of West Memphis, AR
September 17, 1933 - August 25, 2024
Noah Sylvester Sechrest, a beloved father, grandfather and respected community member, passed away peacefully on August 25th at the age of 90. Born in Poplar Bluff, Missouri on September 17, 1933, Ness lived a life of dedication, service and unwavering commitment to his family and community.
Ness was a graduate of Poplar Bluff High School, where he excelled in both academics and athletics. His passion for sports led him to the University of Missouri and Arkansas State University where he played football. A natural leader, Ness served as president of his high school senior class and president of the ASU Student Government Association. He was also a distinguished member of the ROTC.
After graduating, Ness embarked on a successful business career, starting with Esso Corporation and becoming the owner and president of West Memphis Petro, Inc., Petro Tank Lines and Flash Market, Inc. His entrepreneurial spirit and keen business acumen contributed to his success and allowed him to make a significant impact on his community.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Ness was a devoted family man. He married Carolyn Bollinger Sechrest and was married to her for 68 years. Together they raised three children, Dana Patton (Bret), Brad Sechrest (deceased) and Dawn Robinson (Blake). Ness was a loving and supportive father, grandfather and great-grandfather and his family was his greatest joy.
Ness was also deeply committed to his community. He served on various boards and committees, including the Southland Board of Directors, the Fidelity National Bank Board of Directors, the West Memphis Lion's Club, the West Memphis Chamber of Commerce, the Crittenden Memorial Hospital Board of Directors, the First Methodist Church Finance Committee and the West Memphis Public School Board. He served as a 32nd Degree Mason and Shriner and had the rank of Captain in the Army National Guard.
Ness served as a Commissioner on the Arkansas Parks and Tourism Commission from 1985 to Emeritus, a member of the MSCC Board of Directors from 2000 to 2007, a member of the Arkansas State University Foundation Board from 1998 to present and a member of the ASU Heber Springs Advancement Committee from 2005 to 2013.
Ness was recognized for his contributions to his community with several awards, including the ASU College of Business Distinguished Alumni Award in 1996, the ASU Distinguished Alumni Award in 1999 and the Arkansas Governor's Conference on Tourism Henry Award, Hall of Fame, in 2010.
Ness will be dearly missed by his family, friends and the community he loved. His legacy of hard work, compassion and service will continue to inspire those who knew him.
Funeral Services only, will take place for Ness on Friday, August 30, 2024 beginning at 1:00 PM at First United Methodist Church in West Memphis followed by a private family burial. Memorials can be made to the future Carolyn and Ness Sechrest Animal Shelter and Adoption Center by contacting the West Memphis Animal Shelter at 870-732-7599 or by mail at: 500 South Loop, West Memphis, Arkansas, 72301.
A public reception will be held after in the Charred Oak Room of Southland Casino in West Memphis from 4:00 PM until 6:00 PM for memories and cocktails.
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33 Condolence(s)
Stefanie Dostal
Monday, September 2, 2024
Such a wonderful man and example to everyone in our community. All of the staff at Express Pool Service send our most heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Sechrest and all the family. He will me greatly missed.
Mary Helen Lichtenegger Peters Duggar
Sunday, September 1, 2024
I am so sorry to learn about N.S. we double dated a lot in high school. He was a great friend. Everyone would agree. What fun we had!
Thinking of you!
Mary Helen
Mary Toney
Sunday, September 1, 2024
Prayers of peace and comfort for the Sechrest family during this trying time.
Shane Waldrop
Friday, August 30, 2024
Dawn & I were talking about our daddies & we agreed that we had never heard anyone in West Memphis say anything bad about Ness or my daddy. We added Victor Saig, Sr. & Buddy Northcutt. There are others, but no one did more for West Memphis than Ness Sechrest. A great man & a true Legend. Carolyn, Dana, Dawn, Blake & grandchildren, our hearts go out to y'all & our prayers are flowing.
Trish Smith
Friday, August 30, 2024
My heart breaks for the loss of this great man. He always knew you by name and asked how you were doing. Carolyn, Dawn and Dana my sincere sympathy goes out to you. We will see him again one day in that mighty Kingdom of God. There will never be a great gentleman like him.
Brooksie Hartness
Friday, August 30, 2024
Prayers and love to Carolyn and all the entire family. What a wonderful blessing Ness was and truly enjoyed visiting with him when I saw him in Paragould. What a great legacy he leaves behind of kindness and caring. May you all have strength and comfort at this time of loss.
Brooksie Hartness
Shirley Newsom Mooney
Friday, August 30, 2024
You have my deepest sympathy, please know that you are not alone.
GREG FAIR
Friday, August 30, 2024
Ness Sechrest influenced and guided me to the core in positive ways I don’t even know or realize. Whenever I had the pleasure of spending time with Ness and Carolyn, there was genuine catching up on everyone’s life journey, and of course some off-the-run comment so we could all join in Ness’s delightful laughter. Today I look forward to joining other Ness acolytes to love, support and hug on Carolyn, Dana and Dawn and the entire family while raising a heart-felt thank you to the heavens for the blessing of knowing Ness Sechrest while celebrating his life well lived.
Stan Graves
Friday, August 30, 2024
So sorry to see this sad news. I became acquainted with Ness and Carolyn as an employee of Arkansas State Parks where he served on our commission. He served our department and the state well with his quiet, deliberate and professional demeanor and decision-making at all of our meetings.
Both he and Carolyn were a joy to be around.
Robert Naylor
Thursday, August 29, 2024
My thoughts and prayers to Carolyn, Dana, Dawn and their families. Ness was a great man and friend who will be sorely missed by many.
Dianne Person
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Mr Ness and Mrs Carolyn have been the most wonderful neighbors we could ever have. Their love for each other so evident in how they treated each other. What a loss this is for his sweet family and our community. Ness was a Great man for sure. Our prayers for Mrs Carolyn, Dawn, Dana and the rest of the Sechrest family.
Beth Smith
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Carolyn, Dana and Dawn,
May the peace of Christ comfort you in this loss. Ness was truly one of the finest people I have ever met. Getting to know him and all of you, was one of my personal highlights.
Ness, may you rest in peace as God’s good and faithful servant.
Beth Smith
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Carolyn, Dana and Dawn,
May the peace of Christ comfort you in this loss. Ness was truly one of the finest people I have ever met. Getting to know him and all of you, was one of my personal highlights.
Ness, may you rest in peace as God’s good and faithful servant.
Weston Lewey
Thursday, August 29, 2024
I am sorry to hear of Ness’ passing. He was a great man, and clearly had a passion for the state of Arkansas. I was honored to have worked alongside him on the Parks & Tourism commission.
Please give my regards to his beautiful wife Carolyn, and to his family. He will be missed.
Alex Coulter
Thursday, August 29, 2024
Ness, a major contributor, supporter and leader. His accomplishments go far beyond the ordinary citizen. May we remember him and all he did to make our State and community a better place to live and work. May God be with him as he goes forward to enjoy the benefits he has earned here on earth.
Jay Edmondson
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Mr. Sechrest was such a good person. A gentleman. He always shook my hand & asked about my family. He was a wise & patient man. I can still hear him & my grandfather discussing business. I just listened. Mrs Sechrest , Dana & Dawn my thoughts are with you & your family.
Dentie Doyle
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
I worked for Ness back in the 60’s
when he had the Esso Bulk Plant.
He was such a good caring person.
He’s done so much for his community he will be missed. Prayers go out for Carolyn and family.
Dr. James Buffington
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
My prayers go out to all Nesses family. He will be missed by all who knew him, such a good man. He was a leader wherever he went, Poplar Bluff, Arkansas State, Crittenden County and the State of Arkansas. May he rest in peace.
"Doc" Hall
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
God speed, Uncle Ness! My thoughts and prayers are with the whole family. We love you Mrs. Carolyn, Dana, and Dawn.
Wes Hall
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
“Uncle” Ness was always larger than life to me as a kid from West Memphis. He and my dad (Hess) enjoyed such a great friendship that was always filled with family and laughter. Our thoughts are with the entire Sechrest family. See you on the other side, Uncle Ness! Wes
Cindy Cloyd
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
He was one of the last Southern gentleman. He was kind to all and will be greatly missed.
Todd & Christy Ford
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Our prayers will be with your family during the coming weeks. Sweet Mr. Ness and Mrs. Carolyn came to watch our kids play ball on more than one occasion. Thankful we became acquainted with them through Danny and Gail, who love them deeply.
Gary Harlow
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
I am saddened to hear of Ness's passing and prayers go out to his family. All of the praises you could give him would not be enough for Mr Ness was a very good man!
Steve P. Schoettle, M.D.
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
A fine man, a Southern gentleman, and a leader among men. He has been an inspiration to me, and countless others growing up in Crittenden county. Heaven will be enriched by his presence.
Dick Upton
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Ness was a great and longtime friend. You could hear his laugh at any gathering, and you knew you were in the right room. He and his family have faced many headwinds, and now they will have to call on his strength. He will have a Pass when he arrives at the big gate, well deserved. God Speed.
milton morgan
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
to dawn dana and mrs sechrest so sorry for your loss ,will never forget the road trips in the rv to heber and asu games,this world has lost a great man,may you rest in peace mr ness
Debbie Haak
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
I served with Ness on Parks and Tourism commission and loved him dearly. I knew nothing about this commission but he helped me understand all I needed to know. He had a heart for Arkansas and for people!!
preston parker
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Mrs. Carolyn,Dawn, Bradley and the entire Sechrest family im so sorry for your loss you are all in my prayers
Joe David Rice
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
As an employee of the Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism, I had the privilege of working with Ness on many occasions. He was always a part of the solution, working hard to improve The Natural State. We will miss him.
Bobby Ward
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Mr Ness was a very good man and a friend to me.
Marci Greenwood
Monday, August 26, 2024
To the Sechrest family I am so sorry to hear about ness’s passing, he will be greatly missed by all. Very kind man
Teresa McCain
Monday, August 26, 2024
Larry and I wish to extend our sincerest condolences to the Sechrest family at the loss of their beloved Ness. He was a fine example of the kind of friend everyone valued and cherished. I’m praying that God will bless you all with the comfort and strength you need during this time.
Stacie Meador
Monday, August 26, 2024
To the entire Sechrest family...Please accept my sincere condolences. Our family absolutely loved Mr Ness. He was a great friend to my grandfather James Meador and to our entire crew. He and my father Jimmy would talk often and we all respected him so much. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.