John L. Solomon Jr.

John L. Solomon Jr., 88, of El Dorado, passed away October 24, 2011, at the John R. Williamson Hospice House. He was born on August 9, 1923, in Sheffield, Alabama. He is survived by his loving "bride," as he always called his wife of 60 years, Sara Edith Humphrey Solomon; his children, Dr. John Alan Solomon and his wife Mary Margaret of Texarkana, Ark., and Joyce Blair Solomon Olivier and her husband Steve, El Dorado. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren, Capt. Matthew Solomon and his wife Valerie, Patrick Solomon, Mary Helen Solomon, Sara Beth Solomon, Anna Blair Solomon, and Jennifer Olivier; along with four great-grandchildren, Samuel Solomon, Bennett Solomon, James Solomon, and Hawkins Solomon, who all referred to him as their beloved "Boo Pop." He is preceded in death by his parents, John Luther Solomon, Sr. and Maud Wilson Solomon; five sisters; one brother; and a grandson, Anthony Joseph Olivier. John retired as Vice President of marketing for Murphy Oil Corporation in 1985 after 32 years of service. He graduated from Auburn University in 1949 with a B.S. degree in Industrial Management. He served as a Combat Engineer in World War II with the United States Army. He was also a private pilot in his spare time. He was a dedicated member of his community serving as the Chairman of the Board of Governors of Union Medical Center for seven years and continued to serve on the board following the merger of what is now the Medical Center of South Arkansas. He was also the founding president of the South Arkansas Radiation Therapy Institute, Elder of First Presbyterian Church, Trustee at Warren Wilson College in Ashville, N.C., and served on several other Boards including the Board of Regions Bank, formerly Exchange Bank and Trust Company, the Board of Directors of El Dorado Golf and Country Club, Community Hospice Advisory Board, and El Dorado Chamber of Commerce. He loved playing golf, bird-watching, listening to classical music, watching Auburn football, and wood working. John had a full life and was surrounded by the love of his family and friends. He will deeply missed by many. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, October 27, 2011, at Young's. Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 28, 2011, at the First Presbyterian Church with Father Charles Chapman and Dr. Dan Loomis officiating. Burial will follow at Arlington Memorial Park under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors. Memorials may be made to the John R. Williamson Hospice House, 2301 Champagnolle Rd., El Dorado, Ark. 71730, First Presbyterian Church, 300 E. Main St., El Dorado, Ark. 71730, or Anthony Joseph Olivier Science Scholarship, c/o UCCF, P.O. Box 148, El Dorado, Ark. 71730. An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.