Oscar Eckford Jr.

Oscar Eckford Jr., 90, of Little Rock died Sunday on October 24, 2010. He was preceded in death by his son; Melbert Don Eckford. He was a longtime member of Bethel A.M.E. Church. Oscar developed a habit of dual employment while rearing six children. He hauled children, furniture, cast-off in his huck and he worked as the hired man among three different households. He worked at night for the railroad despite intimidation by gun toting men. Yet he continued to take Elizabeth to Centerl High School in 1957-58. In 1962 his son Bolden desegregated Technical High School. Anna recalled that her parents were active PTA members, her father liked to serve as a volunteer teacher. After railroad passenger service was discontinued in 1963 Oscar trained under Andrew Jefferies and sold real estate. After becoming a broker he worked for the postal service for 19 years. When he retired he kept his business open until he turned 72 years old. He is survive by his wife of 28 years; Wilmetta Eckford, one sister; Catherine and children; Anna Goyens, Elizabeth, Oscar III, Bolden and Catherine Eckford; step-children, Shelia Sims of Chicago, Ill., Janet (Edward) Harris of Garland, Texas, Hilary (Mary) Guest of Beaumont, Texas and Francell Guest of College Park, Ga. as well as a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Family hour will be October 29, 2010 from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 600 N. Cedar St., North Littte Rock, Ark. on October 30, 2010 at 11 a.m. Services entrusted to Premier Funeral Home, 1518 S. Battery St., Little Rock, Ark. 72202. "Only Heaven Can Serve You Better."