Earl Franklin Gorman, 96, of Hampton, Arkansas, passed away Thursday, April 16, 2015 at Medical Center of South Arkansas in El Dorado, Arkansas.
The son of Grover and Della Byrd Gorman, he was born Jan. 15, 1919 in Bradley County. He served his country during World War II in the Arkansas Army National Guard. He retired from the Louisiana Army Ammunition Plant in Minden in 1975 after 13 years of service.
After retirement, he spent his time working for Shell Oil Company, tending his small farm, and taking care of Union Grove Cemetery.
He was a member of Union Grove Assembly of God Church where he served as deacon and Sunday school teacher for many years. He was happiest when surrounded by his family and was truly a pillar of support and source of strength for each of them. He lived his life with his ultimate goal always in mind. He has now reached that goal and will be dearly missed.
His parents preceded him in death, as did his wife of 60 years, Vergie Sue Madera Gorman, and a son, Larry Earl Gorman. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Everett, Edward, and Nolan Gorman.
He is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Anita and Billy Pope of Minden and Shelley and Ricky Hargett of El Dorado, Arkansas; grandchildren, Erin Shaffer (Shayne), Whitney Pearson (Blake), Wesley and Aubrey Hargett, all of El Dorado, Arkansas and David Gorman of Haughton; great grandchildren Jansen and Levi Shaffer and Kyle Gorman.
Visitation was Sunday from 6 until 8 p.m. at Benton Funeral Home in Hampton. Funeral services were at 10 a.m., Monday at Union Grove Assembly of God Church with the Rev. Ricky Smith and the Rev. Beauford Rash officiating. Burial was in Union Grove Cemetery under the direction of Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce/Hampton. Memorials may be made to Union Grove Cemetery Fund 5965 Calhoun 94 Hampton, Arkansas 71744 or First Bank (Union Grove Cemetery Fund) PO Box 8 Hampton, Arkansas 71744. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.