Stephen Clark Runnels

Stephen Clark Runnels, 58, of Forrest City, died Saturday, November 30, 2013 at the River Ridge Nursing Center. He had lived in Forrest City for 15 years, moving there from Jonesboro. Steve was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints. He was also a member of the Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) fraternity, an Eagle scout, a master mason, 32D Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner. Steve graduated from Jonesboro High School in 1974 and Arkansas State University in 1977. He was preceded in death by his father, M. C. Runnels.

Survivors include his wife of 15 years, Dorothy Runnels of the home; Sons, Ben Runnels (Kimberly) of Bono; Nick Runnels, Roy Walls (Sheri) all from Jonesboro; Jason Walls (Jodie) of West Memphis; daughters, Bonnie Runnels of Jonesboro and Janie Walls of Forrest City; mother, Betty Runnels of Jonesboro; sisters, Carol Runnels Welch of Counce, Tennessee and Sandy Runnels Puryear of Jonesboro; and five grandchildren.

Funeral services will be 10:00 Tuesday morning, December 3, 2013 at Emerson Memorial Chapel with President Bruce Johnson presiding and President Luther Simpson conducting and Eulogist, Milton Wayne Harbison and Emerson Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. A 2:30 committal service will follow Tuesday afternoon at Center Grove Cemetery near Cord with Ben Runnels, Nick Runnels, Roy Walls, Jason Walls, Jerry Welch, Bobby Puryear, Jacob Rosas and Garrett Combs serving as pallbearers. Visitation will be from 5-7 Monday night at Emersons. Masonic rites will be done by the Jonesboro Lodge #129.

For lasting memorials, please consider the Arkansas Children’s Hospital, 1 Children’s Way, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202. To sign a registry, go to emersonfuneralhome.com.