Floyd Gray “Buddy” Manning, age 82, passed away on December 26, 2022, at Baptist Medical Center NLR. He was the son of the late Hershel and Margie Manning. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Beverly Callaway Manning; one brother, WH “Dub” Manning; and one sister, Charolette Allison. He served his country in the Army National Guard in the 1950s. Buddy retired after a 30-plus year career as co-owner of C&M Pole Contractors, with his partner and brother-in-law, Wallis Callaway. He was a member of the Arkadelphia School Board for 10 years and served as president. Buddy served for many years as a Trustee for Davidson Campground.

He also served two terms as Clark County Judge and then ultimately retired again after serving as Arkadelphia Fire Chief. Known as “Papa” by his three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren and a host of “extra” family and friends, he rarely missed a sporting event or activity they were involved in, attending dozens of baseball, basketball, football, soccer, softball, and volleyball games, as well as gymnastics meets and pageants. He had his own spot at Arkadelphia Badger Football games. He was a member of Third Street Baptist Church, where he was a deacon for many years.

Buddy is survived by his daughters, Karen Arnold (Ricky) and Jill Batson (Blake); three grandchildren: Clint Arnold (Kim), Cabb Batson, and Blaise Batson; and five great-grandchildren: Chloe, Kade, Casen, Charli Rose and Karter Arnold; one sister, Shirley McMillan (Ronnie); brother-in-law Wade Allison; sister-in-law Zenell Manning; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Wallis and Mae Jean Callaway, and many special nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, December 30, at Third Street Baptist Church with Bro Greg Lathem and Bro Charlie Williams officiating. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday at the church. Interment will be in Richwoods Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Wade Allison, Ronnie McMillan, Marvin Smith, Jack Faulkner, Dub Fendley and Tommy McMillan. Honorary pallbearers are the members of the Tractors of the past club.

Memorials can be made to Davidson Campground c/o Mark McCauley, 102 Fawn Ridge Lane, Hot Springs, AR 71913 or Richwoods Cemetery Fund c/o Nicky Todd, 170 Mt Zion Rd, Arkadelphia, AR 71923.

Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guestbook.