1945-2025
Donald Wayne Walthall, 79 of Higden died Wednesday February 5, 2025 at his home.
He was born December 28, 1945 at his family home in White Oak, Arkansas. Don was the 11th of 14 children born to Ira and Mamie Walthall, growing up in a close-knit family of seven boys and seven girls. He cherished his upbringing - working on the farm and building strong bonds with his siblings.
During high school, Don took great pride in his football team’s district championship, a memory he carried with him, and in his studies. His journey took a special turn when he met the love of his life, Connie, at the skating rink in Fordyce. This led to a long marriage built on faith, family and devotion.
While working in the lumber industry in Fordyce, Don and Connie welcomed their daughter, Carrie, in 1966. Determined to further his education, he became the first in his family to graduate from college, earning his degree from Southwestern College in Waxahachie, Texas. During this time, they celebrated the birth of their son, Scott.
Don answered the call to ministry, becoming a pastor with the Assemblies of God. His pastoral journey brought him to Pine Bluff, Arkansas, which became home for his family. Alongside his work in ministry, he built a successful career as an engineer in the tool industry.
After a lifetime of hard work and service, Don retired to Greers Ferry Lake, where he and Connie embraced life. He loved spending his days on the lake, making cherished memories with his family. Whether boating, four-wheeling, or simply enjoying the water, he found joy in sharing those moments with his loved ones, especially his grandchildren.
Donald Wayne Walthall will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his love for his family and his fellow man, and his commitment to serving the Lord and others. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the memories he created with those who knew and loved him.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Connie Walthall; son, Brian Walthall; two brothers, Johnny Ray Walthall and Jesse Walthall; five sisters, Helen Mosely, Ruby Mosely, Dorothy Quarles, Gladys Walthall and Thelma Walthall.
He is survived by one son, Scott Walthall and wife Ronda of Little Rock; one daughter, Carrie Walthall of Hot Springs; four grandchildren, Katie Espejo and husband Timothy of North Little Rock, Dawson Walthall of North Little Rock, Hunter Bost of Hot Springs, and Roza Koonce and husband Rusty of Little Rock; four brothers, Pete Walthall of Bearden, Bill Walthall of Fordyce, Bud Walthall of Bearden, and James Walthall of Bearden; two sisters, Barbara Tidwell of Bearden and Melba Hunt of Fordyce; many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 11AM Saturday at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce with Rev. Rusty Ross officiating. Visitation will be an hour prior to the service. Burial will be at White Oak Cemetery near Bearden. Pallbearers will be nephews.
