Wendell Neal Eubanks

Wendell Neal Eubanks, born December 12, 1935, passed from this life on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, at the age of 81 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gus and Pauline Eubanks, and by his wife of 45 years, Jennie Sue Rigney Eubanks.

Except for a short time, Wendell spent the entirety of his life in Greene County, Arkansas. He believed strongly in the value of giving local organizations his support. Wendell was a member of the Paragould Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Lion’s Club, Greene County Wildlife Club, and a founding member of the Greene County Museum. He also served on the board of Crowley’s Ridge College for over 30 years. With his son, Kevin, Wendell owned and operated Eubanks Oil Company for many years.

All his life Wendell had a love for singing and music. He was always willing to lead singing for churches and area gospel meetings. An original member of the Country Music Makers, Wendell was also honored to be inducted into the Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame. Rarely receiving any payment, his love for music bonded him to other musicians, young and old alike.
As an avid outdoorsman, Wendell spent many hours hunting and fishing in Northeast Arkansas. Throughout the years, he enjoyed sharing that love with a number of fellow sportsmen, inviting them to join him at his cabin on Black River or in his boat on an area lake.

Wendell is survived by four children, Karan (David) Summitt, Kevin (Laurie) Eubanks, and Amy (Chris) Glenn, all of Paragould and Sarah (Kevin) Wilhoit of Searcy, Arkansas. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren, Joe Summitt, Matt Summitt, Tiffany Nolen, Juli Waits, Emily Sisco, Nathan Summitt, Kelsey Eubanks, Peyton Wilhoit, Preston Glenn and Paige Glenn, and five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, Dan (JoAnn) Eubanks of Selmer, Tennessee and Phil (B.J.) Eubanks of Houston, Texas, and many other beloved family members and friends. For the last year of his life at Belle Meade Nursing facility, Wendell enjoyed the companionship of Martha Martin, a friend from school days.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Crowley’s Ridge College or the Costa Rica Mission Fund in care of 7th & Mueller Church of Christ.

Visitation is Friday evening from 5-8 at Heath Funeral Home. The funeral is Saturday at 10 AM at 7th & Mueller Church of Christ with Larry McFadden and Danny Eubanks officiating. Burial will be in Greene County Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers are Joe, Matt, and Nathan Summitt, Peyton Wilhoit, Preston Glenn, Beau Sisco, Jason Nolen, and Cody Waits. Honorary pallbearers are Harold Hurt, Charles Noel, Bob Campbell, Chuck Conley, Randy Aden, Steve Goins, and Larry Price. Online tributes: www.heathfuneralhome.com