of Rose Bud, AR

February 15, 1934 - March 28, 2024

Donald Ray Crockett, a lifelong resident of Rose Bud, Arkansas peacefully departed this life at the blessed age of 90 years old, on Thursday, March 28, 2024.

Born on February 15, 1934 in Rose Bud, Arkansas, Donald was the beloved son of the late Dayton and Viva Crockett. He attended Rose Bud High School and graduated in 1954, where he laid the foundation for a life marked by service and community commitment. After high school, Donald continued his academic journey at Arkansas State College-Beebe Branch, graduating with an Associate of Arts Degree in Business Education in 1956.

Donald's unwavering patriotism led him to serve our nation with honor in the United States Army, serving for two years from 1956-1958 as an Medical Specialist, a testament to his selfless devotion to his country. After his honorable discharge from the Army, Donald spent the next few years working at the International Shoe Factory in Searcy. In 1964, alongside his brother Jimmie, Donald embraced an entrepreneurial opportunity, pioneering the establishment of Crockett Brothers Grocery, Feed, Seed and Fertilizer on January 1, 1965. Donald was an outgoing and approachable fellow, which served him well as a store owner and operator. When a customer walked through the door, they were certain to be greeted by his warm smile and a neighborly chat. Crockett Brothers' Grocery remained not just a store but a beacon of warmth and friendship within the community, echoing the two brothers' spirit of generosity and kindness. Donald and Jimmie ran the store for 43 years, retiring in June 2008.

Donald was a faithful servant of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He humbly lived out his faith day by day, demonstrating a gentle and patient spirit, never being one to raise his voice or show anger towards others. He was a steadfast member of Mt. Bethel Free Will Baptist Church, where he served diligently in various capacities, including Church Training Service Director, Sunday School teacher and as an ordained Deacon at Mt. Bethel for 23 years. His profound faith illuminated his life, reflected in the sincerity of his prayers and his unwavering commitment to God's word.

Donald's interests included working in his flower beds, reading and studying the Bible and listening to Southern Gospel music, but his greatest joy came from connecting with others. Whether sharing stories with friends or showering his nephews and nieces with love and affection, Donald's presence radiated warmth and joy. Being an uncle was one of the greatest joys of Donald's life. His immeasurable love for each of his nieces, great nieces and nephews was evident through his involvement in and influence on their lives.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dayton and Viva Crockett; his cherished brother and best friend, Jimmie and his great nephew and niece, Tanner and Brooklyn Rose. Left to embrace his legacy of love and kindness are his adoring nieces, Elizabeth Rose (Steve) of Searcy, Julie Reedy (Robert) of Rose Bud and Kristen Mote (Heath) of McRae; his great-nephews and nieces, Robby and Brayden Reedy, Avery and Allison Mote and Tyler and Elyn Rose; as well as his sister-in-law, Sharen Crockett of Rose Bud. Also left to cherish his memory is a vast network of extended family and friends.

Donald's departure creates a void in the hearts of many, but his legacy of love and service will continue to inspire generations to come. The family would like to thank the wonderful staff of Providence Assisted Living in Searcy for the loving care they provided for Donald.

Memorial donations may be made to the Tanner and Brooklyn Rose Memorial Foundation (125 Tarkington Dr.; Searcy, AR 72143).

A visitation to honor his life will be held at Mt. Bethel Freewill Baptist Church on Monday, April 1, 2024 at 1:30pm with services immediately following at 3:00pm. Interment will take place at Mt. Bethel Cemetery in Rose Bud. All services are under the direction of Roller-Daniel Funeral Home in Searcy.

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