Larry Allen Engles, 81, of Magness, AR, died on Sunday, October 29, 2023. Larry was born on August 12, 1942, in Salado, AR, to the late Allen Ray Engles and Dora Etta Manuel. Larry was of the Christian faith and was one of the charter members of Newark Southern Baptist Church. Larry served his country honorably in the United States Army over the course of 30-plus years. He was a true patriot, and his illustrious military career took him across several states and continents. He was most proud to be a part of the United States Army National Guard, Company B/2nd Battalion-153rd Infantry in Batesville, serving as a “Readiness NCO”, until finally earning his retirement from the United States military. Larry was a proud soldier, but nothing meant more to him than his family. Larry was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend and he loved nothing more than spending time with his beloved granddaughters. He enjoyed being outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, and he never met a stranger. He was a good, hard-working man, who believed in duty, selfless service, and honor. Larry lived out his faith by the way he loved God, his country, and his family. He will be dearly missed and forever loved by those who were blessed to know him.
Larry is preceded in death by both of his parents, His father, Allen Ray Engles (Sgt Allen Ray Engles, was killed in action in World War II in Germany, and was buried in Holland), and his mother, Dora Etta (Manuel) Engles Taylor Franks; his stepfather, Eli Taylor; his grandparents, Charlie and Dona Engles and Willie and Callie Manuel; and his brother-in-law Chuck Norris.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Coralee (Davenport) Norris Engles, of the home; his daughter, Kelli Blackman (Darren) of Newark, AR; his two sisters, Vanita Cartwright (Roy) of Southside, AR and Gay Bowling (Jim) of Conway, AR; his two granddaughters, Sydney Claire Blackman and Shelby Camille Blackman, both of Newark, AR; his nephews, Mark Cartwright, Aaron Cartwright, and Craig Bowling; his niece, Callie Bowling; 3 great nieces; one great nephew; and many extended family members and friends.
Arrangements are entrusted to Willis Funeral Service of Batesville, AR. Calvary Baptist Church in Batesville will host the services on Thursday, November 2, 2023. Visitation will be from 12-2 PM with the funeral service, officiated by Rev Chris Perry, beginning at 2 PM. The family would like to recognize the following persons as honorary pallbearers: Darren Blackman, Roy Cartwright, Jim Bowling, David Lasley, Ron Hudson, Dennis Powell, Steve Hampton, Chico Snyder, Tony Avant, John Scarborough, Dwayne Lawrence, Jerry Jeffrey, Jerry Henderson, Wayne Bunch, Carter Barber, Bob Rudisill, and Lavon Baxter. The family also wishes to express appreciation to the staff of Batesville Oncology, Dr David Yarnell, Kerstie Metzger and the staff of Newark Medical Clinic, Caring Hands Hospice and Bryant Pharmacy, Matt Swaim, Holly Green, Cindy McClurg, Alexus Hoover, Tonya Brannon, Joyce Williams, and a special thanks to Kristin Dunivan.
