Rory Small

Rory Chance Small, 63, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on May 15, 2024, in Paragould. Born on March 15, 1961, in Corning, Rory attended Knobel High School where he was a standout athlete before furthering his education and obtaining an Associate's degree from New Mexico Junior College. Throughout his career, Rory worked in various fields, including river boats, oil rigs, and eventually as a diesel mechanic and shop foreman for Mack Trucks.

He was a man of many talents and interests. Rory loved to ride motorcycles, and he journeyed numerous times with Bikers Against Child Abuse. Rory was an artist who was gifted with painting and drawing. He played guitar, banjo, and drums, and he was teaching himself to play the piano. Rory was an avid gardener, and he loved tending to his plants and flowers. He was also known for his love of animals, maintaining a beekeeping hobby and raising goats, chickens, and ducks, particularly for his grandson, Pierce, to have the duck eggs. Rory's altruistic nature was evident in his willingness to help others, no matter the circumstance. He had a genuine love for people and making friends. He once gave his boots to a man in Taco Bell because "he is working hard for a living and needed them more than me". Rory then went home in just his socks. His generous spirit always shone brightly. This spirit continued after his passing as he donated vital organs so others may live. Rory was truly a selfless person.

Rory married his high school sweetheart, Dana, on January 3, 2018. They became inseparable and loved every adventure they took together.

Rory is survived by his loving wife, Dana Small; sons, Devin (Chloe) Clemmer of Paragould and Hunter (Bryson) Faulkner-Jones of Little Rock; daughters, Jen (Ray) Moore-Maple of Ravenden, Cammia Small of Corning, and Jordan (Landon) Lamb of Paragould; granddaughters, Jamie (William) Koch of Ravenden and Zekyra and Zekala Cole of Corning; grandsons, Jim (Ray) Allred of Ravenden and Pierce and Brooksie Lamb of Paragould; sister, Teresa Martin of Corning; and a myriad of friends who he considered family.

Rory was preceded in death by his father, Bert Oliver; mother and step-father, Christine and Charlie Small; brother, Ronnie Small; and grandson, Zack Moore.

A visitation will be from 2:30-4 PM on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Heath Funeral Home. A funeral service honoring Rory's life will begin at 4 PM. The service will conclude with a memorial bike ride leaving the funeral home. Honorary Pallbearers are Robbie Crossfield, Jimmy Rouse, Ralph Bishop, Frankie Haller, Shane Moenck, Joe Moore, Darren Parks, and Shayne Turner. Memorials may be made to LeBonheur's Children's Hospital or Every Child Plays.

Rory will be dearly missed by all who knew him, but his spirit and legacy of compassion and generosity will forever remain in the hearts of those he touched.