Charles Newton Rector 94 of Dumas, AR passed away December 9,2022 in Dumas, AR with his family by his side. He was born July 2,1928 in Melbourne, AR to the late Dr. Claudius Ezra and Minnie Josephine Newton Rector. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers Claudius Rector and Robert Lee Rector and two sisters Faye Canada and Mildred Bell.
Mr. Charles graduated from England High School in 1946 then graduated from College of the Ozarks Pharmacy School in 1950. He then decided to join the United States Army and served in Korea as medic in 223rd Infantry division from 1951-1953. After his military service he found the love of his life Onnie Smith and they got married on September 18, 1957 and were married for 65 years. He opened his first pharmacy business in Bastrop, Louisiana, Rector’s Pharmacy. He decided to move his family to Dumas, AR in 1967 and became co-owner of Meador Pharmacy with his nephew Bill Canada until he decided to retire in 1997. But he decided he wanted to continue his pharmacy career part time and worked at Delta Memorial Hospital and Wal Mart Pharmacy.
Mr. Charles was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Dumas where he served on many committees and on the administrative board in 2005. He was most proud of being president of the Men’s Sunday School Class in 1996 and proud of being considered as a heavy hitter along with Fred Williams and Raymond Riggins. He was a great competitor in everything he did, he helped establish the Dumas Trap Club with Andrew Pickens and was champion of many trap shoot competitions, including Louisiana State Champion. He was an avid duck hunter, lifelong tennis player with many titles, member of the American Legion and Dumas Lions Club. He was always teaching his children and grandchildren to love these sports.
Survivors are his loving wife Onnie Smith Rector, two daughters Cheryl Stimson (Bob) of Dumas, Becky Harrington (Jack) of Jonesboro, two sons Greg Rector (Arlynn) of Fayetteville and Claude Rector (Cindy) of Jonesboro, nine grandchildren: Charles Robert Stimson (Lyndsey), John Harrington (Holly), David Rector (Danielle), Jacob Rector, Rebecca Britt (Logan), Hannah Van Horn (Austin), Katie Babb (Will), Claudia Rector, and Aiden Rector and five great grands.
Visitation will be Sunday, December 11,2022 from 1:30-2:30pm with service following 2:30pm both at First United Methodist Church, Dumas, AR with Dr. Tandy Hanson and Rev. Buddy Ratliff officiating with burial at Walnut Lake Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Broyles Foundation for Alzheimer’s, 3810 N. Front St., Suite 3, Fayetteville, AR 72703 or First United Methodist Church, 230 Court St., Dumas, AR 71639. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Home, Dumas, AR please sign online guestbook www.griffinfh.com
