Alfred James Couch, Jr., of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Friday, June 14, 2024, at the age of 90. He was born January 29, 1934, the son of Alfred, Sr. and Mamie Sisco Couch.
Mr. Alfred was a 1954 graduate of Newport High School. He married Miss Peggy Johnson on September 17, 1958. Together they shared 41 years, raised their family and were a beloved part of the community.
Following high school, Mr. Alfred attended and graduated from Harding College in 1959, with a business degree. During his working years, he worked several summers to earn his certification in banking from SMU in 1968.
Following college, Mr. Alfred returned to Newport and joined First National Bank where he served the community for 35 years. He was an active member of the community as a whole, serving as a devoted member and Treasurer of the Rotary Club for many years. He volunteered his time at the concession stand at Greyhound Field.
Mr. Alfred was a devoted member of Holden Avenue Church of Christ, where he served many years as deacon and church treasurer. He always served in quiet unassuming ways with a spirit of kindness.
Mr. Alfred was a member of the Army National Guard and served at Central High School in Little Rock during the Integration of 1957.
Mr. Couch was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Peggy Johnson Couch; one sister, June Couch; his brother, Ollie Andrews, Jr.; his parents; and a special friend, Bobbie Pulliam.
He is survived by his son, David Couch, of Little Rock; his daughter, Joy Abell and husband, Wade, of Mountain View; one sister, Virginia Fortson; a sister-in-law, Cherry Johnson; four grandchildren, Jed Abell and wife, Stephanie, Isaac Abell and wife, Nicole, Justin Couch, and Claire Couch; seven great-grandchildren, Weston Abell, Walker Abell, Wyatt Abell, Oscar Abell, Helen Abell, Nicholas Brown, and Bella Brown; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends and family may pay their respects at the Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, beginning at 1:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home chapel with Mr. Ryan Wilson officiating. Interment will follow at the Walnut Grove Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Brian Prince, Shane Prince, Dudley Dawson, Freddy Gates, David Chronister, and Mike Poppleton. The honorary pallbearer is John Chronister.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
