Obituaries

Dusky M. Land

Dusky M. Land, age 66, of Benton, went home to his heavenly father on this past Wednesday, after a long progressive illness, following a stroke and cancer. He was saved, had made peace with the Lord, and was eager to be united once more with his wife, Mary Pate Land; his parents, W.O. and Lenore, and his beloved brother, Drayton. Dusky was a free spirit and an adventurous soul, who would see a star and set out for it; he was never content to let the dust settle beneath his feet. Even so, he had a fierce work ethic, instilled by his dad, that a man live by the creed that hard work is rewarded by honest pay. Born in Sheridan on January 16, 1947, Dusky was the youngest of four sons born to W.O. and Lenore Land. As a 1967 graduate of Benton High School, he set out to make his way in life, and found a career as a railroad man. His first job was with Rock Island Railroad in Little Rock which ignited a passion that would span more than three decades. When Rock Island folded, Dusky found work with Rail Switching Services and worked his way up to supervisor of transportation. He loved and took great pride in his career as a railroad man, and never regretted a moment spent on a train. His work took him throughout Arkansas, Texas, Alabama, Florida, and parts in between, allowing him to make many lasting friendships. When "Duck" wasn't working on the rails, you would find him outdoors, hunting, fishing, or just reading a good western book on the porch with his beloved dog, Tito. This adventurous, hardworking, humorous man will forever be missed by the loving family he leaves behind: his three children, Kevin (Jonell); Mandi (Mike) Mitchell; and Lance (Jayme). Also four grandchildren, Bailey, Ben, Madison, and Brad Mitchell, all of Benton. His two surviving brothers are Adrein (Gara) of Benton, and Larry (Linda) of Crossett, and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and special loved ones in Alabama. ("Roll Tide!" as Duck would say). The family would like to invite friends to a celebration of Dusky's life, receiving visitors on Sunday, August 18th from 2-4 p.m. at Ashby's Funeral Home in Benton. Graveside services will be Monday at 10 a.m. at Hunnicutt Cemetary at 3798 Moss Road in Benton with Rev. Jerry Whitley officiating. Pallbearers are Greg Land, Drayton Land, Don Mitchell, Billy C. Hollinger, Jerry George and Odis Barker. The family would like to express our thanks to the wonderful care we received at Saline Hospice in Bryant. Special family comment: This is not goodbye, but see you soon...embrace your life every second is precious... make them all count. Remember, it is better to be hated for who you are, than to be loved for what you are not. Online guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.

Published August 17, 2013

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