knew what looked good and what was in style. He took a great interest in making sure everything fit like he thought it should.
Before I knew how to tie a necktie George would allow me to drop by his home before an event, and he would tie it for me. That was very nice of him and something he did not have to do, but he did it. Please know that this meant something to me.
Later in life I visited with George about the challenges life has, and he was always more than willing to listen, and I always valued his sage advice. He was more than a clothier, he was a true friend. George was someone that can best be described as a True Prince Of A Fellow, who did whatever he could to improve the lives of his friends.
I am a better person for having known George Flanakin.
So sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. George and worked together many places growing up and was a true friend
Prayers and hugs to George’s family. Such a huge loss for all who knew him. George was a man of integrity, faith, and the best all around person I’ve had the privilege to know. Linda, Shea and family, prayers that you feel God’s presence in the coming days of this journey.
Linda , Shea and family
I'm so sorry for your loss . I am keeping y'all in my prayers.
Edie Holladay
You can't help thinking about Little League in England in the 70s and 80s without thinking of George Flanakin and his tireless efforts from keeping track of the uniforms and running the concession stand. I am sure there were hundreds of other things I didn't see him do when I was a kid, but I do know our family loved him. He had a great sense of humor and was just a kind and caring man.
Praying for all of family George was one fine man may the Lord be with all of family in the days ahead
Linda and Shae,
I’m so sorry about the loss of George. He took care of our family for many years. He will be greatly missed by all. Praying for peace for you
Linda, Shea and family, I am so sorry for your loss. George was such a wonderful, great guy!! You are all in my prayers
Mr. George was just "Wonderful"......Wonderful to be Around & Wonderful to Talk to.... Just Wonderful.
I’ve known George for many years and got to know him better when he worked at Roller funeral home I’ve preached many funerals there and always had the pleasure to work with George on the he arrangements.He was always helping to keep things going smooth so the families were taken care of .I miss him already .I pray his family is comforted , I know God will help them through this time till we see George in heaven.
MS. Linda and Shea,
I sorry to hear about George he was a great man. He also treated everyone with the respect and kindness, never meet a stranger. May God bless you all.
I am sorry to hear about George. He was a good kind man!
Linda and Shea we are deeply saddened to learn about George. He will be remembered as a very kind and generous man who always had time to visit no matter how busy he was. His loss will be felt by many who did business with him at Caplingers all those years ago. May his soul rest in peace. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time.