Wendell McPeak

Wendell Edward McPeak was born on August 15, 1960, in Piney Ridge, Arkansas to the union of Willie E. McPeak and Aletha Phifer McPeak. Growing up in the Piney Ridge Community outside of the city limits of Gurdon, Arkansas was the perfect haven for Wendell to grow and explore life in a loving and nourishing country environment where most everyone was related and all supported each other.

His spiritual journey began at an early age at Piney Ridge AME Church (also known as Philadelphia AME Church). He was not only the youngest of four children in his family, but he was also the youngest among his cousins growing up in the community, during the 60’s and 70’s. Being the youngest did not stop him from playing stick ball, kickball, football, or jumping on his bike, joining his siblings and cousins as they raced and explored the community riding up and down what was called “the low road” on Hwy 53.

When he wasn’t out and about, you could find him and his cousins watching Gunsmoke, The Westerns, Andy Griffin, Perry Mason, Lassie and other popular shows. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and skilled gardener.

Wendell was a 1978 graduate of Gurdon High School, and fresh out of high school he enlisted tin the United States Army where he excelled in all his endeavors and received many awards, medals and commendations. For 16 years he served as a Cavalry Scout – being responsible for reconnaissance and security – they gather battlefield information, observe enemy movement, and protect larger units. He served for 11 years as an Armor Crewman who served as part of a tank crew, typically on an M1 Abrams tank.

He was an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. After returning home to Gurdon, his greatest joy was spending time with his son, Tony, and his nephew, Torrey over whom he had guardianship. He was an avid sportsman, an outdoorsman in every sense of the word. The woods of Curtis, Arkansas were not just a place he visited; they were where he came alive. Hunting was his heartbeat. Whether he carried a rifle, or a fishing pole, he moved through God’s creation with reverence, skill, and gratitude. He understood the land, respected nature, and found peace in the stillness of the forest. He was a member of DVC, Po’ Boys, Kansas and Big Buck Down Hunting Clubs. Those who knew him understood: the outdoors wasn’t a hobby for Wendell—it was his life’s rhythm.

Wendell was a hard-working man. He was employed with International Paper, now Georgia-Pacific, and later worked at the power plant in Fulton, Arkansas. Wendell was a dedicated usher at Kingdom Authority Christian Ministries of Gurdon, Arkansas, where he faithfully served.

In 2006, Wendell met Christy McPeak, and the two were united in marriage in 2010. Through this union, he gained two more children, completing his family. They remained married for 15 years until the Lord called him home on January 3, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Bertha McPeak; and his brother, Melvin McPeak; his stepson; his sister, Trevino; his nephew, Kedranus Norvel and his stepson, Josten Trevino.

He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Christy McPeak of Gurdon, AR, along with his children, Dominic Anthony “Tony” McPeak of Dallas, TX, Torey (Alecia) Dixon of Gurdon, Kristen Biddle of Texarkana, TX, and Brandon (Tiffany) Berry of Little Rock, AR; two grandchildren, Brooklyn and Trent Berry; his mother-in-law, Joann Henry of Buckner, AR; one sister, Maxine (Randolph) Johnson of Houston, TX, two sisters-in-law, Jacqueline McPeak of Gurdon, AR, and Regina Purifoy of Arlington, TX and a brother-in-law, Thomas (Rhonda) Henry, Jr., of Riverside, CA. He also leaves nieces and nephews, Katina Williams, Lamonte Johnson, Natasha McPeak, Kelvin McPeak, his church family and friends.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January the 14, 2026 from 12 noon until 7:00 PM with the family receiving friends and for a family hour from 6:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.

Services will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, January the 15, 2026 at Kingdom Authority Christian Ministries in Gurdon, Arkansas at 10:00 AM the burial is scheduled for 1:00 PM at the Arkansas Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock with Military Honors. Rev. Quintin C. Radford will officiate.

Active pallbearers will be Terzee Williams, Lavon Laster, Rob Green, Randy Bell, Earnest Brigance, Gary Anderson, and Dwayne McClain. Honorary pallbearers will be Torey Dixon, Anthony McPeak, Kelvin McPeak, Merlin McPeak, Brandon Berry, LaMonte Johnson, Randolph Johnson, Terry Williams, Mike Crow, Shamus Dickens and Thomas Henry, Jr.