R.L. Beel

R.L. Beel, 80 of Pleasant Plains, passed from this life to his eternal life on October 15, 2015. He died peacefully at his home with his wife of 54 years by his side. Born on Hutchinson Mountain, a cold morning December 7, 1934, he was the first born to Joe and Rilla Johnston Beel. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1956 and served as a loadmaster aboard the Military Air Transport Aircraft VR-7 and VR-8. On May 5, 1961, he married the love of his life, Jane Lamb. They owned and operated R.L. Beel Trucking for over twenty years, raised hogs and chickens. After retirement, he and his wife raised cattle at the Circle B Ranch on Hutchinson Mountain. They enjoyed spending time together doing what they loved. He was a Christian and a faithful member of Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. He loved his church families, especially the choir and enjoyed singing specials. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Cornerstone Lodge 511, Pleasant Plains Eastern Star 610, Lifetime charter member of Pleasant Plains VFW and Cattleman’s Association. He is survived by his wife, a daughter Cathy Crymes (husband, Kenny) of Jacksonville, AR., a son, Robert “Bub” Beel (wife, Sherry) of Pleasant Plains. Eight grandchildren, Jonathon Crymes (Melissa), Andrew Martin (Kayla), Robert M. Beel, Brandon Beel, Matt Martin (Danae), Andrew Crymes (Kathryn), Meagan Fennell (Shannon) and Sara Crymes. Ten great grandchildren, Austin Fletcher, Emmy Crymes, Lee Beel, Reeci’ Tarrants, Tylen Tarrants, Bentley Crymes, Sawyer Fennell, Tessie Klein, Raelynn Martin and Maeve Juliette Crymes. A Sister, Betty Wheeler (husband, Jeary) of Batesville, two step-brothers, Carroll Cunningham (wife, Pat) of Lonoke and Carl Cunningham and wife Mignon of Chester, several nieces and nephews along with many friends and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents, a step father (Alvin Cunningham), a sister, Rosemary Beel, three brothers, Billy Joe Beel, Russ Beel and Ray Dean Beel , a niece, Susan Brewer, three nephews, Martin Murphy, Bill Beel and Matt Beel. Funeral services will be Sunday, October 18, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church in Pleasant Plains with Bro. Reggie Walling and Bro. Charles Lamb officiating. Burial will follow in the Cedar Grove Cemetery located at Floral with arrangements by Qualls Batesville Funeral Service of Batesville. Visitation will be Saturday, October 17, 2015 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the church. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Jonathon Crymes, Andrew Martin, Robert M. Beel, Brandon Beel, Matt Martin and Andrew Crymes. Honorary pallbearers are Dean Nicholson, Larry Hoofman and Phillip Griffin.